Experienced Employment Contract and Severance Agreement Lawyers Serving Oakland and the East Bay
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, our Oakland employment contract and severance agreement attorneys represent employees who need guidance reviewing, negotiating, or enforcing workplace agreements. Employment contracts often contain complex provisions related to compensation, termination conditions, confidentiality, and restrictive covenants that can impact your career for years to come. Our attorneys help employees understand these agreements and advocate for fair terms that protect their interests. If you need assistance reviewing a contract or negotiating a severance agreement, contact our office at 415-391-7555 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Protecting Employees in Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements in Oakland
Employment contracts and severance agreements define the legal relationship between employers and employees. These documents often address critical issues such as compensation, job duties, intellectual property rights, termination provisions, and post-employment restrictions.
While many employees feel pressured to sign these agreements quickly, doing so without legal review can create long-term consequences. Employers typically draft these documents to protect the company’s interests, which may leave employees vulnerable to unfair restrictions or unfavorable terms.
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we represent employees throughout Oakland and the East Bay who need legal guidance in employment contract and severance matters. Our Oakland employment discrimination attorneys carefully analyze agreements, identify potential risks, and negotiate improved terms when necessary. Whether you are entering a new role, leaving a position, or facing a dispute over contractual obligations, we are prepared to advocate for your rights.
Oakland’s workforce includes professionals in technology, healthcare, education, finance, government, and many other industries. Regardless of profession or seniority level, employees should fully understand the agreements that govern their employment.
Understanding Employment Contracts
An employment contract establishes the terms and conditions of an employee’s relationship with their employer. These agreements may be presented when accepting a new job, receiving a promotion, or entering a leadership role.
Employment contracts commonly address:
- Salary and bonus structures
- Stock options or equity compensation
- Benefits and retirement plans
- Job responsibilities and reporting structure
- Length of employment or contract term
- Termination provisions
- Confidentiality obligations
- Non-compete or non-solicitation clauses
While some contracts offer strong protections for employees, others include restrictive provisions that can limit future career opportunities. Our attorneys help employees understand these provisions and negotiate terms that better align with their goals.
Severance Agreements and Your Rights
A severance agreement is typically offered when an employee leaves a company due to termination, layoffs, or restructuring. In many cases, employers provide severance packages in exchange for the employee signing a release of legal claims.
Severance agreements may include:
- Severance pay or salary continuation
- Payment for unused vacation or benefits
- COBRA healthcare coverage
- Non-disparagement provisions
- Confidentiality requirements
- Non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions
- Waivers of legal claims against the employer
Employees are often given limited time to review severance agreements. However, signing without legal guidance may result in waiving valuable rights. Our attorneys evaluate severance packages carefully and negotiate improved terms when appropriate.
Types of Employment Contract and Severance Matters We Handle
Our firm represents employees across Oakland and the East Bay in a wide range of contract and severance matters.
Employment Contract Review
We review job offers and employment agreements to ensure employees understand their rights and obligations before signing. Our attorneys identify potential risks and provide guidance on negotiating stronger terms.
Contract Negotiation
Employment contracts are often negotiable. We help employees pursue improved compensation, clearer job responsibilities, stronger severance protections, and more favorable termination provisions.
Breach of Employment Contract
When an employer fails to honor the terms of an employment agreement—such as refusing to pay promised bonuses, stock options, or severance—employees may have legal claims for breach of contract.
Severance Agreement Negotiation
Employees leaving a company often have leverage to negotiate stronger severance terms. Our attorneys advocate for improved financial compensation, benefits continuation, and reduced post-employment restrictions.
Severance Disputes
Disputes sometimes arise over the interpretation or enforcement of severance agreements. Our attorneys represent employees seeking to enforce agreements or challenge unfair provisions.
Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenants
California law generally limits the enforceability of non-compete agreements. We evaluate restrictive covenants and help employees challenge provisions that improperly limit their ability to work in their chosen field.
Notable Case Results
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, our attorneys have secured significant results for employees in employment contract disputes and related workplace claims.
