What Should You Consider Before Signing an Employment Agreement?

Employment Agreement

A new employment opportunity can be exciting. But while these opportunities can bring career growth and financial rewards, they could come with certain risks too. So, before you sign an employment agreement, you should know what you are agreeing to and what it could mean for your future.

At the Vaughn Law Firm, our employment lawyers have extensive experience in representing employees and helping them understand their rights. Whether you need someone to answer your questions about an employment agreement or stand up for you in a dispute, our team is ready to help.

If you need help with an employment agreement, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact a Georgia employment lawyer at the Vaughn Law Firm today.

Employment Agreements

Employers use employment agreements to spell out the terms of employment. These can cover everything from your pay and how long you may be employed to whether you can work for competitors in the future. And although employment agreements can add certainty and clarity to your employment, they can come with many clauses that could come back to haunt you in the future.

Considerations Before Signing an Agreement

When you’re considering a new opportunity, it’s important to understand the agreement’s language and how each clause could affect your future. So, what clauses should you watch out for in employment agreements? Important clauses to consider include:

  • Non-compete clauses. Many companies like to include non-compete clauses that can inhibit your ability to work in the industry now and in the future. Sometimes these are enforceable by courts, and other times they may be over-broad. Make sure that you know what limits you may face and what laws apply if you sign an agreement with a non-compete clause.
  • Arbitration policies. In many employment agreements, employers insist that any disputes happen through arbitration. Unfortunately, that could mean you lose the right to bring an action in court if there’s a dispute.
  • An employment agreement may spell out your base pay and other payment forms such as commissions and bonuses. Ensure that the language of the agreement is clear, especially if your pay is built on any complex formulas or numbers such as sales figures.
  • Length of employment. Under an employment agreement you may agree to work for a company indefinitely, but what happens if it’s sold or merged into another entity? What happens to your job then? This is an important question to consider before signing anything.

If an employer asks you to sign an employment agreement, get copies of the documents and take the time to understand what it means. Depending on the language, it may also be important to know how state law could affect the agreement and whether any of the clauses may be unenforceable. If you have questions, speak with an attorney before signing anything.

How an Attorney Could Help

As an employee, you have rights and you have options when it comes to workplace agreements. And while the process of reviewing and negotiating an agreement can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. An attorney could help by:

  • Reviewing the agreement and answering your questions
  • Letting you know your options
  • Listening to you and your needs
  • Explaining whether certain clauses are unenforceable under state law
  • Negotiating for terms that work for you
  • Standing up for you if there’s a dispute under the terms of the agreement

If you’ve been presented with an employment agreement or need help with another employment matter, contact the Georgia employment lawyers of Vaughn Law Group now. You don’t have to accept the terms of an employment agreement just because it’s handed to you. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand your rights, explain your options, and help you reach an agreement that works for you.

For your free consultation, get in touch with us now.