Quick Facts — Employment Contract Lawyers (Ohio)

What is an Ohio Employment Contract?

An Ohio employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a new employee hired to work for the employer. Employment contracts serve the important purpose of outlining each party’s rights and obligations in the working relationship.

Once an employment contract is executed, the parties are bound by the terms of the agreement. Usually this means that the employee is agreeing to perform the duties laid out in the contract and abide by company policy while the employer is agreeing to compensate the employee with wages and benefits.

Common terms and conditions covered in an employment contract include:

  • Job title and duties
  • Compensation
  • Benefits
  • Disciplinary procedures
  • Causes for termination
  • Company policies and standards

Ohio is one of the many states that follows the laws of “at will” employment. Under at will employment doctrine, employers are free to fire workers at any time without a reason and without advanced notice. One way to be protected from this law is to have an employment contract that outlines causes for termination. An employment contract supersedes at will employment so an employer can only terminate the employee within the confines of the agreement.

Employment contracts can also protect employers using restrictive covenants. A restrictive covenant is a clause that prohibits employees from certain actions like competing against the employer or revealing confidential trade secrets.

Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in Ohio?

Yes. Employment contracts are enforceable in Ohio and are governed by Ohio contract laws. This means that to be enforceable the contract must contain an offer, acceptance of the offer, and consideration. In employment contracts consideration is most often the work performed in exchange for compensation.

If an employment contract contains a non-compete clause, the enforcement of the contract may come into question. Ohio tends to enforce non-compete agreements, but the contract must meet certain requirements.

To enforce a non-compete clause, the following criteria must be considered:

  1. The restrictions of the non-compete must be no greater than necessary to protect the employer’s business interests
  2. It cannot impose undue hardship to the employee
  3. It cannot be injurious to the public

The courts will consider the reasonableness of the agreement to determine whether it should be enforced.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Ohio Employment Contracts?

It is legal for an Ohio employment contract to be in the form of a verbal agreement, but it is highly recommended that the contract is written down and signed by both parties. A written contract avoids misunderstandings, helps settle disputes, and if a dispute reaches the courtroom, the contract is available for evidence.

Employment contracts cannot violate any Ohio labor laws or go against public policy. For example, the contract cannot require an employee to agree to work for less than minimum wage.

Types of Ohio Employment Contracts

Ohio employers use various types of employment contracts depending on the purpose of the contract and the type of employee hired. The following contracts are most commonly used for hiring employees and workers in Ohio:

  • Permanent employment contract. The most common type of employment contract used to hire permanent employees. The employee will have regular hours, duties, and compensation.
  • Fixed term employment contract. Used for workers who will only work for a specific period of time or to complete a specific job. At the end of the contract, employees are either brought into permanent employment or a new contract with a new term is executed.
  • Independent contractor agreement. Companies need a specific contract when hiring a contractor or a freelance worker because these workers are not company employees and will be governed by different laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Melissa G. on ContractsCounsel
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August 5, 2021

Melissa G.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
22 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH DC, IL, MI
University of Michigan

I provide practical, plain-English legal guidance to solopreneurs and small businesses who want to build strong foundations and make informed decisions with confidence. With 20+ years of experience—including 16 years in-house advising senior and executive leaders—I bring the insight of a trusted legal partner who understands how legal strategy supports long-term business growth. My clients walk away feeling supported, seen, and empowered. They know I genuinely care about their success and bring more than just legal knowledge—I bring a coach’s mindset, a problem-solver’s lens, and a commitment to helping them protect what they’ve worked hard to build. Whether you’re reviewing contracts, forming your business, protecting your brand, or need ongoing legal support, I’m here to deliver clear, actionable guidance and solutions that fit your business.

Cory B. on ContractsCounsel
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Cory B.

Attorney-at-Law
Free Consultation
Bellaire, OH
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH
Duquesne University School of Law

Attorney Cory Barack specializes in business, real estate, probate, and energy law. He can help you with oil/gas leases, easements, property sales, drafting contracts and wills, setting up companies, and resolving disputes. He is licensed to practice law in Ohio and is located in Eastern Ohio.

Jeffrey K. on ContractsCounsel
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Jeffrey K.

Attorney
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Toledo, Ohio
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH
Chicago-Kent College of Law

I've been a Real Estate attorney for over 25 years. I handle real estate transactions, commercial collections, foreclosures, replevins, landlord tenant issues and small business matter.

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Drew B. on ContractsCounsel
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Drew B.

Managing Member
Cleveland, Ohio
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH MO
Saint Louis University

Drew is an entrepreneurial business attorney with over twenty years of corporate, compliance and litigation experience. Drew currently has his own firm where he focuses on providing outsourced general counsel and compliance services (including mergers & acquisitions, collections, capital raising, real estate, business litigation, commercial contracts and employment matters). Drew has deep experience counseling clients in healthcare, medical device, pharmaceuticals, information technology, manufacturing, and services.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
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"Hired for a settlement contract to be written out in legal manner. Ammended contract as well to add clauses that we had not written.Efficient, professional. Said the time-frame would be about 4 business days and he did deliver on that in fact worked through the weekend and mlk day. Offered one final revision as well as a call to finalize language of contract. The final document delivery was more than we expand also he went above and beyond to deliver extra documents we may need. Would highly recommend."

