Quick Facts — Employment Contract Lawyers (Tennessee)

What is a Tennessee Employment Contract?

A Tennessee employment contract is a legal contract drafted by an employer when hiring a new employee. An employment contract is used to negotiate the terms of the employee’s job duties, responsibilities and compensation.

Tennessee is an “at will” employment state. Under this doctrine employers can legally terminate any employee for any reason as long as the termination is not discriminatory or in violation of the law.

An employment contract overrides the “at-will” employment law and turns an employee into a contracted worker with benefits and protections from at-will termination.

Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in Tennessee?

Yes. Employment contracts are enforceable in Tennessee and are governed by Title 50 of the Tennessee Code. To be enforceable, an employment contract must include the basic elements of a contract : an offer, acceptance, and consideration. The contract cannot violate any laws or go against public policy.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Tennessee Employment Contracts?

In Tennessee, employment contracts can be written, oral, express, or implied. It is always best to have an express written contract that clearly states the terms and conditions of the agreement. This type of contract is easiest to enforce.

Even without a written contract, employees can still prove that an implied contract existed. For example, an employee handbook that outlines company policies and reasons for termination can be interpreted as a valid contract that overrides “at will” employment.

Types of Tennessee Employment Contracts

Employers can use one of many types of employment contracts depending on the intent of the contract. Commonly used employment contracts include:

  • Employment contract. An agreement of employment that outlines duties, compensation, company policy and causes for termination.
  • Non-compete agreement. A restrictive contract that prevents an employee from competing with the employer in the same industry by starting a new business or working for a competitor.
  • Severance contract. Establishes an employee’s rights to compensation when they are terminated or leave a company unwillingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hire a lawyer to draft an employment contract in Tennessee?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to draft an employment contract in Tennessee?
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New Jersey Employment Contract Review and Suggestions for Improvement Review
  • New Jersey
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $375 - $850
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Michigan Employment Contract from Michigan Review
  • Michigan
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $450 - $850
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Maryland Existing Employee asked to sign NDA, IP assignment and non-disparagement agreement Review
  • Maryland
  • 2 lawyer bids
  • $1 - $350
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Texas Contract for salary employee Drafting
  • Texas
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $425 - $1,050
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Tennessee Review employee agreement Review
  • Tennessee
  • 9 lawyer bids
  • $350 - $750
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Illinois Employment contract review and negotiation Drafting
  • Illinois
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $600 - $750
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Forest H. on ContractsCounsel
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July 14, 2020

Forest H.

Founding Partner ContractsCounsel Law
Free Consultation
Nashville, TN
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TN FL, TX
Washington and Lee University

Forest Hamilton is the founder of ContractsCounsel Law. He is a business and transactional attorney whose practice centers on the contracts companies and entrepreneurs rely on every day. He drafts, reviews, and negotiates operating agreements, asset and membership-interest purchase agreements, master services and supply agreements, NDAs, employment and contractor agreements, and commercial leases. Forest has handled many acquisitions of online businesses, including Amazon FBA brands, Shopify stores, and YouTube channels. He also advises on business formation, capital raising, commercial real estate, oil and gas matters, and estate planning. His clients range from first-time founders to established companies and investors across the U.S. and abroad. On every matter, Forest aims for a clear, practical document that protects the client’s position without creating friction in the deal. He began his career in commercial litigation in Florida and has advised businesses from Nashville since 2005. He is licensed in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas.

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"Forrest had been very helpful to work with in several areas."

Jessee B. on ContractsCounsel
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March 14, 2022

Jessee B.

Attorney & Founder of Creative Counsel Law
Tennessee
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TN
The University of Memphis—Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law | Juris Doctor, Law)

