Legal Question in Employment Law in New Jersey

Re: severance packages

Yes, you should have an attorney review it for a variety of reasons. First, the severance package probably includes a provision for you to release any and all rights that you have against your employer. Therefore, it is in your own best interest to sit down with an employment lawyer to explain to you exactly what rights you may be giving up. Additionally, the severance agreement may contain clauses (e.g. non-solicitation and/or non-competition clauses) which may affect your ability to work elsewhere. The severance agreement may also be in violation of other company policies and an attorney should review your company policies to make sure that it is consistant with the severance agreement. Finally, given the fact that you worked for the company for the past 24 years, it is also possible that an attorney could negotiate more money and/or greater benefits for you. Finally, some serveance agreements that I have reviewed actually contain language in them that would make the employee liable for any loss of profits incurred due to the employee's mistakes. Obviously, you do not want to sign an agreement which would allow a former employer to sue you for alleged mistakes which occurred during your employment. I have negotiated many severance agreements. If you would like to discuss this with me further, then contact me at 908.301.9095. - Fred Scampato

Re: severance packages

Yes. Severance packages frequently have the effect of giving up important rights. You should have a lawyer familiar with employment issues review any severance agreement and advise you.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm