Quick Facts — Employment Contract Lawyers (New York)

What is a New York Employment Contract?

A New York employment contract is a legally binding agreement that an employer and new employee use to define the roles and obligations of each party in the employment relationship. Employment contracts can be used when hiring temporary employees and contractors but are most often used for highly paid permanent employees.

It is common to include the following negotiated issues in a New York employment contract:

  • Job title and duties
  • Employment start date
  • Compensation
  • Benefits
  • Working hours
  • Vacation and time off
  • Procedures for discipline and grievances
  • Reasons for termination
  • Non-compete and other restrictive clauses

The primary purpose of an employment contract is to protect the rights of the employer and the employee. New York is an “employment at will” state. This means without an employment contract employees can be terminated for any legal reason or no reason at all without notice. An employment contract will lay out specific reasons for termination that an employer must abide by which protects an employee’s job.

The restrictive covenants protect employers by prohibiting the employee from taking actions that could damage the company. Common restrictive covenants include non-compete agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and non-solicitation agreements.

Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in New York?

Employment contracts are only enforceable in New York if they are in writing and signed by both parties. The only exception to this rule is if the duration of employment is less than one year long. Contracts that can be completed in less than one year are not subject to the Statute of Frauds and therefore can be enforced without a written agreement.

For example, if a company verbally offers an employee a position for five years and the employee accepts, the agreement will not be enforced unless it is writing. If the employee begins working for this company, they will be considered an “at will” employee who can be fired at any time for any reason.

What Are the Legal Requirements for New York Employment Contracts?

New York requires employment contracts to be in writing and signed by both parties. To be legally binding, there must be an offer, acceptance, consideration, the intent to be bound, and mutual assent. Contracts that will be used for employment not exceeding one year can be oral contracts, but it is highly suggested that even short-term employment contracts be written and signed.

Non-compete agreements are also enforceable in New York but must meet a separate set of legal requirements. These requirements are:

  1. The agreement must be necessary to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests
  2. It cannot impose undue hardship on the employee
  3. The contract cannot harm the public
  4. It must be reasonable in duration and geographic boundaries

More information about New York employment and labor laws can be found in Chapter 31 of the Consolidated Laws of New York.

Types of New York Employment Contracts

There are several types of New York employment contracts. The contract used will be based on the purpose of the contract, the type of work the company does, and the type of employee hired.

Commonly used employment contracts 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, like seasonal workers, who work for a specific time period.
  • Contractor agreement. Used when a company hires an independent contractor who is not a company employee to complete a job.
  • N on-compete agreement . Prohibits employees from starting a business or working for a company that is direct competition of the employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hire a lawyer to draft an employment contract in New York?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to draft an employment contract in New York?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to review an employment contract in New York?

See Employment Contract by State

See Real Employment Contract Projects

Arizona COO employment contract Review
  • Arizona
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $400 - $750
View Details
New Jersey Employment Contract Review and Suggestions for Improvement Review
  • New Jersey
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $375 - $850
View Details
Maryland Existing Employee asked to sign NDA, IP assignment and non-disparagement agreement Review
  • Maryland
  • 2 lawyer bids
  • $1 - $350
View Details
Texas Contract for salary employee Drafting
  • Texas
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $425 - $1,050
View Details
Illinois Employment contract review and negotiation Drafting
  • Illinois
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $600 - $750
View Details
Oklahoma review dental employment contract Review
  • Oklahoma
  • 8 lawyer bids
  • $450 - $875
View Details

See all Employment Contract projects in New York


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?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,236 reviews

Meet some of our New York Employment Contract Lawyers

Danielle G. on ContractsCounsel
View Danielle
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
July 12, 2022

Danielle G.

Attorney and Founder at Danielle D. Giovannone Law Office
Free Consultation
Schenectady, NY
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Fordham University School of Law

Danielle Giovannone is the principal of Danielle D. Giovannone Law Office. In her experience, Danielle has found that many business do not require in-house legal counsel, but still need outside counsel that knows their business just as well as in-house counsel. This need inspired Danielle to start her firm. Before starting her firm, Danielle served as Contracts Counsel at Siena College and as an attorney at the New York City Department of Education, Office of the General Counsel. At the NYCDOE, she served as lead counsel negotiating and drafting large-scale commercial agreements, including contracts with major technology firms on behalf of the school district. Prior to the NYCDOE, Danielle worked as an associate at a small corporate and securities law firm, where she gained hands-on experience right out of law school. Danielle has provided legal and policy advice on intellectual property and data privacy matters, as well as corporate law, formation and compliance, employer liability, insurance, regulatory matters, general municipal matters and non-profit issues. Danielle holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. from Cornell University. She is active in her Capital District community providing pro bono services to the Legal Project, and has served as Co-Chair to the Niskayuna Co-op Nursery School and Vice President of Services to the Craig Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization. Danielle is a member of the New York State Bar Association.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Danielle is easy to work with, professional and knowledgeable."

