Employment Contracts Lawyers

Employment Contracts Lawyers in the United States

Employment contracts govern the relationship between workers and employers. Whether you're a senior executive reviewing a non-compete clause or an employee who believes your contract was breached, an attorney who focuses on employment contracts can protect your rights and financial interests.

What Employment Contract Law Covers

This practice area deals with the drafting, review, negotiation, and enforcement of agreements between employers and employees. Common contract types include offer letters, executive employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, and separation or severance agreements.

Disputes often arise over non-compete clauses, non-solicitation agreements, confidentiality provisions, and intellectual property assignments. Wrongful termination claims tied to contract violations also fall under this area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 18% of American workers are currently bound by a non-compete agreement, making contract disputes a widespread concern.

When to Hire an Employment Contracts Lawyer

• You've been offered a new position and the employment agreement contains restrictive covenants like non-competes or non-disclosure terms you don't fully understand.
• Your employer terminated you in a way that appears to violate the terms of your written contract.
• You're being asked to sign a severance agreement that waives significant legal rights in exchange for a payout.
• A former employer is threatening legal action over an alleged breach of a non-compete or non-solicitation clause.
• You're an executive negotiating compensation, equity, or termination protections before accepting a role.

How the Process Works

An attorney will start by reviewing the contract language and assessing enforceability. Many contract provisions — especially non-competes — vary in enforceability depending on jurisdiction, duration, and geographic scope. Some states refuse to enforce non-competes entirely.

If a dispute exists, your lawyer may attempt to resolve it through negotiation or demand letters before filing a lawsuit. Most employment contract disputes settle before trial. Cases that do proceed to litigation typically resolve within 12 to 18 months.

How Compensation Is Calculated in Contract Disputes

• Lost wages and benefits — The salary, bonuses, health insurance, and retirement contributions you would have earned had the contract been honored.
• Stock options and equity — Unvested shares or options that were forfeited due to a wrongful termination or contract breach.
• Severance pay owed under the original agreement terms but withheld by the employer.
• Consequential damages — Financial losses caused by reliance on the contract, such as relocation expenses or declined job offers.
• In rare cases involving bad faith, courts may award punitive damages or cover attorney's fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer enforce a non-compete if I was fired?

It depends on your state and the specific contract language. Some courts are reluctant to enforce non-competes against employees who were terminated without cause, viewing it as unfair to restrict someone's livelihood after involuntary job loss. An attorney can evaluate whether enforcement is likely in your situation.

Do I need a lawyer just to review an employment contract?

You don't technically need one, but a single overlooked clause can cost you years of restricted career movement or thousands in forfeited compensation. A contract review typically takes a few hours and can save you from agreeing to terms that limit your future options.