Maine Employment Contract: Definition, Key Considerations
Quick Facts — Employment Contract Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft an Employment Contract: $740.00
- Avg cost to review an Employment Contract: $430.00
- Lawyers available: 384 employment lawyers
- Clients helped: 1368 recent employment contract projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 4.94 (287 reviews)
What is a Maine Employment Contract?
A Maine employment contract is a legally binding agreement negotiated by an employer and an employee. This contract serves as the framework for the business relationship and outlines the terms and conditions of employment. Most employment agreements are used when hiring permanent employees, but they can also be used when hiring short term employees, contractors, subcontractors, and freelance workers.
Issues commonly covered by a Maine employment contract include:
- Employee title and duties
- Working hours
- Salary
- Benefits
- Company policies
- Causes for termination
Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in Maine?
Employment contracts that dictate terms of employment like salary and employee rights will be enforced. However, Maine has placed various limitations on the use of restrictive employment contracts like non-compete agreements.
Maine’s 2019 “Act to Promote Keeping Workers in Maine” created new restrictions for non-compete agreements including:
- Employers cannot require employees to sign a non-compete unless the employee earns more than 300% of the federal poverty level.
- Non-compete agreements cannot take effect until one year after the employees start date or six months from the date the agreement was signed (whichever comes first).
- Non-compete agreements must be disclosed in writing when a job offer is made.
- Penalties of up to $5000 for employers who violate the new non-compete laws.
What Are the Legal Requirements for a Maine Employment Contract?
Employment contracts in Maine can be written, verbal, or implied contracts. It is recommended that if you are going to have an employee contract that it is written and signed by both parties. This ensures that the terms are clear, and the contract is enforceable.
Types of Maine Employment Contracts
There are several types of enforceable employment contracts in Maine including:
- Permanent employment agreement. Most used for permanent employees who will have set hours, compensation, and no end date for employment.
- Fixed term employment agreement. Used when hiring employees who will only work for a specific period or to complete a specific job.
- Independent Contractor agreement. Contractors and freelancers who are hired by an employer are not employees and require a specific contract that protects both party’s interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
See Real Employment Contract Projects
Maryland Existing Employee asked to sign NDA, IP assignment and non-disparagement agreement Review
- Maryland
- 2 lawyer bids
- $1 - $350
Illinois Employment contract review and negotiation Drafting
- Illinois
- 4 lawyer bids
- $600 - $750
See all Employment Contract projects in Maine
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Need help with an Employment Contract?
Meet some of our Maine Employment Contract Lawyers
Craig M.
I have been practicing law for more than 7 years in Maine and have owned my law practice, Dirigo Law LLC, since 2020. My practice focuses mostly on Real Estate / Corporate transactions, Wills, Trusts, and Probate matters.
"In our phone conversation, Craig provided options to resolve my title issue"
Nicholas M.
Nicholas Matlach is a cybersecurity expert (CISSP) and an attorney who is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. He is a client-focused professional who has a deep understanding of the challenges that small businesses face in the digital age. He also provides legal counsel to small businesses on a variety of issues, including formation, intellectual property, contracts, and employment law.
"Enjoyed his demeanor. Professional yet down to earth. The document created for me was very explicit and easy to read. I would recommend :)"
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for Maine Employment Contract Projects
Review Employment Contract
"Randy was thorough, patient, and got me a great result. Nothing more to say but let his work speak for itself."
ContractsCounsel User
Senior Employment Contract Review with IP Carve-Out
"Hired Daniel for an IP/employment review on an onboarding situation with prior-employer overlap. What started as a focused scope grew into a multi-document protective package — RTA, employment amendment, equity side letter, scope-confirmation disclaimer, and full memo. Quick turnaround on revisions, item-by-item responses to my review notes that made the back-and-forth efficient, and practical sequencing guidance on what to execute and in what order. NY-licensed since 1996 and it shows in the governing-law analysis and structural drafting choices. Would hire again."
ContractsCounsel User
Employment Agreement
"Thorough review, insightful context based comments and timely work provided. Thank you."
ContractsCounsel User
Employment Contract Review for Therapy Private Practice in California
"Super quick and responsive!"
ContractsCounsel User
School-Based Therapy Practice Contract Templates
"Quality work with a wonderful timeline. Would recommend!"
ContractsCounsel User
Meet some of our other Employment Contract Lawyers
Leonid G.
I have been practicing law since 2018. I used to be a litigator at a nationwide practice before going in-house at a fintech company. I have experience drafting NDAs, SaaS contracts, service agreements, and stock purchase agreements.
"Leonid was amazing. He understood the company ethos, our mission, and how to best update our contracts to serve both. He communicated with me on his progress and stayed within the budget I relayed to him. Will hire again for the next project."
Bradford T.
I have been practicing law for almost 23 years.
"Brad and his partner did a great job in solving my legal issues. They were knowledgeable, professional and detailed in their approach."
Jared F.
Jared Fields is an experienced business lawyer and litigator with experience in diverse industries and practice areas. Prior to launching his own practice, he served as the chief legal officer for a group of privately-owned companies, including a real estate development group, construction companies, multiple franchisees, and a professional soccer team. As a result, he is experienced in real estate transactions, commercial agreements of varying degrees of sophistication, employment matters, and litigation, as well as general business legal advice. He was also an in-house attorney for a renewable energy company, where he was responsible for litigation, investigations, enforcement actions, and related securities filing disclosures. Mr. Fields also spent many years as a litigator in private practice, representing clients in matters ranging from securities litigation, to breach of contract, to cases involving real estate and financial services. Mr. Fields has particular experience in legal matters that may involve complex financial, accounting, valuation, and other quantitative issues.
