Leaving a job can be stressful, especially when it is not your choice. Your employer may offer money and benefits, but the agreement may also ask you to give up important rights. Before signing, speak with a Laguna Hills employment lawyer. At Elite Employment Law, we help workers understand severance offers and negotiate for fair terms.
Why Choose Us at Elite Employment Law
A severance agreement can affect your money, career, and right to take legal action. Our team can help you make an informed choice.
- We represent employees only: Our firm does not represent employers in workplace disputes.
- Proven success: We have recovered millions for employees in claims involving discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, whistleblowers, and other employment matters.
- No recovery, no fee: We are paid only when we recover compensation for you.
We listen to your concerns, explain the agreement in clear language, and create a plan based on your needs.
What Is A Severance Package?
A severance package is money or benefits an employer offers when a worker leaves a job. It may include extra pay, continued health coverage, payment of a bonus, help finding a new job, or other benefits.
In return, the employer usually asks the worker to sign an agreement. This document may require the employee to release legal claims against the company. It may also include rules about confidentiality, company property, future references, and what the employee may say about their employer.
California employers generally do not have to offer severance unless a contract, policy, or benefits plan requires it. However, you may be able to negotiate the offer before signing.
How to Negotiate a Severance Package You Deserve in Laguna Hills
The first offer is not always final. Our severance negotiations lawyer can review your pay, years of service, job performance, and reason for leaving. Our team may ask for more pay, longer health coverage, an earned bonus, or better reference terms.
Your agreement should also be checked for unfair or unclear clauses. Some terms may affect your ability to discuss workplace conditions, find another job, or bring legal claims.
Evidence of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, unpaid wages, or wrongful termination may give you more power during negotiations. Save emails, reviews, pay records, policies, and messages related to your termination. Do not take confidential records that you are not allowed to keep. Most importantly, do not let your employer pressure you to sign before you understand the agreement.
How Long Do I Have to File an Employment Claim in California?
The deadline depends on the type of claim. For many California discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims, you must submit a claim to the Civil Rights Department within three years of the last wrongful act. Federal claims and cases involving wages, contracts, or wrongful termination may have different deadlines.
A severance agreement may release claims before those deadlines expire. Our legal team can identify possible claims and explain what rights you may give up by signing.
Call Our Laguna Hills Severance Negotiations Lawyer Today
Do not accept less than you deserve or sign away your rights without legal advice. Contact Elite Employment Law for a free consultation to have a Laguna Hills severance negotiations attorney review your severance agreement and discuss whether better terms may be available.