Patrycja S. on ContractsCounsel
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Patrycja S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Cleveland, OH, United States
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH
Cleveland Marshall College of Law

Freelance attorney helping others beat overflow work by assisting with legal research, legal drafting, discovery, litigation support and client relations.

Moxie M. on ContractsCounsel
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February 11, 2023

Moxie M.

Employment Lawyer
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH CA, FL
Stetson University College of Law

Lindsey has always been deeply invested in the power of knowledge; she was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio before making her way to Miami University for a dual Bachelor's degree. Afterward, Lindsey completed a Juris Doctor at Stetson University with an International Law concentration before earning a Health & Hospital law Certificate from Seton Hall School of Law. After graduating law school, Lindsey began her career as an associate at a Florida-based insurance litigation firm. She eventually transitioned to become a multi-year Rising Star in Employment Law by Super Lawyers as a labor and employment lawyer with Scott Wagner and Associates, supporting clients in Florida, California & Ohio with employment law matters. Her expertise covers counseling on workplace policies/handbooks; investigations into EEO discrimination/retaliation claims; wage disputes & wrongful terminations - equipping employees across multiple states for success in the ever-changing modern workforce landscape. Leveraging extensive knowledge of state/federal regulations gained from handling dozens of cases over many years, Lindsey has established herself as a leader in the field. Lindsey is a seasoned litigator, well-versed in the complexities of employer and employee disputes. She has represented clients on both sides during numerous mediations and provides an informed perspective when advocating for her clients' interests. She sharpened her dispute resolution skills by completing Harvard Law School's Negotiation Mediation course as part of their Executive Education Program as well as a Florida Circuit Civil Certified Mediator - making her qualified to mediate Circuit Civil cases in Florida as well as California and Ohio. Her breadth of knowledge provides valuable insight into the complexities each side faces while navigating their way through conflict mediation situations. With her varied expertise in the world of entertainment industry employment law, Lindsey has become a go-to source for Hollywood professionals, studios, and companies looking to make sure their legal considerations and entertainment contract law knowledge is up to date. From contract negotiations and employment advice to her outstanding knowledge of current regulations, she provides clients with everything they need for success both now and into the future. Lindsey dedicates her time and expertise to advancing the legal community. She proudly serves on the Executive Council for Florida Bar Association Labor and Employment Section, as well as with American Bar's Membership Outreach Committee in a leadership role. Lindsey is also an respected LA Magazine Editorial Board Member while Co-Chairing both LACBA CLE Event Dinner Committees - focusing on labor and employment law developments. Lindsey is passionate about providing accessible legal services to those in need. She serves on the Pro Bono Mediation Panel for the U.S Central District Court of California, volunteers as a mediator with California Lawyers for Arts and acts as Settlement Officer with Los Angeles Superior Court's ResolveLA program - all while donating her time towards resolving disputes through pro bono mediation at Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). Lindsey is a globetrotter, an outdoor enthusiast, and dedicated sports fan all rolled into one. While splitting time between California, Florida and Ohio she has the best of three world - from hiking trails to family gatherings there's always something interesting on her horizon! Plus with photography as a hobby Lindsey enjoys capturing life’s precious moments so they can be treasured for years to come.

James S. on ContractsCounsel
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James S.

Attorney
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Sardinia, Ohio
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH NJ, NY
Rutgers Camden School of Law

Education Jim Schroeder holds multiple degrees from several institutions. He received his Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law in Camden New Jersey. He also earned two additional Master’s Degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. In addition, Schroeder has done graduate work in Public Sector Labor Relations and American History at Rutgers University and Nonprofit Leadership at Duke University. Jim Schroeder was admitted to the New Jersey Bar Association in 2008; the District of Columbia Bar Association in 2010; the New York State Bar Association in 2014; and the Ohio Bar Association in 2020. He is also admitted to the Federal Courts of Southern New Jersey and Southern Ohio.

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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>

Estate Planning

Employment Contract

Florida

Asked on Apr 12, 2023

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.

Answered May 10, 2023

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Employment Contract

North Carolina

Asked on Apr 18, 2023

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.

Answered Jun 2, 2023

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.

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Employee Rights

Employment Contract

New York

Asked on Nov 26, 2024

Can an employer change the terms of employee benefits without providing notice or obtaining consent?

I work for a small company that has recently made some changes to our employee benefits package without any prior notice or consultation with the employees. The changes include reducing the amount of paid time off, increasing the employee contribution for health insurance, and eliminating certain retirement benefits. I am concerned about the legality of these changes and whether the employer has the right to alter the terms of our benefits without providing any notice or obtaining our consent.

Damien B.

Answered Dec 2, 2024

If you have an employment contract, the employer must adhere to the terms of that agreement. Similarly, if the company has an employee handbook, changes to benefits must align with the policies outlined therein. Courts may consider an employee handbook as a binding contract if it creates an expectation of certain benefits. If your benefits are guaranteed in a written contract or employee handbook and the employer did not follow proper procedures to make changes, you may have a claim for breach of contract. Employers are generally encouraged to provide clear communication and advance notice of benefit changes to maintain trust and compliance with legal and policy obligations. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

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Employment

Employment Contract

Georgia

Asked on Apr 12, 2025

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.

Answered Apr 15, 2025

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.

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