Washington, D.C. Employment Law

Our DC-Metropolitan Based Law Firm Specializes in Employment, Security Clearance, and Retirement Law.

DC Severance AgreementsDC severance agreement

Leaving a job is never simple, especially if you are faced with an unexpected termination and suddenly asked to sign a severance agreement. For employees in Washington, D.C., navigating the settlement agreement process requires a comprehensive understanding of both federal and local laws to ensure that the terms you receive are fair, lawful, and in your best interests. Our DC employment lawyers at Berry & Berry, PLLC specialize in representing DC employees in severance agreement negotiations. We understand this process well and provide legal advice and representation to employees seeking the best possible outcomes from their severance agreement.

Understanding DC Severance Agreements

A severance agreement is a contract between you and your employer that outlines the terms of your departure from your job. These agreements are commonly used by employers to mitigate any potential legal disputes that may arise from your departure. Because severance agreements are usually written by employers and their legal teams, it is important for employees to fully understand the terms of their severance agreement to ensure that they are being treated fairly under DC law. A well-negotiated severance agreement can minimize the impact of your termination and provide you with a solid foundation as you transition to a new job.

What to Look for in DC Severance Agreements

Severance agreements contain various terms that may provide you with benefits or impose certain legal obligations. Severance agreements mostly involve private sector employees in DC. DC government employees are covered by severance provisions in the DC Code. Before signing any severance agreement in Washington, DC, you should first determine whether your agreement contains any of the following terms:

1. Severance Pay and Benefits

Severance pay is compensation provided to you upon termination of employment. Under DC law, employers are not required to offer severance pay, and the amount of severance pay you may be offered is a matter of agreement between you and your employer. A severance agreement lawyer will negotiate with your employer to ensure that you are properly compensated with severance pay and any other benefits you may be entitled to, such as outstanding wages and unused leave time.

2. General Release of Claims

By signing an agreement with a general release term, an employee waives their right to pursue legal action against the employer for any issues arising from the employment relationship or termination. A severance agreement lawyer will review general release terms and other waivers to make sure that the rights and benefits you are entitled to are protected.

3. Non-Compete Clauses

These provisions prevent employees from working with the employer’s competitors for a specified period after the employee’s departure. As of October 2022, Washington, D.C. has made it illegal for employers to impose non-compete agreements on most employees who earn less than the “minimum qualifying annual income” of $150,000 per year. Employees earning a higher income can only be subject to a limited non-compete term. A severance agreement lawyer will make sure that any agreement provided by your employer is in full compliance with these new laws.

4. Non-Disclosure and Non-Disparagement Clauses

Employers often include clauses that restrict former employees from revealing certain information related to their employment, or from making negative statements about the employer. While these clauses are commonplace, a severance agreement lawyer will review these terms to make sure they are reasonable in scope and not overly restrictive.

5. Future References

In many severance agreements, the parties will work out a reference for a departing employee. It is often important for an employee to have a future reference as they seek new employment. If left unaddressed in the severance agreement, the employer is free to say what they would like to when prospective employers call.

Avoid Pressure to Sign Agreements Without Legal Review

Your employer may try to pressure you with tight deadlines into signing a severance agreement before you even understand what you are signing. Before signing a severance agreement, DC employees should make every effort to thoroughly review the terms, understand their rights and obligations, and seek professional legal advice to negotiate a fair and beneficial outcome.

Contact Us

The DC lawyers at Berry & Berry, PLLC offer a full set of legal services to protect your rights and prioritize your interests in the severance agreement process. We have extensive experience negotiating with employers of all shapes and sizes, and we will work closely with you every step of the way. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Washington, DC severance agreement lawyers, please contact us at (703) 668-0070 or by contacting us for an appointment online.

Our Testimonials

I had an exceptional experience working with Berry & Berry. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to their clients. Kim Berry and Aidan Connor were consistently responsive, thoughtful, and thorough in every aspect of their work. What stood out most was their integrity and dedication to delivering high-quality legal services. It’s clear they take great pride in their work and truly care about the people they assist. I’m grateful for all their help and would highly recommend Berry & Berry to anyone in need of knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel.

K. D.

I would highly recommend this firm. Mr. Berry quickly grasped the details of my case, and worked diligently towards a favorable resolution. I really appreciated his expertise and concern for my situation.