Michael J. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
July 14, 2022

Michael J.

Partner
Free Consultation
Warren, New Jersey
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY NJ
New York Law School

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.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Michael did an excellent job. I will hire him again. Thank you!"

Spencer R. on ContractsCounsel
View Spencer
4.9 (4)
Member Since:
September 15, 2022

Spencer R.

Partner
Free Consultation
New York
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Washington College of Law at American University

I am an experienced attorney working in New York specializing in executive compensation/severance arrangements, transactional real estate work, tax structuring and contracts.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"I will use Spencer in the future for my future contract needs. Nice guy and personable. Love workiing with him. Got right down to business immediately."

Gayle G. on ContractsCounsel
View Gayle
Member Since:
April 18, 2024

Gayle G.

Chief Legal Officer/Fractional GC
Free Consultation
Atlanta, GA
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY GA
Northwestern University School of Law

Fractional General Counsel and Board Advisor with over 26 years of experience advising companies and their management in the US, EMEA and APAC. I use my legal and finance background to understand the client's business and bring the most practical, efficient legal solutions to grow the business while reducing risk. Focus includes: Compliance | Governance (including AI) | Tech Transactions | Licenses | SaaS | Cross Border | Equity Investments | JVs | International Expansion | Fractional GC https://www.linkedin.com/in/ggorvettesq

Bolaji O. on ContractsCounsel
View Bolaji
Member Since:
August 9, 2022

Bolaji O.

Princial Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Texas Souther University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Bolaji O. Okunnu is an entertainment lawyer and founder of the Okunnu Law Group, PLLC based in New York, New York. His practice includes work in the area of copyright, trademark, contract, intellectual property and business law. As an entertainment attorney, Bolaji represents a diverse roster of celebrities, record labels, music publishers, artists, bands, entrepreneurs, authors, songwriters, artist managers, record producers and entertainment executives concerning their intellectual property, business affairs and creative assets. He is an expert at solving complex and sophisticated legal and business issues relating to contracts, copyrights and trademarks. With his background in both the law and the music business, he brings a broad perspective to problem-solving and business plan strategies. He also has an extraordinary ability to speak to the hearts of creatives while helping them discover their voice and clarify their creative dreams and assignments.

Daniel F. on ContractsCounsel
View Daniel
Member Since:
September 6, 2022

Daniel F.

Partner
Free Consultation
Woodmere, NY
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY NJ
St. Johns School of Law

An experienced attorney with a varied range of legal abilities. Focusing on real estate transactions and general commercial litigation.

Doug F. on ContractsCounsel
View Doug
Member Since:
September 7, 2022

Doug F.

Managing Director
Free Consultation
Boston, MA
44 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY MA
Boston University School of Law

Doug has over 20 years of private and public company general counsel experience focusing his legal practice on commercial transactions including both software and biotech. He is a tech savvy, business savvy lawyer who is responsive and will attain relationship building outcomes with your counterparty while effectively managing key risks and accelerating revenue. He received his Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law earning the Book Award in Professional Ethics and after graduation he taught legal writing there for a number of years. Prior to law school, Doug earned a M.A in Mathematics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and a B.S in Honors Mathematics at Purdue University. After law school, Doug joined Fish & Richardson, where his practice focused on licensing software, trademarks and biotech. While at Fish & Richardson Doug authored a book on software licensing published by the American Intellectual Property Lawyers Association. Later he joined as General Counsel at FTP Software and led an IPO as well as corporate development. Doug has broad experience with a broad range of commercial agreement drafting and negotiation including SaaS software and professional services, distribution and other channel agreements, joint venture and M&A. Doug continued his leadership, corporate governance and commercial transaction practice at Mercury Computers (NASDAQ:MRCY) leading corporate development. Doug’s experience ranges from enterprise software to biotech and other vertical markets. He joined the board of Deque Systems in 2009 and joined in an operating role as President in 2020 successfully scaling the software business.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Lawyer Reviews for New York Employment Contract Projects

Review Employment Contract, Flight Sim Builder

5.0

"Quick and concise. Responded to follow up questions quickly."

