Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts

Termination Question

I was 'let go' last week after being employed for approx. 1 year. I was not given any verbal warning (as is company policy in the handbook) - but I was an at-will employee. My question is this: I was told (orally) I could sign a ''General Release Agreement'' and in return would receive 2 weeks of severance payments, unemployment compensation immediately and a reference. I have never been fired in my life. My concern is the release signs away rights I may have. I'm not concerned with suing, as this is a law firm. Can this firm renege on its oral promise? What if I sign the Release and they do not grant me severance or unemployment or a reference? If I do not sign it, they told me they will contest unemployment. I had a performance review 6 weeks ago-they told me I walk on water and gave me a 5% raise - the kicker is the review was oral, nothing in writing. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.


Asked on 2/18/06, 3:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Re: Termination Question

You do not say in what job or position you were employed.

You do not say what the promise was on which the firm reneged.

For what alleged reason did they terminate you?

What is the name of the lawfirm? Its size, that is, number of employees? City?

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Answered on 2/18/06, 6:19 pm


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