Whether you’re a founder, business owner, creative professional, creator, entertainer, influencer, podcaster, content creator, athlete, artist, actor, model, musician, startup, nonprofit, or entrepreneur, Creative Counsel Law is here to help you launch, scale, and protect your brand. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of turning your vision into reality. That’s why we provide legal expertise, personalized counsel, and innovative solutions designed to meet your needs. Services include: > Creative Industry Counsel: Legal guidance for creators and creative professionals related to branding, design, writing, film, music, art, entertainment, social media, e-commerce, marketing, advertising, Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL), intellectual property, content creation, ownership, licensing, collaboration agreements, brand development and protection. > Fractional General Counsel: Ongoing legal guidance and support for businesses of all sizes. > Business Formation, Support & Legal Strategy: Tailored legal services and support to meet your business needs, including entity formation (partnerships, LLCs, corporations), corporate governance, compliance, strategic planning, financing, mergers and acquisitions, transactions, risk management, employment agreements, operational contracts, and regulatory guidance. > Intellectual Property: Trademark and copyright search, registration, renewal, and strategic solutions to safeguard your brand, creative assets, and intellectual property rights. > Contract Review, Drafting, & Negotiations: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements to protect your interests and advocate for the compensation you deserve; employment contracts, partnership agreements, vendor contracts, licensing deals, confidentiality agreements, joint venture agreements, service agreements, and more. > Startup & Nonprofit Guidance: Compliance strategies and support for growth and sustainability. > Real Estate Assistance: Guidance and expertise for property title issues, purchases, sales, leasing, contract negotiations, and compliance with real estate laws and regulations. At Creative Counsel Law, we combine legal expertise with a client-centered approach to empower innovators and entrepreneurs across industries. Your vision deserves a legal partner who understands both your business goals and your creative passions. Want to work together? Reach out to hello@creativecounsellaw.com and let us know what you need help with.

Rebecca R. on ContractsCounsel
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Rebecca R.

Attorney
Free Consultation
St. Petersburg, FL/Nashville, TN
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TN FL
University of Tennessee College of Law

Experienced attorneyin leasing, NDA, family law, commercial real estate, immigration and employment . Well versed in internal and external policy document and manual creation.

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Christina S. on ContractsCounsel
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November 1, 2022

Christina S.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Kingsport, TN
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TN
Appalachian Law School

I am an attorney who has been practicing for over a decade, experienced in multiple areas of law, both from a litigation and more procedural side. The great thing about my practice is that it has trained me to deal with so many different types of problems and to find solutions in a variety of legal scenarios that are almost never similar.

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Abraham W. on ContractsCounsel
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Amos M. on ContractsCounsel
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Amos M.

Principal
Free Consultation
Nashville, TN
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TN GA
Mississippi College School of Law

Since 2008, I have worked to assist clients in solving problems and addressing challenges that inevitably arise as a business grows - both anticipated and unexpected. My experience in Georgia and Tennessee in both drafting contracts and enforcing them via litigation and/or arbitration has provided clients with unique insights that help them anticipate problems and inform their decisions from start to finish.

Jerry L. on ContractsCounsel
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May 17, 2022

Jerry L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Nashville, Tennessee
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TN
University of Tennessee

Jerry provides legal advice to business owners regarding contracts, business law, labor & employment, wills and estates, and real estate.

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Lawyer Reviews for Tennessee Employment Contract Projects

9 page employment contract review, compare 2 onine educational services

5.0

"Great work all around."

New York
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5.0

"Ryenne was so helpful and was able to review and advise on my issue within less than a day. I would definitely recommend their expertise!"

Illinois
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5.0

"Quick completion time and detailed responses and reasoning for edits."

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Utah
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executive compensation or private equity employment agreements

5.0

"I might to reach out if I have any other questions, but you have been awesome. Thank you."

Texas
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review of new employment contract

5.0

"Great working with Dolan: Comprehensive and high quality work well ahead of the agreed timeline"

Washington
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Employment

Employment Contract

Massachusetts

Asked on Apr 12, 2023

What's paid time off in an employment contract?

I am a recent college graduate and I am in the process of negotiating an employment contract with a large company. I am trying to make sure I understand the terms of the contract, including the paid time off that is offered. I am hoping to get a better understanding of what's included in the paid time off section of the contract so I can make an informed decision about the offer.

Joseph M.

Answered May 12, 2023

Paid Time Off (PTO) is essentially days (or even hours) that the employee is not required to work but the employer still pays the employee for those hours. It can be awarded in a lump sum in advance, or earned and accumulated over time, dependent on the terms of the employment agreement. PTO may be granted in addition to or in lieu of vacation days, sick days, etc, again depending on the unique employment agreement.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Employment Contract

North Carolina

Asked on Apr 18, 2023

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.

Answered May 30, 2023

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Business

Employment Contract

California

Asked on Oct 4, 2022

What is fixed term employment contract?

I have been given a contract that says 'Fixed Term Employment Contract'. How is this different than a normal employment contract? Is there anything I need to consider before signing this?

Michael M.

Answered Oct 7, 2022

This is an agreement that has a fixed amount of years which is agreed to by the employer and the employee. These types of agreements usually have a term of say 1, 2, or 3 years and often are renewable for another fixed term

Read 2 attorney answers>

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Labor

Employment Contract

Georgia

Asked on Oct 4, 2021

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.

Answered Oct 5, 2021

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

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ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
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Location: North Carolina
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Employment Contract
Page Count: 15
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Bid Range: $450 - $1,000
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