Quick Facts — Employment Contract Lawyers (Wisconsin)

What is a Wisconsin Employment Contract?

A Wisconsin employment contract is a document that is drafted by an employer and used when hiring new employees. An employment contract will lay out the employer’s expectations for the employee and detail the compensation the employee will receive in return for their work.

Wisconsin is an “at will” employment state. This means that an employer does not have to give an employee a reason to terminate employment. Having an employment contract that clearly defines causes for termination can protect an employee from this law.

Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in Wisconsin?

Employment contracts are enforceable in Wisconsin as long as they abide by applicable contract laws and Wisconsin employment regulations. To be enforceable, an employer must make an employment offer. The employee must accept the offer and there must be an exchange of something of value. In this case, the exchange is the employee’s continued work for compensation.

Contracts should also show that there is a meeting of the minds or a mutual intent for the promises to be binding. When both parties sign a written contract, it is considered intent.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Wisconsin Employment Contracts?

In Wisconsin, employment contracts can be written or oral. Written contracts are preferred because they are easier to enforce and help resolve disputes. The existence of an oral contract is more difficult to enforce, but still legally valid if either party can prove it’s existence.

Types of Wisconsin Employment Contracts

There are several types of employment contracts that may be used by an employer in Wisconsin. The most common include:

  • Contract for permanent employment. An indefinite contract where an employee is hired to work for a company.
  • Contract for fixed term employment. A contract that has an agreed upon start date and end date. The end date can be the completion of the task or project laid out in the contract.
  • Independent contractor agreement. This contract is not a contract for employment but a contract for work to be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Vicki P. on ContractsCounsel
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Vicki P.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Danville, Pennsylvania
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI PA
Regent University School of Law

Vicki graduated from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1996. She is a licensed attorney. She has been admitted to Wisconsin since 1998 and Pennsylvania since 1999.

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Maxwell L.

Lawyer, Owner
Free Consultation
New Berlin, WI
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
Marquette University Law School (JD)

Firm rated best ADR firm for Wisconsin and won an award for cultural innovation in dispute resolution from acquisition international magazine in 2016 and it was rated "Best of Brookfield" by Best Businesses in 2015. Attorney Maxwell C. Livingston was rated 10 best in Labor & Employment Law by American Institute of Legal Counsel and 40 Under 40 by American Society of Legal Advocates for 2016; he also won 10 Best by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. He is licensed in Wisconsin in all state and federal courts, and in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, wherein he won a landmark decision in McCray v. Wielke.

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Michael B. on ContractsCounsel
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Michael B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Illinois
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI IL, MN
University of the Pacific

Michael has extensive experience advising companies from start-ups to established publicly-traded companies . He has represented businesses in a wide array of fields IT consulting, software solutions, web design/ development, financial services, SaaS, data storage, and others. Areas of expertise include contract drafting and negotiation, terms of use, business structuring and funding, company and employee policies, general transactional issues as well as licensing and regulatory compliance. His prior experience before entering private practice includes negotiating sales contracts for a Fortune 500 healthcare company, as well as regulatory compliance contracts for a publicly traded dental manufacturer. Mr. Brennan firmly believes that every business deserves a lawyer that is both responsive and dependable, and he strives to provide that type of service to every client.

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David W. on ContractsCounsel
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David W.

Lawyer
Free Consultation
Wisconsin
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
Marquette Law School

The Law Office of David Watson, LLC provides comprehensive and individualized estate-planning services for all stages and phases of life. I listen to your goals and priorities and offer a range of estate-planning services, including trusts, wills, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and other plans to meet your goals. And for convenience and transparency, many estate-planning services are provided at a flat rate.

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Maury B. on ContractsCounsel
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Maury B.

Senior Counsel
Free Consultation
Minneapolis, MN
35 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI MN
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Respected, driven, ethical, and high energy legal and business professional with strong focus on litigation, contracts and compliance issues. Critical management experience includes client development, developing core initiatives, and forecasting risk in major corporations. Strong legal research, analytical and problem solving skills with demonstrated adaptability in a multifaceted legal practice including delivering high value results in a Fortune 10 environment. Core competencies include: Tactical and strategic legal direction and support to clients which includes contract negotiation, drafting and review, business planning, and a passion for relationship management. Excellent legal research, writing, analytical and problem solving skills including legal training and compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate policies. Coordinates with in-house legal and business resources for team building with excellent verbal communication skills, coaching, and leadership.

Wendy C. on ContractsCounsel
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September 12, 2022

Wendy C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI IL
University of Wisconsin Madison

Business Advisor and Real Estate Consultant: Small boutique firm working to assist entrepreneurs, business start-ups, property investors, new home buyers, and distressed owners Wendy Calvert began her career as a corporate attorney focusing on complex commercial litigation, primarily in construction, property and casualty, and contractor liability. Through this experience, Wendy has managed and successfully litigated cases in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 2004, Wendy relocated to Illinois to work as an insurance litigation counsel and later as an executive sales consultant and insurance expert. Wendy now utilizes her skills as a contract negotiator, litigator, and sales consultant to negotiate real estate deals and help entrepreneurs create and grow the businesses of their dreams. EDUCATION Wendy earned her Juris Doctor in 1999 from the University of Wisconsin Madison. In 1989, Wendy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Communications from Marquette University.

Timothy J. on ContractsCounsel
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August 1, 2023

Timothy J.

Corporate Counsel
Free Consultation
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI FL, IL
Illinois Institute of Technology: Chicago-Kent College of Law

Financial Services, Business, Corporate, Personal Injury, and Healthcare. I've represented fortune 100 companies and defended individuals in personal debt litigation. Wide breadth of experience, ready to assist.

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Lawyer Reviews for Wisconsin Employment Contract Projects

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"Dolan was very prompt, clear, and did exceptional work!"

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5.0

"Great job"

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"Randy was thorough, patient, and got me a great result. Nothing more to say but let his work speak for itself."

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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>

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>

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

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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.

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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.

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