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A severance agreement is a legally binding contract that determines your financial security after employment ends. Before signing, you need to understand exactly what you’re giving up. Mercer Legal Group provides thorough severance agreement review services for employees across Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, and throughout California.
Our attorneys analyze every clause, identify unfair terms, and negotiate better compensation on your behalf. Whether you’ve received a standard package or a complex separation agreement, we help you make informed decisions about your future.
A severance agreement is an employment contract offered when your job ends—whether through layoff, job elimination, or termination. Your employer typically provides severance pay, health insurance continuation, and other benefits in exchange for a general release of claims. By signing, you waive the right to pursue future claims against the company—including potential claims for discrimination, unpaid wages, or wrongful termination.
Most severance agreements contain complex legal language favoring the employer. Common provisions include non-disparagement clauses, non-compete agreements, confidentiality provisions, and strict deadlines. Without proper review, you may unknowingly accept unfavorable terms or forfeit valuable legal rights.
California employers typically offer severance packages that include a lump sum payment or ongoing severance payments. The amount often depends on your tenure, position, and circumstances surrounding your departure. Your employer may also owe unpaid wages, bonuses, commissions, or stock options. An employment attorney can evaluate whether your compensation reflects what you deserve based on company policy and employment history.
The general release requires you to waive legal claims against your employer. This release of claims may cover age discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or breach of your employment contract. Understanding exactly which claims you’re releasing is critical before signing.
Non-compete clauses can restrict your ability to work in your industry or pursue a new job in your field. Under California employment law, most non-compete agreements are unenforceable—but your severance agreement must still comply with state requirements. Non-disparagement clauses may also limit what you can say about your former employer publicly or on professional platforms.
COBRA continuation, outplacement services, unemployment benefits eligibility, and other benefits vary by company. An employment lawyer can assess whether your package includes everything you’re entitled to under federal law and California law. Some agreements also address stock options, equity, and references for future employment.
Employers design severance agreements to protect their interests. The document may contain vague language, one-sided terms, or provisions affecting your future employment opportunities. An attorney who handles severance negotiations helps you:
Many employers pressure employees to sign quickly. An experienced employment lawyer provides the leverage and knowledge to negotiate a better package. Don’t let pressure tactics rush you into unfavorable terms.
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California employment law provides specific protections when negotiating severance agreements. State law limits non-compete clauses, requires proper wage payments upon termination, and imposes rules on how employers handle employee departures. Your agreement must align with these California requirements.
If you’re over 40, federal law under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act gives you at least 21 days to review and 7 days to revoke after signing. An attorney ensures your employer meets all legal obligations and that your agreement complies with applicable standards.
Many employees ask about the cost of having an attorney review their severance package. Fees vary based on complexity and whether negotiation is needed. Some matters require only document review, while others involve extensive back-and-forth with your employer.
Professional review often pays for itself. Identifying a single problematic clause or negotiating additional severance pay can make a significant financial difference in your transition.
Mercer Legal Group focuses on employment law matters including severance agreement review and negotiation throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Our attorneys understand what California employees face when presented with a separation agreement.
We review every provision affecting your interests—compensation, release language, non-disparagement terms, and restrictive covenants. When terms are unfair, we negotiate directly with your employer to pursue improved compensation and protections.
We examine each clause of your severance package including pay calculations, benefit continuation, release scope, and any provisions affecting future employment.
If terms are unfair, we negotiate for better compensation, extended benefits, or removal of problematic clauses. Many employers expect negotiation and build flexibility into initial offers. Our attorneys work to secure terms reflecting your contributions.
We explain your legal rights, what each provision means, and the risks of signing versus continuing negotiations. You make the final decision with complete information.
Step 1: Contact Our Office Call Mercer Legal Group or submit your information online. We respond promptly to schedule your consultation.
Step 2: Share Your Documents Provide your severance agreement, employment contract, and any correspondence. Complete information helps us evaluate your situation thoroughly.
Step 3: Receive Your Review Our attorney analyzes every provision and discusses findings with you. We identify concerns, explain options, and recommend next steps.
Step 4: Move Forward With Confidence Whether you negotiate, sign, or decline the offer, you proceed understanding your rights and the full implications.
Don’t sign a severance agreement without understanding the terms. Contact Mercer Legal Group to have your package reviewed by an experienced severance agreement attorney serving Los Angeles and all of Southern California.
Call: (818) 351-2137
Severance pay California is a financial compensation offered by employers to employees who are laid off or terminated, typically based on their length of service. It is not required by California law unless stated in an employment contract or company policy, but many companies offer it as a gesture of goodwill.
California law does not mandate severance pay California unless it’s specified in an employment contract, union agreement, or company policy. If you are laid off or terminated, you should review your employment contract or check your company’s severance policy to determine if you’re eligible for severance package California.
An experienced attorney can help you read the agreement, spot unjust terms, and negotiate a full severance package California. An expert attorney can help you negotiate your Severance Package California.
Conditions determine severance agreement evaluation and signing time. Businesses often give workers time to analyze the arrangement. Consult an attorney early to evaluate and negotiate terms when signing a severance package California.
Severance pay California is typically calculated based on the employee’s length of service with the company. A common formula is one or two weeks of pay for each year of employment. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the employer’s policies or any agreements in place.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles, California, for advice specific to your situation.
