Maryland Employment Contract: Definition, Key Considerations
Quick Facts — Employment Contract Lawyers (Maryland)
- Avg cost to review an Employment Contract: $410.00
- Lawyers available: 38 Maryland employment lawyers
- Clients helped: 30 recent employment contract projects in Maryland
- Avg lawyer rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
What is a Maryland Employment Contract?
A Maryland employment contract is a type of contract entered into by employers and employees. This agreement will lay out the terms and conditions surrounding employment and cover important issues like:
- Job title
- Job duties
- Working hours
- Salary
- Benefits
- Time off and vacation time
- Company policies
- Reasons for termination
Employment contracts are most commonly used for highly paid permanent employees but are also useful when hiring employees at any level, contractors, and freelance workers.
The purpose of an employment contract is to protect both parties throughout the business relationship. Employees are protected from “at will” employment doctrine because the contract outlines the details of the job, scope of work, payment amount, and protects the employee from termination without just cause.
An employment contract allows both parties to fully understand each other’s intentions and expectations throughout the duration of employment.
Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in Maryland?
Yes. Employment contracts that abide by all contract laws are enforceable in Maryland. The contract must include all elements of a contract like offer, acceptance, and consideration. The contract must be entered into voluntarily by competent parties.
Restrictive employment contracts like non-compete agreements are also enforceable in Maryland as long as they meet certain requirements as described in the Maryland Non-Compete and Conflict of Interest Clauses Act.
Some of these restrictions include:
- Non-compete agreements cannot be used for employees earning less than $15 an hour or $31,200 a year
- The non-compete clauses creates an undue hardship for the employee
- Non-compete agreements cannot be used for employees who don’t have unique skills
- Must be necessary to protect a valid business interest
What Are the Legal Requirements for a Maryland Employment Contract?
Employment contracts in Maryland can be written or verbal contracts. It is recommended that if you are going to have an employee contract that it is written and signed by both parties. While oral contracts can be enforced, a written contract serves as tangible evidence and ensures that the terms are clear, and the contract is enforceable.
Employment contracts cannot violate any laws or go against public policy. Furthermore, employment contracts must be fair and conscionable. An unconscionable contract is one that if enforced, would be a miscarriage of justice. Elements that may make an employment contract unconscionable include:
- Undue influence to sign the contract
- Forcing an employee to sign the contract under duress
- Unequal bargaining power between the employer and employee
Types of Maryland Employment Contracts
There are several types of employment contracts used in Maryland including:
- Permanent employment. An indefinite contract where an employee is hired to work for a company until the employee no longer wishes to work or the employee is terminated in accordance with the contract provisions.
- Fixed term employment contract. A contract that has an agreed upon start date and end date. The end date can be the completion of the task or project laid out in the contract.
- Independent Contractor agreement. Used for contractors and freelancers who are hired by an employer but are not employees of the company.
- Confidentiality agreement. Sometimes called a non-disclosure agreement, this restrictive covenant prevents the employee from releasing valuable information about the business
- Non-compete agreement. Protects the employer by limiting the employee from working for competitors or creating a competing business within a certain number of years or within a certain geographic boundary. This clause must follow certain legal requirements to be enforceable.
- Severance agreement. Lays out the benefits and protections the employee will enjoy when employment with the company ends. This allows employees to secure future employment opportunities and is vital when there is a non-compete clause.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Meet some of our Maryland Employment Contract Lawyers
Kelynn P.
Kelynn was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and thereafter returned to Cleveland for law school . She earned her Juris Doctor at Cleveland State University - Cleveland Marshall College of Law. She primarily practices insurance defense and civil litigation. She has also practiced in a variety of other areas including family law, contract disputes, contract review, complex civil litigation, medical malpractice, products liability, and mass tort.
"Kelynn P. was excellent. I set up a project to assist my sis in law on a project. Her feedback was as follows: "Kelynn was great. I was on a tight time crunch and in search for an attorney. She quickly got up to speed on the status of the project. She used her expertise to add value and she was patient, listened, and was knowledgeable. She is knowledgeable of the law, negotiations, contracts, terms and conditions, and provides real life examples that provide valuable insight which empower you to strategically make the best decision. In short, Kelynn was instrumental in the resolution of my project. Overall the quality of work was exceptional and she even followed up with me to see how things are going after her scope of the project was completed. She cares about her projects and clients. I recommend Kelynn and if I need anything in the future, I know who to contact and who to recommend. Thank you""
Susan T.
General practitioner since 2005, general practice; civil disputes, torts.... logo Call us: (410) 878-7006 Menu Services All Maryland and Pennsylvania Legal Services Susan C. Trimble Attorney at Law WHAT WE ARE ABOUT Susan C. Trimble, is an established attorney in the Maryland area. Her work is infused with commitment to her community and family. is tailored to your wants and needs. Here you will find an approachable, personable and conscientious advocate. EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate (JD). University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 2006. Bachelor of Science (BS), English Literature. Towson University, 1989. Associate in Claims, (AIC) certification. Fraud Claims Law Associate, (FCLS) certification. Member of Maryland State and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
"Prompt, professional and excellent completion of this project! Thoroughly pleased! Would highly recommend!"
