Employment Law: Non-Compete, Confidentiality Agreements and Other Contracts 

One of the most commonly used agreements is an employment contract - even for at-will employees. These can range from simple independent contractor agreements to complex non-disclosure and non-compete agreements. As an employee,  before you sign anything, it’s critical to ensure you understand what you’re agreeing to. As an employer, knowing when and how to use these agreements effectively can be key in preventing future disputes and lawsuits. You’ll also be able to protect your confidential information and competitive edge.

Another increasingly common employment contract is the severance agreement. Many employees wrongly believe they have no choice but to sign these as-is, with no negotiation of the terms or compensation paid. Many times, however, employees have more leverage than they think. What’s more, severance agreements can affect a wide variety of your rights, from your ability to work for a competitor to your right to receive unemployment. Before you sign, talk to the Patterson Law Firm to make what you’re agreeing to is fair, equitable, and appropriate to your circumstances.