California
Review
Employment Contract
ContractsCounsel User

Review of employment contract for an Physician Associate

5.0

"I needed an APP employment contract reviewed and I engaged Allen to do the work. Very shortly after I took him on and uploaded the contract, he contacted me to verify things and to let me know what to expect. He turned around the review within one day, and it was thorough and comprehensive. I asked a few follow-up questions and he was prompt in replying and detailed in his answers. I would not hesitate to hire Allen in the future for this type of work again."

Reply From Allen L.

View More
Georgia
Review
Employment Contract
ContractsCounsel User

Employment Contract Review

5.0

"Provided quick help with an agreement."

Indiana
Review
Employment Contract
ContractsCounsel User

Healthcare Employment Contract Review

5.0

"Very thorough!"

Michigan
Review
Employment Contract
ContractsCounsel User

Create Employment Contract

5.0

"Good job"

Washington
Premium
Drafting
Employment Contract
ContractsCounsel User

Litigation

Employment Contract

Texas

Asked on Apr 23, 2023

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.

Answered Apr 28, 2023

Most employment contracts contain (1) termination for cause, and/or (2) termination without cause (also known as at-will employment relationship).

Read 1 attorney answer>

Business

Employment Contract

Florida

Asked on Apr 17, 2023

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.

Answered May 2, 2023

Without seeing the contract, there is no way of knowing.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Employment Contract

New York

Asked on Apr 15, 2023

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.

Answered Apr 18, 2023

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

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Employment Contract

Washington

Asked on Jul 15, 2025

Can my employer change the terms of my employment contract without my consent?

I have been working for a company for the past three years, and my employment contract clearly outlines my job responsibilities, salary, and benefits. However, recently my employer informed me that they are planning to make changes to my contract, including reducing my salary and removing certain benefits. I am concerned about the legality of these changes and whether my employer can modify the terms of my contract without my consent.

Merry K.

Answered Jul 22, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about this proposed change. Whether or not your employer can make such changes unilaterally depends almost entirely on how your contract is written. For example, if your contract clearly states that you are an "at will" employee, your employer can not only make whatever changes it wants, but can also discipline you or terminate you with no reason at all and only a one second advance notice. If it's not an "at will" contract, there may be a paragraph or two that addresses amendments to the agreement - eg, some such contracts may say that an employer can make changes with two weeks advance written notice; another may say that changes will be negotiated in advance between employer and employee. You may want to have an employment attorney, such as myself, review your contract as well as any recent correspondence you may have received from your employer. You may also want to try to very quietly try to find out whether or not other employees are possibly in the same boat as you - it's possible that the employer is cutting back on some benefits to save money, rather than laying off or terminating some or all of their employees. Good luck to you - and if you'd like to reach out to me, you can find me through ContractsCounsel.com or on WSBA.org Please be aware that the above information is provided for educational purposes only, and no attorney/client relationship has been formed Merry A. Kogut WSBA #16153

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Employment Contract

Florida

Asked on Apr 19, 2023

What's probationary period in an employment contract?

I am a recent college graduate who recently accepted a job offer from a company. As part of the offer, I was asked to sign an employment contract. I understand that the contract includes a probationary period, but I'm not sure what that entails. I would like to know what the probationary period is and what it means for me as an employee.

Diane D.

Answered May 10, 2023

A period of time to evaluate you and to show that you're a good fit for the job and that you are fully qualified for it. At the end of the probationary period, they will either keep you on or terminate you.

Read 1 attorney answer>
See more legal questions…

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 Review

Need help with an Employment Contract?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,236 reviews
Employment lawyers by top cities
See All New York Employment Lawyers
New York Employment Contract lawyers by city
See All Employment Contract Lawyers

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
Employment Contract Review
Location: California
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Employment Contract
Page Count: 15
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $500 - $1,250
User Feedback:
Greg reviewed an important employment contract (over a holiday weekend no less). His feedback was helpful, clear, easy to understand and relevant. He responded quickly and everything wrapped up smoothly. Highly recommended.

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
Existing Employee asked to sign NDA, IP assignment and non-disparagement agreement
Location: Maryland
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Employment Contract
Page Count: 3
Number of Bids: 2
Bid Range: $1 - $350

Need help with an Employment Contract?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,236 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city