Quick Facts — Employment Contract Lawyers (Washington)

What is a Washington Employment Contract?

A Washington employment contract is a legally binding document that is executed by an employer and an employee. Employment contracts describe the specific rights and expectations of both parties throughout the employment relationship. Employment contracts are usually used when hiring high level permanent employees, but can also be used when hiring temporary employees, contractors, and consultants.

Washington, like most states, is an “at-will” employment state. This means that outside of a few exceptions, an employer and an employee can end the working relationship at any time for any reason without notice. Employees who work “at will” are at a disadvantage because they can lose their job at any time.

Once an employee signs an employment contract, they are no longer an “at will” employee. The Employment contract overrides “at will” laws and provides certain protection for the worker.

It is common for employment contracts to have clauses that describe the company’s disciplinary procedures and reasons why an employee may be terminated. Once a contract is executed, the employer is bound to terms of the contract and will need a valid reason to terminate the employee.

Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in Washington?

Yes. Certain employment contracts are enforceable in Washington. Employment contracts that cover the basic working relationship will governed by state contract laws. These agreements cover issues like:

  • Job duties
  • Job duration
  • Salary
  • Benefits
  • Time off and vacation
  • Company policy
  • Disciplinary procedures
  • Reasons for termination

Another type of employment contract is a restrictive contract called a non-compete agreement. These types of contracts are governed by separate laws and are not always enforceable in Washington.

In 2020, Washington revised their non-compete laws and added more restrictions to these agreements. Some new restrictions include:

  1. Non-competes for employees making less than $100,000 will not be enforced
  2. Non-compete agreements are valid for only 18 months after the employee leaves the company
  3. Non-compete agreements must be agreed upon before the employee accepts the job offer

These new laws are retroactive and will apply to all non-compete agreements signed in Washington, even if the agreement was signed before 2020.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Washington Employment Contracts?

The legal requirements for Washington employment contracts are governed by Washington State labor regulations. It is best practice for employment contracts to be written and signed, but oral contracts for employment that can be completed within one year is also enforceable.

Employment contracts cannot violate any laws or public policies or force employees to give up rights granted by the law. For example, in Washington, the minimum wage is set by law. An employment contract cannot require an employee to work for less than the state minimum wage.

Types of Washington Employment Contracts

There are several types of employment contracts used in Washington. The type of contract will vary based on the job and the type of employee being hired to complete the work.

Common types of employment contracts include:

  • Permanent employment. This contract is used when hiring permanent employees. This contract will turn an “at will” employee into a “contract employee”.
  • Non-disclosure agreement (NDA). A restrictive employment contract that prohibits employees from sharing confidential company information. This is often used to protect trade secrets or customer lists.
  • Non-compete agreement. A restrictive clause that limits an employee’s ability to work for a competitor of the company before and after employment.
  • Non-solicitation agreement. Prevents employees from soliciting customers or other employees after employment.
  • Independent contractor employment. Sometimes, workers that companies hire are not considered company employees but instead an independent contractor. Independent contractors are subject to different laws and rights than regular employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Michigan Employment Contract from Michigan Review
  • Michigan
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $450 - $850
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California Employment Contract Review Review
  • California
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $500 - $1,250
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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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Rosario A. on ContractsCounsel
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Rosario A.

Attorney at Law
Free Consultation
Seattle, WA
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WA
University of Washington

I'm a Washington-licensed lawyer specializing in trademark practice and with an extensive trademark education and academic background. I currently work with domestic and international businesses seeking trademark protection in the U.S. by conducting trademark searches, providing legal advice, submitting USPTO applications, and preparing responses to office actions. I'm passionate about trademark law and always looking forward to helping small and medium businesses promote their value by having a registered federal trademark. If you have questions or concerns about trademark/copyright/IP licensing and require legal advice, feel free to contact me and we can have a first chat.

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Justin A.

Partner
Free Consultation
Seattle, WA
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WA NY
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I am a lawyer who helps small businesses, nonprofits, and startups with a wide variety of agreements, corporate formation, and corporate governance. ​ I earned my BA from Tulane University and my JD from the University of Chicago Law School. Before starting my own practice, I worked at an international law firm in New York City. ​ Outside of work, I am on the board of the nonprofit Seattle REconomy (which runs the NE Seattle and Shoreline tool libraries) and I enjoy gardening, baking bread, and outdoor activities with my spouse and two dogs.

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Jason P.

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Jason is a self-starting, go-getting lawyer who takes a pragmatic approach to helping his clients. He co-founded Fortify Law because he was not satisfied with the traditional approach to providing legal services. He firmly believes that legal costs should be predictable, transparent and value-driven. Jason’s entrepreneurial mindset enables him to better understand his clients’ needs. His first taste of entrepreneurship came from an early age when he helped manage his family’s small free range cattle farm. Every morning, before school, he would deliver hay to a herd of 50 hungry cows. In addition, he was responsible for sweeping "the shop" at his parent's 40-employee HVAC business. Before becoming a lawyer, he clerked at the Lewis & Clark Small Business Legal Clinic where he handled a diverse range of legal issues including establishing new businesses, registering trademarks, and drafting contracts. He also spent time working with the in-house team at adidas® where, among other things, he reviewed and negotiated complex agreements and created training materials for employees. He also previously worked with Meriwether Group, a Portland-based business consulting firm focused on accelerating the growth of disruptive consumer brands and facilitating founder exits. These experiences have enabled Jason to not only understand the unique legal hurdles that can threaten a business, but also help position them for growth. Jason's practice focuses on Business and Intellectual Property Law, including: ​ -Reviewing and negotiating contracts -Resolving internal corporate disputes -Creating employment and HR policies -Registering and protecting intellectual property -Forming new businesses and subsidiaries -Facilitating Business mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies -Conducting international business transactions ​​ In his free time, Jason is an adventure junkie and gear-head. He especially enjoys backpacking, kayaking, and snowboarding. He is also a technology enthusiast, craft beer connoisseur, and avid soccer player.

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Curt B. on ContractsCounsel
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Curt B.

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Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

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Lawyer Reviews for Washington Employment Contract Projects

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"Darryl did an excellent job helping us adapt our employment agreement for Texas. He was responsive, answered our questions thoroughly, and made thoughtful revisions based on our business needs rather than simply making every requested change. He explained the reasoning behind his recommendations, which we appreciated. The final agreement is professional, well organized, and gives us confidence as we expand into Texas. I would gladly work with Darryl again and highly recommend him."

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"We were all done in 24 hours. Very responsive."

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

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"Very thoughtful and prompt execution of an employment contract review. I appreciated the speed of feedback and all the suggestions made. Thank you."

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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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

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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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>

Arbitration

Employment Contract

California

Asked on Apr 27, 2023

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.

Answered May 27, 2023

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Contracts

Employment Contract

Ohio

Asked on Apr 13, 2023

What's personal leave in an employment contract?

I have recently been offered a job, and the employment contract I have been provided with states that I am entitled to personal leave. I am not sure what this is, or what it entitles me to. I would like to know what rights and responsibilities I have regarding personal leave, and what the employer's expectations are of me with regards to this leave.

Jeffrey K.

Answered Apr 14, 2023

Personal leave sometimes replaces vacation and sick time. Some employers just give employees time off for whatever reason the employee chooses. To know more about the rights and responsibilities, you should speak to HR at your new employer who will help you with the employer's expectations and your rights under the leave provision in your contract. Also, look at your contract as it may provide insight as to how to implement the leave. When in doubt, speak to HR. Thanks.

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