Employment Contracts
There are many different types of contracts that arise in employment relationships. Sometimes when you start a new job, your employer may ask you to sign an employment contract. Usually the contract will set forth your compensation, benefits, and duties. It may also include confidentiality or non-compete provisions. Confidentiality provisions are usually designed to protect what are called trade secrets. They may also provide that anything you design or develop while working for your employer belongs to that employer. A non-compete provision is a little different. It prevents you from competing with your employer after you leave it. In order to be valid, the provision must be limited in time, scope, and geographic area.
Separation Agreements
Employment relationships end for a number of reasons. Sometimes everyone parts on good terms; other times, the relationship looks more like a nasty divorce. Often when an employee is terminated or laid off, he or she will be asked to sign a separation agreement in exchange for severance pay. Separation agreements usually require the employee to waive any potential claims he or she may have against the employer in exchange for severance pay. Often they will also include confidentiality or non-compete provisions. There may also be provisions such as “non-disparagement” clauses that are designed to prevent you from bad-mouthing a prior employer. Ultimately the agreements usually require an employee to give up some right in exchange for severance pay.
Why hire an attorney?
If you are faced with the loss of your job or are just starting a new job, you may wonder if it is worth it to hire an attorney to review an employment contract. The answer is yes! If you are beginning a new job, it is important to have an attorney review your employment contract to determine if it will adequately protect your options if you choose to leave the employer in the future. You do not want to be in a position where you sign a contract, are unhappy, find the perfect fit in a new job, but can’t start working there for six months because you agreed to a non-compete provision. Similarly, if you are signing a severance or separation agreement, it is a good idea to have an attorney review it first. The attorney can help you evaluate whether you have other potential claims against your employer that may make signing a separation agreement unwise. The attorneys at Twin Cities Law Firm would be happy to evaluate your employment contract. Contact us today to find out your options.
Whistleblower Statutes
Whistle-blower statutes, also known as anti-retaliation statutes, provide protection for people who report wrongdoing or file lawful claims. There are several different kinds of statutes. One well-known example is that of worker’s compensation. An employee cannot be terminated for filing a legitimate worker’s compensation claim. Similarly an employee cannot have her employment terminated for reporting illegal activity to a government authority. The purpose of such laws is to encourage people to do the right thing without fear of retaliation from employers.
Many of the whistleblower statutes also provide a remedy for employees. If they believe an employer has taken some adverse action because the employee filed a claim or reported wrongdoing, the employee may be able to take legal action to remedy the situation. If you think you have suffered some adverse employment decision or been terminated because of whistleblower activities, consider contacting a lawyer. You can retain the attorneys at Twin Cities Law Firm to investigate a potential claim for you.