"It has been such a refreshing experience working with Jared. Highly Recommended!"
February 27, 2024
V. Yvette S.
I am a highly skilled attorney, fluent in English and Spanish with 20 years of legal experience and 8 additional years of real estate, project finance, banking, financial, securities, and start-up company experience. I worked 6 years with 2 international law firms and handled extremely complex work for all types of clients, 3 years with a Federal Government Regulator, and 5 years in various compliance management positions at national and international financial institutions. I am licensed in New York and North Carolina. I will handle federal litigation on a non-contingency basis. I also practice Appellate Advocacy for constitutional, employment, consumer, and corporate laws. I am skilled in many different NY and NC laws. I have successfully represented clients with state and federal regulatory investigations. I can help you with the FDA, SEC, OCC, CFPB, FDIC, FR and certain state regulators.
August 15, 2024
Gisselle O.
Family law attorney licensed in the State of Florida with 5+ years of experience in litigating family law matter including dissolutions of marriage and paternity/child custody cases. Drafting pleadings, including petitions, motions, and responses Preparing discovery requests and responses Organizing and maintain case files and pleadings Communicating with clients to provide case updates and gather information Conducting legal research and draft legal memoranda Attending court hearings, trials, depositions, mediation, etc. Preparing prenuptial and postnuptial agreement
Labor
Employment Contract
Georgia
I was recently let go after complaining about discrimination and targeted. I was termed with a severance package. I want to know if I can renegotiate the severance.
Can I get more on my severance since I was let go after complaining about discrimination to my employer?
Donya G.
That sounds like it would depend on the reasons you were given for being let go. Did you document your grievances in an email or where they just done by word of mouth? You should consult with a GA attorney that specializes in employment law to assit. All the best Donya Gordon
Employment
Employment Contract
Georgia
Can a company withhold a performance bonus if I leave before the payout date?
I recently resigned from my job, and in my employment contract, there was a provision for a performance bonus to be paid out at the end of the year. However, the payout date is a few months away, and I am concerned that the company may try to withhold the bonus since I am no longer employed with them. I want to know if they have the legal right to do so, or if I am still entitled to receive the bonus based on my performance during my time of employment.
Jerome L.
This is a great—and very common—question. Whether the company can legally withhold your performance bonus after resignation depends heavily on how your employment agreement is written and how the bonus is classified. Key Factors to Consider: 1. Is the Bonus Discretionary or Earned? If your contract defines the bonus as discretionary, the employer generally has the right to decide whether to pay it and can condition it on continued employment. If the bonus is based on meeting specific performance goals or metrics, and those have been satisfied, it may be considered earned—even if the payment date is in the future. 2. Does the Contract Require You to Be Employed on the Payout Date? Many agreements include language stating the employee must be actively employed on the bonus payout date. If such a clause exists, the company may be within its rights to withhold the bonus, even if the performance was completed. 3. What Is the Bonus Period? If your bonus was based on a performance period that has already ended (such as a calendar or fiscal year), and you met your goals, you may have a stronger case for claiming the bonus as earned compensation. Georgia-Specific Note: In Georgia, employment is at-will, and courts generally uphold the terms of a written employment agreement. However, Georgia courts have also recognized that earned wages (which can include bonuses if not discretionary) must be paid. If the bonus is performance-based and the company has paid similar bonuses under the same conditions in the past, you may have grounds to assert that the payment is owed. What You Can Do: Review your employment agreement and any bonus policy documents closely. Look for phrases like “discretionary,” “earned,” and “must be employed on the payout date.” If the language is unclear, you may want to consult an attorney to evaluate whether the company is legally permitted to withhold the bonus—or if you may have a claim based on how the bonus was structured and earned. If you would like help reviewing your agreement, I’d be happy to assist.
Employment
Employment Contract
New York
What should be included in my employment contract?
I am a small business owner looking to hire an employee for the first time. I have never written an employment contract before, so I am unsure of what should be included in the contract to ensure that it is legally binding and protects both the employee and me. I am looking for advice on what should be included in the contract to ensure that my interests and those of my employee are adequately protected.
Donya G.
Hello, Congratulations on your business. Here are some things that need to be in the agreement - amount you will pay them, when you will pay, the term of the employment, confidentiality, non solicit. Since you have never done this before, I would like to suggest that you hire an attorney to get it done to ensure it is done correctly. I am a NY attorney with over 20 years of experience. I assist small businesses like yours with their employment, vendor, investment and all their contract needs. I would love to assist you. You can contact me on the Contracts Counsel website or on my personal page - Donya Gordon Looking forward to talking to and working with you Sincerely Donya Gordon
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
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 ReviewNeed help with an Employment Contract?
Employment 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
Maine Employment Contract lawyers by city
ContractsCounsel User
Draft a Nanny Employment Agreement / Contract
Location: New Jersey
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Employment Contract
Number of Bids: 5
Bid Range: $600 - $1,200
ContractsCounsel User