What we do · 03
Severance review
Before you sign, know what you're agreeing to.
A number, a deadline, and twelve pages you didn't write.
A severance offer usually arrives at the same moment you've lost your job, which is the worst moment to read a legal document carefully. It may look generous. It may look insulting. Either way, it almost always asks you to give something up in return, and the deadline makes it feel like there's no time to ask.
What a severance agreement usually asks of you.
- A release. You agree not to bring claims against the employer. This is the main thing they're paying for.
- Non-compete and non-solicitation terms. Limits on where you can work next, or who you can contact.
- Confidentiality and non-disparagement. What you can say about the job, the company, and the agreement itself.
- Repayment and clawback terms. When you might have to give money back.
- Benefits and timing. When payments arrive, what happens to health coverage, equity, and unused time off.
If you're 40 or older: for a release of age-discrimination claims to hold, federal law generally requires that you get at least 21 days to consider the agreement (45 in a group layoff) and 7 days after signing to change your mind. If your agreement gives you less, tell us.
What we do about it.
- We read every line. Then we explain, in plain terms, what you're giving up and what you're getting.
- We look at what happened before the offer. Whether you may have a claim changes what the release is worth.
- We tell you whether to ask for more, and what to ask for. Sometimes that's money. Sometimes it's a shorter non-compete, a neutral reference, or a change in how the departure is described.
- We negotiate, if you want us to. With your approval, in writing, through us.
- Sometimes the answer is “sign it.” If the agreement is fair for your situation, we'll say so.
When to call us.
- As soon as you have the agreement, and before you sign it.
- If the deadline is days away, call rather than using the form, and say so at the start of the call.
- If you've already signed and are inside a window to change your mind.
Send us: the agreement itself, your offer letter or employment contract, and any equity or bonus documents.