What is a New Jersey Employment Contract?
A New Jersey employment contract is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that lays out the specific rights and obligations of both parties. Employment contracts can be used when hiring permanent employees, temporary employees, contractors, and subcontractors.
Some issues commonly addressed in a New Jersey employment contract include:
- Compensation
- Working hours
- Vacation and time off
- Job duties
- Employment start date
- Duration of employment
- Procedures for discipline and grievances
- Reasons for termination
- Non-compete clause and non-disclosure clause
The purpose of an employment contract is to protect the rights of both the employee and the company for which they work. In an “at will” employment state like New Jersey, without an employment contract, employees can be terminated for any reason without notice.
Similarly, without an employment contract that includes non-compete clauses and non-disclosure clauses, an employer could risk at an employee sharing trade secrets or working for a competing company.
Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in New Jersey?
New Jersey views employment contracts as legally binding documents and therefore enforceable under New Jersey labor laws. Once agreed upon and signed, a New Jersey court will hold both parties to the terms of the contract.
Employment contracts must adhere to New Jersey contract laws. There needs to be an offer, acceptance, and consideration. The contract must be signed by legally competent adults and cannot include provisions that violate the law or public policy. For example, an employment contract cannot require an employee to agree to work for below New Jersey minimum wage.
Restrictive covenants like non-compete agreements will be enforced in New Jersey but must adhere to the following requirements:
- Used to protect the legitimate interests of the company
- Does not impose an undue hardship on the employee
- Does not injure the public
Courts will review non-compete agreements to determine whether the agreement is reasonable and decide if the restrictions meet the balance of protecting employers while allowing employees to earn a living.
What Are the Legal Requirements for New Jersey Employment Contracts?
Employment contracts can come in many forms so the legal requirements for this document are relatively lenient. New Jersey recognizes formal written contracts, offer letters, and even verbal agreements as valid employment contracts.
- Written employment contract. It is recommended that all employment contracts be written and signed by both parties even though this is not a legal requirement. Written contracts are the easiest to enforce because there is a tangible document that can be used as evidence in court. A written contract will also help settle disputes before they reach court.
- Offer letter. An offer letter is an informal document provided to prospective employees. The letter will contain information like job duties and pay but will be less detailed than a formal contract.
- Verbal agreement. Verbal or oral agreements, although legal, are the most difficult to enforce because there is no proof the contract existed. If one party can prove the terms of the contract however, New Jersey will uphold this type of agreement.
Types of New Jersey 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 used in New Jersey include:
- Permanent employment contract. This contract is used by a company to hire a permanent employee with regular hours and an hourly wage or salary.
- Fixed term employment contract. Used when hiring employees to complete a specific job. Employment ends once the terms of the contract are met.
- Contractor agreement. When a company hires a contractor or a freelance worker this 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 New Jersey Employment Contract Lawyers
Angela Y.
NJ and NY corporate contract lawyer and founder of a firm specializing in helping entrepreneurs. With a background in law firms, technology, and world class corporate departments, I've handled contracts and negotiations for everything from commercial leases and one-off sales agreements, to multi-million dollar asset sales. I love taking a customer-focused and business-minded approach to helping my clients achieve their goals. Other information: learning to surf, lover of travel, and one-time marathoner (NYC 2018) yulawlegal.com
Michael J.
Combining extensive experience in litigation and as general counsel for a real estate and private equity company, I provide ongoing guidance and support to clients on a variety of transactional matters, including business formation, partnership agreements, corporate agreements, commercial and residential leasing, and employment issues.
Anand A.
Anand is an entrepreneur and attorney with a wide-ranging background. In his legal capacity, Anand has represented parties in (i) commercial finance, (ii) corporate, and (iii) real estate matters throughout the country, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Arizona, and Georgia. He is well-versed in business formation and management, reviewing and negotiating contracts, advising clients on financing strategy, and various other arenas in which individuals and businesses commonly find themselves. As an entrepreneur, Anand is involved in the hospitality industry and commercial real estate. His approach to the legal practice is to treat clients fairly and provide the highest quality representation possible. Anand received his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law in 2013 and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University, Lubin School of Business in 2007.