John

Berry and Berry was a great firm to work with, and specfically Attorney Melissa Watkins was FANTASTIC! She was very knowledgeable, experienced, and hard working! She was able to quickly assess my case which was previously mishandled by a horrendous law firm and did outstanding work to reach a resolution in the matter. I would not hesitate for a second to rehire Melissa should I need legal representation for the same or similar issue.

Melissa truly went above and beyond on my case. She was patient and answered all questions using her vast experience. She very accurately predicted future events and provided excellent guidance which matched what was, or was about to occur. Her communication was equally excellent, returning questions and calls at her first opportunity to respond to frequent changes and information. Thank you Melissa and Berry&Berry!

Michael

A caring, skilled and relentless team that won’t quit until they get the results you seek. Highly recommend.

Mike C.

I cannot say enough great things about Berry & Berry. I reached out to them regarding my security clearance, and I knew I was in good hands from the beginning. Both John Berry and Todd Hull took the time to truly understand my situation and provided clear, actionable advice throughout the entire process. The entire firm was always prompt with communication, incredibly knowledgeable about the law, and showed a level of professionalism that put me at ease.

Not only was John Berry diligent in handling every detail, but he also worked very hard to ensure a positive outcome. He kept me informed at every step, explaining complex processes and legal terms in ways I could easily understand, which made a stressful situation feel much more manageable.

What truly stood out to me was his compassion and dedication. John showed genuine care about my situation and went above and beyond to provide support.

If you are looking for a firm that is not only incredibly skilled but also trustworthy, responsive, and compassionate, I highly recommend Berry & Berry. I would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.

Ryan H.

When I started my litigation against my employer I was unable to find representation in my local area as I worked for a government institution. I was desperate having never been in a situation of this magnitude. Upon calling the firm the staff listened and guided me to one of the most effective attorney I could ever imagine. The dignity afforded me and her extensive knowledge of federal law was unparalleled. Ms. Watkins is a GEM. She was upfront forthcoming and forthright. When she surmised and articulated salient facts, she just Got It. I would hire HER again. If you find yourself in litigation with the US Government, Department of Defense she is the attorney to consult with.

Althea R.

“Highly recommend Berry & Berry. Kimberly Berry picked up a tremendous mess (from previous attorney) of a case that was about to expire. She not only picked it up but revived it and was able to arrange a settlement after many months of stagnation. I can’t thank her enough for her professionalism, tenacity and timeliness throughout. Thank you Berry & Berry for your EXCELLENT service!”

Anders J.

“John Berry and Aidan Connor! Security Clearance GRANTED! IF I COULD GIVE AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF STARS I WOULD. If moving mountains was a thing that men could actually do, they can do it! My situation was definitely difficult and one for the books. I mean a checkered past for sure. Recovered from it and actually walk the walk. Just the same, very CHECKERED! They are professionals, they are knowledgeable, and they really took the time and care my case needed. I was going to be denied and I truly believe if I had not put them on the job I would be! I am cleared NEVER TO WALK THAT OLD PAST AGAIN but these guys made it happen, truly eternally grateful! Praise God and KEEP MOVING MOUNTAINS Gentlemen!”

David H.

“Attorney Todd Hull and his team at Berry & Berry were fantastic. I had an issue with my security clearance that was favorably and quickly adjudicated. Todd walked me through the process, set reasonable expectations, told me what documents to request and was often the voice of reason when I was understandably a little angry sometimes. More importantly, he took the draft response I had written and all the documents I provided and turned it into a crushing response that blew the government’s case to pieces. He told me to expect a response in 3-4 months and that I would probably have to go to court to get a fair shake and hope for a favorable outcome. Two weeks after submitting my response, I received word that my clearance had been reinstated. This would not have happened without his excellent work. I also think he was extremely fair about billing. I feel he produced a product that required more hours than he billed. He’s a great attorney and I’m so glad I found him.”

Alex S.

“Absolute strongest recommendation. John and his team were professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. He knew the appeals process backwards and forwards, he prepped me for what last ahead at each milestone and was especially thorough.”

Mark O.

“Outstanding legal representation. Highly recommended. John Berry and his team are first class professionals. Melissa Watkins was great!”

Rahim N.

“Berry & Berry is a great firm. Kimberly was very knowledgeable, detailed, professional, and kept me in the loop of the process. I would recommend this firm without hesitation.”

Lakina B.