August 30, 2023
Massa M.
Highly disciplined attorney with over seven years administrative litigation experience. Capable of analyzing complex research, data, and documentation to prepare and represent individuals in sensitive cases. Recognized as a leader with the ability to perform work both autonomously and collaboratively as a member of a diverse legal team. Great problem-solving skills, strong multitasking capabilities and works well under strict deadlines. A professional with a sense of humor, strong work ethic and ability to build trust across all levels.
September 26, 2023
Raquel G.
I have practiced law for 20+ years. I am knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in IP related matters; contract drafting and revisions; trial preparation (including ITC Section 337 trials); and many other legal areas. Further, I earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and worked as a junior and primary patent examiner for over a decade. Furthermore, I have produced a feature film and set up and maintained the production office before, during, and after filming.
Kimm M.
Kimm Massey, Esq. is a graduate of Harvard Law School, who has almost thirty years of experience practicing law. Her background includes litigation work for large multinational corporate law firms, the federal government, and the District of Columbia government. She founded Massey Law Group a decade ago. Attorney Kimm Massey has been admitted to the Bars of Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, the United States Court of Federal Claims, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
September 29, 2023
William H.
Diligent attorney and skilled government contracts professional with extensive experience in supply chain management, procurement, business process and procedure, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and complex contract arrangements. With over 20 years of contracts and operations experience, I have handled domestic and international transactions for the sale and purchase of goods and services including construction, engineering, and R&D – in the Defense, IT, Mining, and Aerospace industries. I am accustomed to building and leading global and diverse teams; designing and implementing new processes and systems; and working in close collaboration with broad stakeholder populations, including executive management and other attorneys.
April 7, 2025
Cheri H.
Attorney Hamilton has worked in public service for most of her career with positions in government at the federal and state levels serving as a judicial law clerk, attorney-advisor to federal agencies and an administrative judge for the state of Maryland. She also maintained her own law practice for several years where she assisted various clients with matters ranging from real estate transactions, contract disputes, family law, criminal law and religious law disputes. Attorney Hamilton most recently served as the Chief Legal Officer for a technology startup company and is the founder of Hamilton Advising & Consulting, LLC, a legal and business consulting firm supporting small to medium-sized entities with all things contracts.
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Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for Maryland Employment Contract Projects
Employee-Side Review of Startup Offer Package (Offer Letter + Option Agreement + EIP)
"Fast turnaround (a day early), thorough memo, practical judgment on what to fight vs. accept. Will use again."
executive compensation or private equity employment agreements
"I might to reach out if I have any other questions, but you have been awesome. Thank you."
Employment Contract Review
"Provided quick help with an agreement."
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"Harry was wonderful to work with. He was responsive and went above and beyond while helping me get to the result I was seeking."
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.
Arbitration
Employment Contract
California
What's the arbitration agreement in an employment contract?
I am currently in the process of negotiating an employment contract with a new employer. I am concerned about the arbitration agreement in the contract, as I am not sure what it is or how it could affect me in the future. I want to make sure that I understand the implications of the arbitration agreement before signing the contract.
Gagandeep K.
An arbitration agreement is a legally binding contract between two parties or more so in this case between you and the employer. In the Arbitration Agreement both parties agree to use alternative dispute resolution (e.g., mediation, settlement conferences, neutral evaluation, arbitration) rather than pursuing civil court litigation in case a dispute arises. The Arbitration Agreement typically describes the scope of the disputes covered as well as the process, procedure and other requirements related to arbitration. You can read more about Arbitration Agreement here https://www.contractscounsel.com/t/us/arbitration-agreement.
Employment
Employment Contract
North Carolina
What's position hierarchy in an employment contract?
I am a potential employee considering a job offer from a company. I have received a copy of the employment contract, but I am confused about the position hierarchy outlined in it. Specifically, I am unsure of the differences between the various job titles and the roles and responsibilities associated with each one. I would like to know more about the position hierarchy in the contract to better understand the job I am considering.
N'kia N.
Position hierarchy may vary, as it is typically based on such factors as industry standards, company size, and internal policies. Before accepting an employment offer, a prospective employee should have a clear understanding of where the proposed position stands in the prospective employer's position hierarchy, as well as how the hierarchy affects the duties and responsibilities for that position. If the position hierarchy in a proposed employment contract or an employment offer letter is confusing, the prospective employee should seek clarification from the proposed employer.
Employment
Employment Contract
Florida
Do I have to provide my employees with a paycheck stub?
We find employee pay stubs laying around in the warehouse and left in company vehicles
Diane D.
Florida doesn't require employers to provide a pay stub with a paycheck, nor do they have to offer them in electronic format. Pay stub legislation in Florida instead defaults to federal laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Litigation
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).
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Employment Contract Review
Location: North Carolina
Turnaround: Less than a week
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Doc Type: Employment Contract
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