October 12, 2021
Grant P.
Founder and owner of Grant Phillips Law.. Practicing and licensed in NY, NJ & Fl with focus on small businesses across the country that are stuck in predatory commercial loans. The firm specializes in representing business owners with Merchant Cash Advances or Factoring Arrangments they can no longer afford. The firms clients include restaurants, truckers, contractors, for profit schools, doctors and corner supermarkets to name a few. GRANT PHILLIPS LAW, PLLC. is at the cutting edge of bringing affordable and expert legal representation on behalf of Merchants stuck with predatory loans or other financial instruments that drain the companies revenues. Grant Phillips Law will defend small businesses with Merchant Cash Advances they can no longer afford. Whether you have been sued, a UCC lien filed against your receivables or your bank account is levied or frozen, we have your back. See more at www.grantphillipslaw.com
October 31, 2021
Melanie C.
Melanie Cunningham specializes in helping entrepreneurs remain creative and expansive by establishing the foundation of their business and protecting and maximizing their intellectual property. It’s her belief that entrepreneurs and micro and small business owners play a critical role in our communities, which propelled Melanie to return to private practice after more than a decade working for global financial institutions. Melanie’s practice is dedicated to delivering excellent legal support and protection to this vital, but an often underserved, community. Melanie credits her business training and the skills developed as a senior compliance officer with enabling her to help small business owners have a legally compliant business, while proactively advising clients during the growth process. She’s helped diverse entrepreneurs do business in a way that focuses more on collaboration than competition. Melanie has counseled small business owners in determining what is protection worthy (helping them obtain trademarks and copyrights) and making contact on their behalf in the case of infringement.
April 20, 2022
John M.
Seasoned professional with experience in wide variety of contract negotiation and review.
May 6, 2022
Brittany S.
I am licensed in New York and New Jersey. I graduated with my J.D. from Touro University Law Center, Summa Cum Laude, in 2021. In 2018, I graduated from SUNY Farmingdale with a B.S. in Sport Management and a minor in Business Management. I have experience in real estate law and insurance defense, including employment law. Please note, I do not carry malpractice insurance.
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Employment Contract
Florida
What's vacation time in an employment contract?
I recently accepted a new job and I was provided an employment contract to review. In the contract, there is a section about vacation time, but it is not very clear. I'm trying to understand what vacation time is included in the contract and what the expectations are for taking time off. I want to make sure I have a clear understanding of my rights and responsibilities regarding vacation time before I sign the contract.
Diane D.
You can create your own will. However, having an attorney draft it for you will ensure that your wishes are carried out in all circumstances. Doing it yourself without having any experience may cause many problems after your demise.
Employment
Employment Contract
North Carolina
What's termination notice in an employment contract?
I recently accepted a job offer with a new company and I was given an employment contract to sign. I was looking through the contract and noticed that it mentions something about a termination notice. I'm not sure what this means or how it applies to my employment, so I wanted to ask a lawyer to get a better understanding of this clause.
Ryan D.
A termination notice is a provision in an employment contract that specifies the amount of notice an employer must give an employee if they wish to terminate the contract, or vice versa if the employee wishes to leave. This is an important clause, as it offers some level of job security for the employee and some level of predictability for the employer. In most states, including North Carolina, employment is considered "at-will" unless there is a contract in place that states otherwise. This means that either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all, as long as the reason isn't illegal (like discrimination). If your contract includes a termination notice clause, this "at-will" status is likely modified to some extent. The specific details would depend on the exact wording in your contract. It could require either party to provide a notice (often 2 weeks, 1 month, or sometimes longer) before terminating the contract. That notice period is intended to give the other party time to adjust plans accordingly. For the employee, it might mean finding a new job; for the employer, it might mean finding a replacement.
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).
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
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
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