“I would definitely recommend Berry& Berry. My case was a success thanks to Kimberly she was great. They made me feel very comfortable.”

Kevin L.

I had an exceptional experience working with Berry & Berry. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to their clients. Kim Berry and Aidan Connor were consistently responsive, thoughtful, and thorough in every aspect of their work. What stood out most was their integrity and dedication to delivering high-quality legal services. It’s clear they take great pride in their work and truly care about the people they assist. I’m grateful for all their help and would highly recommend Berry & Berry to anyone in need of knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel.

K. D.

I would highly recommend this firm. Mr. Berry quickly grasped the details of my case, and worked diligently towards a favorable resolution. I really appreciated his expertise and concern for my situation.

John

Berry and Berry was a great firm to work with, and specfically Attorney Melissa Watkins was FANTASTIC! She was very knowledgeable, experienced, and hard working! She was able to quickly assess my case which was previously mishandled by a horrendous law firm and did outstanding work to reach a resolution in the matter. I would not hesitate for a second to rehire Melissa should I need legal representation for the same or similar issue.

Melissa truly went above and beyond on my case. She was patient and answered all questions using her vast experience. She very accurately predicted future events and provided excellent guidance which matched what was, or was about to occur. Her communication was equally excellent, returning questions and calls at her first opportunity to respond to frequent changes and information. Thank you Melissa and Berry&Berry!

Michael

A caring, skilled and relentless team that won’t quit until they get the results you seek. Highly recommend.

Mike C.

I cannot say enough great things about Berry & Berry. I reached out to them regarding my security clearance, and I knew I was in good hands from the beginning. Both John Berry and Todd Hull took the time to truly understand my situation and provided clear, actionable advice throughout the entire process. The entire firm was always prompt with communication, incredibly knowledgeable about the law, and showed a level of professionalism that put me at ease.

Not only was John Berry diligent in handling every detail, but he also worked very hard to ensure a positive outcome. He kept me informed at every step, explaining complex processes and legal terms in ways I could easily understand, which made a stressful situation feel much more manageable.

What truly stood out to me was his compassion and dedication. John showed genuine care about my situation and went above and beyond to provide support.

If you are looking for a firm that is not only incredibly skilled but also trustworthy, responsive, and compassionate, I highly recommend Berry & Berry. I would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.

Ryan H.

When I started my litigation against my employer I was unable to find representation in my local area as I worked for a government institution. I was desperate having never been in a situation of this magnitude. Upon calling the firm the staff listened and guided me to one of the most effective attorney I could ever imagine. The dignity afforded me and her extensive knowledge of federal law was unparalleled. Ms. Watkins is a GEM. She was upfront forthcoming and forthright. When she surmised and articulated salient facts, she just Got It. I would hire HER again. If you find yourself in litigation with the US Government, Department of Defense she is the attorney to consult with.

Althea R.

“Highly recommend Berry & Berry. Kimberly Berry picked up a tremendous mess (from previous attorney) of a case that was about to expire. She not only picked it up but revived it and was able to arrange a settlement after many months of stagnation. I can’t thank her enough for her professionalism, tenacity and timeliness throughout. Thank you Berry & Berry for your EXCELLENT service!”

Anders J.

“John Berry and Aidan Connor! Security Clearance GRANTED! IF I COULD GIVE AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF STARS I WOULD. If moving mountains was a thing that men could actually do, they can do it! My situation was definitely difficult and one for the books. I mean a checkered past for sure. Recovered from it and actually walk the walk. Just the same, very CHECKERED! They are professionals, they are knowledgeable, and they really took the time and care my case needed. I was going to be denied and I truly believe if I had not put them on the job I would be! I am cleared NEVER TO WALK THAT OLD PAST AGAIN but these guys made it happen, truly eternally grateful! Praise God and KEEP MOVING MOUNTAINS Gentlemen!”

David H.

“Attorney Todd Hull and his team at Berry & Berry were fantastic. I had an issue with my security clearance that was favorably and quickly adjudicated. Todd walked me through the process, set reasonable expectations, told me what documents to request and was often the voice of reason when I was understandably a little angry sometimes. More importantly, he took the draft response I had written and all the documents I provided and turned it into a crushing response that blew the government’s case to pieces. He told me to expect a response in 3-4 months and that I would probably have to go to court to get a fair shake and hope for a favorable outcome. Two weeks after submitting my response, I received word that my clearance had been reinstated. This would not have happened without his excellent work. I also think he was extremely fair about billing. I feel he produced a product that required more hours than he billed. He’s a great attorney and I’m so glad I found him.”

