Many employment-related situations do not involve a lawsuit, but as an employee can be intimidating or scary. More importantly, as an incoming or outgoing employee, you may be asked to sign documents which impact your rights and your employment relationship.
The Center for Employment Law can help you understand what is being asked of you or from you in these situations, as well as provide you with advice and negotiate terms for you. Unlike litigation, these situations require us to request compensation for our time as your legal counsel.
+ Unemployment Hearings
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission provides unemployment benefits for individuals who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. The process of applying for benefits has multiple phases, and can result in a trial before an administrative judge. The Center for Employment Law can guide you through the unemployment process, and can represent you during the hearing to make your best case for receiving benefits.
+ Contracts for Employment or Services
Some employers require employees to sign agreements at the time of hire. These agreements are typically written by the employer, and may contain requirements which are disadvantageous to you. Many of these clauses can be negotiated to be more favorable, however most employees do not start that conversation. At the Center for Employment Law, we can explain each of the provisions, how they impact your life, and work with your new employer to resolve any issues.
+ Noncompete and Nonsolicitation Agreements
Employers frequently ask their employees to agree not to compete with them and not to solicit clients, vendors, customers, or employees from them after employment has ended. Clauses like these can prevent you from finding a job if your employment ends, and can stop you from accepting promotions or advancing your career with other employers. If you have signed one of these provisions, or if you are being asked to sign one of these provisions, come talk to the Center for Employment Law about your options.
+ Arbitration Agreements
Arbitration agreements are becoming very common in employment. These terms change how you assert your rights and, potentially, the likelihood of your success on claims against your employer. Before signing an arbitration agreement, consult with the Center for Employment Law.
+ Severance Agreements
When your employment ends, some employers offer a severance payment to you. This payment must be above and beyond what you are already owed for work you have performed for the employer, but employers are not required to offer such a payment. Similarly, there is no universally required amount for a severance payment to be. In exchange for paying you a severance, the employer is going to require you to sign an agreement. If you sign that agreement, you are agreeing to the obligations the employer has set out. Sometimes, employers ask a lot of their prior employee and offer very little in return. Before agreeing to a severance, visit us at the Center for Employment Law so we can talk through your options, and even negotiate a better agreement for you.