$8,000,000 Settlement – Age Discrimination / Breach of Contract
A long-term employee who had advanced into upper management was forced out of the company without justification.
$1,500,000 Verdict – Breach of Contract
A package delivery driver who rose to management was wrongfully terminated after years of service. Trial Attorney: Therese Lawless.
$1,150,000 Settlement – Defamation / Interference with Contractual Relations
An employee accused of taking confidential information to a new employer was wrongfully terminated. Forensic testing later confirmed the allegations were false.
$950,000 Settlement – Age Discrimination / Breach of Contract
An employee prevailed on appeal after a lower court improperly dismissed her age discrimination claim.
$450,000 Verdict – Breach of Contract
An assistant buyer was awarded damages after being terminated in violation of an implied employment contract following years of service. Trial Attorney: Barbara Lawless.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in future cases.
Our Experience in Employment Contract and Severance Matters
Lawless, Lawless & McGrath has built a strong reputation representing employees in complex employment disputes throughout California.
Founding partners Barbara A. Lawless and Therese M. Lawless bring decades of experience litigating employment law claims. Barbara has been recognized by Super Lawyers and named among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers. Therese, a Super Lawyer and member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), has more than 35 years of trial experience representing employees in high-stakes employment disputes.
The firm’s team also includes Emily S. McGrath, a Super Lawyer who handles complex employment contract disputes, and Sinclaire M. Parer, whose meticulous case preparation strengthens the firm’s advocacy at every stage.
Barbara and Therese Lawless have each served as President of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, and Emily McGrath now serves on its Board of Directors. Their leadership within the legal community reflects the firm’s reputation among California’s leading employment attorneys.
Why Choose Lawless, Lawless & McGrath for Your Oakland Employment Contract Case?
Choosing the right attorney when dealing with employment contracts or severance agreements is essential to protecting your career and financial future.
Employees across Oakland trust our firm because we provide:
- More than 75 years of combined employment law experience
- Representation exclusively for employees, never employers
- Personalized attention from experienced attorneys
- Strategic negotiation and litigation experience
- Recognition by Super Lawyers, ABOTA, and Lawdragon
- Contingency fee representation for litigation matters
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and experienced trial lawyers who are prepared to advocate for employees in negotiations, mediation, or court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements in Oakland
What should I look for before signing an employment contract?
Key provisions include compensation, benefits, termination conditions, confidentiality obligations, and restrictive covenants. It is important to understand how these terms may affect your future employment opportunities.
Can I negotiate my employment contract or severance agreement?
Yes. Many agreements are negotiable, particularly for senior roles or during termination negotiations. An attorney can often secure improved compensation, reduced restrictions, or additional benefits.
What happens if my employer breaches my contract?
If an employer fails to honor contract terms—such as refusing to pay bonuses or terminating you in violation of contractual protections—you may have a claim for damages.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in California?
In most situations, California law prohibits non-compete agreements that restrict employees from working for competing employers after leaving a job. However, some restrictive covenants may still appear in contracts, and it is important to have them reviewed by an attorney.
How long do I have to challenge a contract dispute?
The time limit for filing a claim depends on the type of contract and legal issue involved. Because deadlines can affect your ability to pursue compensation, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney for contract or severance review?
Our firm handles contract disputes and employment litigation on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees and we are paid only if compensation is recovered.
Speak With an Oakland Employment Contract and Severance Agreement Attorney Today
Employment contracts and severance agreements can shape the trajectory of your career and financial future. Before signing any agreement—or if you believe your employer has violated contractual obligations—it is important to seek experienced legal guidance.
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we are committed to protecting employees and ensuring they receive fair treatment in employment agreements. Our attorneys represent workers throughout Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Emeryville, Hayward, Fremont, Richmond, and communities across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
To discuss your situation with an experienced employment attorney, contact Lawless, Lawless & McGrath today at 415-391-7555 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Consult a licensed California employment attorney regarding your specific situation.