What is a California Employment Contract?
A California employment contract is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that lays out the specific rights and obligations of both parties in the employment relationship. Employment contracts can be used when hiring permanent employees, temporary employees, contractors, and subcontractors.
Some employment issues that may covered in a California employment contract include:
- Pay rate
- Working hours
- Vacation and time off
- Job duties
- Employment start date
- Duration of employment
- Procedures for discipline and grievances
A well drafted employment contract can be used to protect the rights of both the employee and the company. For example, the contract can lay out what circumstances constitute cause for termination which would take away an employer’s ability to fire an employee for no reason under “at-will” employment laws.
On the other side of the contract, non-disclosure agreements and non-compete agreements often included in employment contracts protect an employer’s business interests by limiting an employee from competing against the company or revealing trade secrets.
Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in California?
California has strict laws governing the relationship between employers and employees that can be found in the California Labor Code. California views all employment relationships as contract based even if the contract is verbal.
This means that all contracts – even oral contracts – are enforceable as long as the employee and employer had a “meeting of the minds” when creating the agreement. It is however strongly recommended that all contracts be in writing. Written contracts are more reliable and easier to enforce.
What Are the Legal Requirements for California Employment Contracts?
The legal requirements for a California employment contract are governed by California contract laws. This means an employment contract needs to show mutual intention of the parties, there needs to be an offer, acceptance, and an exchange for something of value.
The contract cannot include any unreasonable terms that violate the law or public policy like unreasonable limitation on an employee's ability to find future employment created by an unfair non-compete agreement. In addition, the employer cannot use undue influence or fraud to persuade an employee to sign the agreement.
Employment Contract Violations
Employers are not permitted to include provisions in an employment contract that are against the law or violate public policy. Common employment contract violations that will render an employment contract unenforceable include:
- Minimum wage. Each state has a set minimum wage and employers cannot force employees to accept less than this wage.
- Lunch and breaks. Employees have the right to lunch and rest breaks. If an employer tries to make an employee sign away their break rights, it could be considered wage theft.
- Non-compete clauses. Some states enforce non-compete clauses, however; California has very strict requirements for these limiting contracts. The contract must be reasonable and often, a California employer cannot stop you from applying with competitors or trying to start a new business.
- Non-solicitation clauses. Like non-compete clauses, these clauses are often unenforceable in California.
- Union activity. Employers cannot ban union activity in an employment contract. All California workers have the right to discuss pay with coworkers, unionize, or take other forms of collective action.
Types of California Employment Contracts
Employment contracts come in many forms based on the type of work the company does or the type of employee being hired to complete the job. The three most common types of employment contracts are permanent, fixed term, and consultant agreements.
- Permanent. This contract is used by a company to hire a permanent employee with regular hours and an hourly wage or salary.
- Fixed term. Used when hiring employees who will only work for a specific period of time or to complete a specific job.
- Consultant agreement. When a company hires a contractor or a freelance worker, a consultant agreement lays out the terms and conditions for independent workers who are not employees of the company.
See Employment Contract by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Meet some of our California Employment Contract Lawyers
Matthew H.
We are a boutique firm located in San Diego that handles civil litigation with a couple other areas of law.
November 17, 2021
Harrison K.
Harrison Kordestani is an executive with over twenty-five years experience in entertainment and media, energy, technologies, and start-ups. Mr. Kordestani has also developed a specialized legal and strategic consulting practice representing select entertainment, oil and gas, mortgage lending, and technology start-up clientele. He is also deeply passionate about new technologies and has also actively worked in building companies in the video-on-demand, wearable tech, information of things, demand prediction and app-marketing spaces. As an attorney, Mr. Kordestani's focus has been on transactional drafting and negotiation and providing ongoing legal counsel, corporate compliance, and contract interpretation to numerous private individuals as well as companies in varied fields.
January 24, 2022
Cameron S.
A commercial contracts lawyer with over 25 years of experience (both at large law firms and in-house as general counsel of a public company)
December 13, 2021
Philip M.
I have been a freelance attorney for several years and have many of my clients returning to me for continued work because of the quality I produce.
January 4, 2022
Amy Sue L.
Ms. Leavens is a corporate attorney with 10 years of experience as the General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary of a Congressionally chartered, non-profit corporation, and more than 20 years of experience as an advisor to executive officers and boards of directors in for-profit and non-profit organizations. She has substantial experience within in-house legal departments managing cross-functional teams comprised of multiple business units and attorneys on large-scale mission critical projects, and within a global law firm as a manager of public and private, domestic and international, multi-party business transactions. She has unique experience implementing government-sponsored business initiatives. Ms. Leavens was honored in 2015 as one of Washington, D.C.’s Top Corporate Counsel by Bisnow and the Association of Corporate Counsel; nominated in 2014 for the Association of Corporate Counsel (WMACCA) Outstanding Chief Legal Officer Award; and the recipient in 2014 of WMACCA’s Community Service Award.
March 26, 2022
Pankaj R.
I advise clients in the areas of business, trademarks, real estate, employment, and finance. My overarching goals are to unite creative people and companies to assist them in making sound legal and business decisions. I have been fortunate enough to build a fast-growing, 21st-century law firm with an amazing staff by my side. Our focus is not just on providing invaluable legal insight but creating a better all-around client experience. We provide unique subscription pricing and flat-fee options for our clients, providing billing transparency and enhanced value to all of our wonderful clients. Focus areas: contract drafting, negotiations, research, trademarks international law, entertainment, business development, entity choice; business: manager, team builder, leader, motivator. Speaking Engagements: National Business Institute (NBI) - "Business Contracts 101"
May 30, 2022
Michael R.
