Losing a job is never easy. Whether you were laid off, terminated, or asked to resign, one of the first documents your employer might place in front of you is a severance agreement. On the surface, it may be free money or benefits in exchange for signing your name. But here’s the truth: severance agreements are written to protect your employer, not you.
If you’re considering signing one, it’s important to pause and ask yourself: Is this agreement fair? Am I giving up valuable rights without realizing it? This is where working with a severance agreement negotiation lawyer in California can make all the difference.
At Bibiyan Law Group, we fight for California employees just like you. With over $400 million recovered for workers across the state, including a $5,500,000 recovery in a class action for unpaid wages against a government services contractor, our mission is to protect your rights and make sure your employer treats you with fairness and respect.
What Is a Severance Agreement?
A severance agreement is a legal contract between you and your employer. Typically, it offers a payout, continued benefits, or other compensation in exchange for your signature. But here’s the catch: by signing, you may also be waiving important rights, such as the ability to sue your employer for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
In California, employers are not required by law to offer severance. When they do, it’s often designed to limit their liability and reduce the risk of future lawsuits. That’s why every severance package should be carefully reviewed before you sign.
Why You Shouldn’t Sign Without Legal Advice
When you’re handed a severance agreement, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Your employer may tell you it’s a “standard” document or that you need to sign quickly. However, remember that the terms of this agreement could impact your financial security and legal rights for years to come.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consult a severance agreement negotiation lawyer in California before signing:
- Waiving legal claims: You may be giving up the right to file a lawsuit for wrongful termination, unpaid wages, harassment, or retaliation.
- Restrictive clauses: Agreements often include non-compete or non-disparagement clauses that can limit your future employment opportunities or prevent you from speaking out.
- Insufficient compensation: Many severance offers are far below what an employee is entitled to, especially if you’ve been with the company for years or were terminated under questionable circumstances.
- Complex legal language: Employers typically design these contracts in consultation with their lawyers. You deserve the same level of legal protection on your side.
How a Lawyer Can Help Negotiate a Better Severance Package
Hiring a lawyer doesn’t just protect your rights; it can often lead to a significantly better outcome. At Bibiyan Law Group, our attorneys take a close look at every detail of your agreement and negotiate directly with your employer to maximize what you receive.
Here’s how we can help:
- Review and explain the terms in clear, simple language so you know exactly what you’re signing.
- Identify unfair clauses such as non-compete agreements or overly broad confidentiality provisions.
- Calculate the true value of your claim, including unpaid wages, unused vacation, or potential damages from discrimination or retaliation.
- Negotiate stronger terms that provide you with more compensation, extended health benefits, or better protections.
- Ensure your rights remain intact so you don’t unknowingly waive valuable claims.
When your future is at stake, you deserve to have an experienced advocate by your side.
Common Issues Found in Severance Agreements
Severance agreements are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your industry and role, you may encounter terms designed to protect the employer more than you. Some common issues include:
- Broad release of claims: Giving up the right to bring almost any legal action against your employer.
- Non-compete clauses: Restricting you from working in your field, even if it’s your main source of income.
- Confidentiality agreements: Preventing you from discussing your experience or warning others about unlawful practices.
- Non-disparagement clauses: Stopping you from speaking negatively about the company, even if your experiences were valid.
- Tax implications: Severance payments may be taxed differently, and without proper guidance, you could face unexpected financial consequences.
A lawyer will spot these issues immediately and work to protect you from harmful terms.
When You May Have Leverage to Negotiate
Not every severance agreement starts fairly, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. You may have strong leverage to negotiate a better package if:
- You were laid off during a company restructuring or downsizing.
- You believe you were wrongfully terminated.
- You faced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation before your termination.
- You have years of service or specialized knowledge that makes your departure significant.
- Your employer wants to prevent a lawsuit or protect sensitive information.
The more potential liability your employer faces, the more bargaining power you may have, but only if you know how to use it. That’s where having an experienced severance agreement negotiation lawyer in California becomes critical.
Protecting California Employees: Our Mission
At Bibiyan Law Group, we don’t just negotiate contracts; we fight for employees’ rights. From wrongful termination to discrimination and retaliation, we’ve dedicated our practice to holding employers accountable and ensuring employees get the justice they deserve.
With decades of collective experience and a proven track record of recovering millions for workers across California, including multimillion-dollar results such as our $5.5 million settlement for employees in a wage class action, our team understands how to approach severance negotiations with strength and strategy. Employers often expect employees to sign quickly and quietly. We help you slow down, understand your options, and negotiate from a position of power.
Why Choose Bibiyan Law Group?
When you’re looking for a severance agreement negotiation lawyer in California, you want more than legal knowledge. You need a firm with a track record of results and a commitment to client advocacy.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over $400 million recovered for California employees.
- Multi-million-dollar results, including a $5.5 million recovery for workers in a wage and hour class action.
- Exclusive focus on employment law, including contracts, wrongful termination, retaliation, and discrimination.
- Free consultations to review your case before you make any decisions.
- Proven negotiation skills that help employees secure better settlements.
We understand the challenges employees face when going up against large corporations and their legal teams. Our role is to level the playing field and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a lawyer to negotiate a severance agreement in California?
Yes, having a lawyer review your severance agreement ensures your rights are protected. Employers often include restrictive clauses or undervalue what you’re owed. An attorney can negotiate for better compensation and remove unfair terms.
2. Can I challenge a non-compete agreement in Los Angeles?
In most cases, California law makes non-compete agreements unenforceable against employees. However, employers sometimes still attempt to enforce them, which can intimidate workers. A lawyer can review your agreement and fight to protect your right to work freely.
3. How do workplace retaliation settlements work in California?
If you were punished for reporting illegal or unfair treatment, you may be entitled to a settlement. Settlements often include back pay, emotional distress damages, and, in some cases, punitive damages. An experienced retaliation attorney can build your case and negotiate the strongest outcome.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future
At Bibiyan Law Group, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Our team will review your severance agreement, explain your options, and negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome for you.
If you believe your employer has mistreated you, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced employment attorneys at Bibiyan Law Group are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (310) 438-5555 or visit our website.