Home Q&A Forum Can I negotiate the terms of a severance agreement with my employer?

Corporate

Severance Agreement

New York

Asked on Jun 9, 2024

Can I negotiate the terms of a severance agreement with my employer?

I have recently been informed by my employer that my position is being eliminated due to company restructuring, and they have offered me a severance agreement. However, I have concerns about some of the terms in the agreement, such as the non-compete clause and the amount of severance pay being offered. I would like to know if it is possible for me to negotiate these terms with my employer before signing the agreement.

Answers from 1 Lawyer

Answer

Corporate

New York

Answered 676 days ago

Arthur S.

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Business Lawyer
Licensed in New York
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View Arthur S.
Member Since:
July 12, 2024

Severance Agreements are often presented to employees as a "take it or leave it proposition": however, it has been my experience that many of the underlying provisions of these severance agreements are, in fact, negotiable. Also, as an employee, you are not without rights...a fact that is often, though reluctantly, recognized by employers. the agreements prepared on behalf of employers are often heavy handed and should not be entered into by the employee without advice of coounsel./

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