If you're looking for an attorney who can help your business succeed, look no further! With my experience in the legal field, I can provide you with the legal advice you need with entity formation, contract drafting, business operations, and more, And because I'm committed to providing high quality service, you can be sure that your needs will always be met. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help your business thrive!
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLitigation
Employment Contract
Texas
What's the termination clause in an employment contract?
I recently accepted a position at a company and they have given me an employment contract to review. I have been reading through the contract and noticed a section regarding termination. However, I am not sure what the termination clause in the contract states and I am hoping to get some clarification from a lawyer. I want to make sure that I understand my rights and obligations before signing the contract.
Curt L.
Most employment contracts contain (1) termination for cause, and/or (2) termination without cause (also known as at-will employment relationship).
Employment
Employment Contract
Massachusetts
What's paid time off in an employment contract?
I am a recent college graduate and I am in the process of negotiating an employment contract with a large company. I am trying to make sure I understand the terms of the contract, including the paid time off that is offered. I am hoping to get a better understanding of what's included in the paid time off section of the contract so I can make an informed decision about the offer.
Joseph M.
Paid Time Off (PTO) is essentially days (or even hours) that the employee is not required to work but the employer still pays the employee for those hours. It can be awarded in a lump sum in advance, or earned and accumulated over time, dependent on the terms of the employment agreement. PTO may be granted in addition to or in lieu of vacation days, sick days, etc, again depending on the unique employment agreement.
Business
Employment Contract
Florida
What's the safety policy in an employment contract?
I recently accepted a job offer from a new employer and as part of the employment contract, I need to understand the safety policy in the workplace. I understand that safety policies in the workplace are important for the protection of both employees and employers, but I am not sure of the specific details of the safety policy included in my employment contract. I would like to know what safety policies are included in the contract in order to ensure that I have a safe working environment.
Diane D.
Without seeing the contract, there is no way of knowing.
Employment
Employment Contract
Colorado
Are employment contracts confidential?
I'm considering taking a second job but would not want my first employer to know. Is there any way for them to find out? I am not sure what all of the language in the contract says and may need to get it reviewed, but I wanted to see if these contracts are kept confidential so that my employer never finds out.
Donya G.
Typically, yes. There s generally a confidential section in your employment agreement. Is there something specific you are worried about? You can have an attorney give a consultation, review the agreement and advise you. I can do that for you. You can connect with me through the website. Thanks Donya Gordon
Employment
Employment Contract
California
What is fixed term employment contract?
I have been given a contract that says 'Fixed Term Employment Contract'. How is this different than a normal employment contract? Is there anything I need to consider before signing this?
Christopher M.
Generally a fix term employment contract differs from a genera employment contract in that it has an end date. For example, at-will contracts continue until you are fired or quit, while a fixed term contract only continues until the term expires. The main points to look at would be what they are classifying you as (employee vs contractor), the length of the term (so you know when the contract is up), and how to renew the contract or if there is an automatic renewal. It would also be good to double check the contract for termination clauses, as quitting may be more complicated under a fixed term contract. Ultimately, as with all contract matters it’s probably best to reach out to an attorney to review the document to get more specific answers to your concerns.
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
View Trustpilot ReviewEmployment lawyers by top cities
- Austin Employment Lawyers
- Boston Employment Lawyers
- Chicago Employment Lawyers
- Dallas Employment Lawyers
- Denver Employment Lawyers
- Houston Employment Lawyers
- Los Angeles Employment Lawyers
- New York Employment Lawyers
- Phoenix Employment Lawyers
- San Diego Employment Lawyers
- Tampa Employment Lawyers
California Employment Contract lawyers by city
- Anaheim Employment Contract Lawyers
- Bakersfield Employment Contract Lawyers
- Chula Vista Employment Contract Lawyers
- Elk Grove Employment Contract Lawyers
- Fontana Employment Contract Lawyers
- Fremont Employment Contract Lawyers
- Fresno Employment Contract Lawyers
- Glendale Employment Contract Lawyers
- Hayward Employment Contract Lawyers
- Huntington Beach Employment Contract Lawyers
- Lancaster Employment Contract Lawyers
- Long Beach Employment Contract Lawyers
- Los Angeles Employment Contract Lawyers
- Modesto Employment Contract Lawyers
- Moreno Valley Employment Contract Lawyers
- Oakland Employment Contract Lawyers
- Oceanside Employment Contract Lawyers
- Ontario Employment Contract Lawyers
- Oxnard Employment Contract Lawyers
- Pomona Employment Contract Lawyers
- Rancho Cucamonga Employment Contract Lawyers
- Riverside Employment Contract Lawyers
- Sacramento Employment Contract Lawyers
- San Bernardino Employment Contract Lawyers
- San Diego Employment Contract Lawyers
- San Francisco Employment Contract Lawyers
- San Jose Employment Contract Lawyers
- Santa Ana Employment Contract Lawyers
- Santa Clarita Employment Contract Lawyers
- Santa Rosa Employment Contract Lawyers
- Stockton Employment Contract Lawyers
ContractsCounsel User
Employment Contract Review
Location: Texas
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Employment Contract
Page Count: 15
Number of Bids: 4
Bid Range: $400 - $700
ContractsCounsel User
Employment contract review
Location: Pennsylvania
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Employment Contract
Page Count: 8
Number of Bids: 2
Bid Range: $450 - $500
other helpful articles
- At Will Employment
- Benefits of Employment Contracts
- Employment Offer
- Founders' Agreement
- Noncompete Agreement
- Offer Letter
- RSU Tax: How Are Restricted Stock Units Taxed?
- Types Of Employment Contracts
- Types of Employment Broken Down