Alex S.

“Absolute strongest recommendation. John and his team were professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. He knew the appeals process backwards and forwards, he prepped me for what last ahead at each milestone and was especially thorough.”

Mark O.

“Outstanding legal representation. Highly recommended. John Berry and his team are first class professionals. Melissa Watkins was great!”

Rahim N.

“Berry & Berry is a great firm. Kimberly was very knowledgeable, detailed, professional, and kept me in the loop of the process. I would recommend this firm without hesitation.”

Lakina B.

“I would definitely recommend Berry& Berry. My case was a success thanks to Kimberly she was great. They made me feel very comfortable.”

Kevin L.

I had an exceptional experience working with Berry & Berry. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to their clients. Kim Berry and Aidan Connor were consistently responsive, thoughtful, and thorough in every aspect of their work. What stood out most was their integrity and dedication to delivering high-quality legal services. It’s clear they take great pride in their work and truly care about the people they assist. I’m grateful for all their help and would highly recommend Berry & Berry to anyone in need of knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel.

K. D.

I would highly recommend this firm. Mr. Berry quickly grasped the details of my case, and worked diligently towards a favorable resolution. I really appreciated his expertise and concern for my situation.

John

Berry and Berry was a great firm to work with, and specfically Attorney Melissa Watkins was FANTASTIC! She was very knowledgeable, experienced, and hard working! She was able to quickly assess my case which was previously mishandled by a horrendous law firm and did outstanding work to reach a resolution in the matter. I would not hesitate for a second to rehire Melissa should I need legal representation for the same or similar issue.

Melissa truly went above and beyond on my case. She was patient and answered all questions using her vast experience. She very accurately predicted future events and provided excellent guidance which matched what was, or was about to occur. Her communication was equally excellent, returning questions and calls at her first opportunity to respond to frequent changes and information. Thank you Melissa and Berry&Berry!

Michael

A caring, skilled and relentless team that won’t quit until they get the results you seek. Highly recommend.

Mike C.

I cannot say enough great things about Berry & Berry. I reached out to them regarding my security clearance, and I knew I was in good hands from the beginning. Both John Berry and Todd Hull took the time to truly understand my situation and provided clear, actionable advice throughout the entire process. The entire firm was always prompt with communication, incredibly knowledgeable about the law, and showed a level of professionalism that put me at ease.

Not only was John Berry diligent in handling every detail, but he also worked very hard to ensure a positive outcome. He kept me informed at every step, explaining complex processes and legal terms in ways I could easily understand, which made a stressful situation feel much more manageable.

What truly stood out to me was his compassion and dedication. John showed genuine care about my situation and went above and beyond to provide support.

If you are looking for a firm that is not only incredibly skilled but also trustworthy, responsive, and compassionate, I highly recommend Berry & Berry. I would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.

Ryan H.

When I started my litigation against my employer I was unable to find representation in my local area as I worked for a government institution. I was desperate having never been in a situation of this magnitude. Upon calling the firm the staff listened and guided me to one of the most effective attorney I could ever imagine. The dignity afforded me and her extensive knowledge of federal law was unparalleled. Ms. Watkins is a GEM. She was upfront forthcoming and forthright. When she surmised and articulated salient facts, she just Got It. I would hire HER again. If you find yourself in litigation with the US Government, Department of Defense she is the attorney to consult with.

Althea R.

“Highly recommend Berry & Berry. Kimberly Berry picked up a tremendous mess (from previous attorney) of a case that was about to expire. She not only picked it up but revived it and was able to arrange a settlement after many months of stagnation. I can’t thank her enough for her professionalism, tenacity and timeliness throughout. Thank you Berry & Berry for your EXCELLENT service!”

Anders J.

“John Berry and Aidan Connor! Security Clearance GRANTED! IF I COULD GIVE AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF STARS I WOULD. If moving mountains was a thing that men could actually do, they can do it! My situation was definitely difficult and one for the books. I mean a checkered past for sure. Recovered from it and actually walk the walk. Just the same, very CHECKERED! They are professionals, they are knowledgeable, and they really took the time and care my case needed. I was going to be denied and I truly believe if I had not put them on the job I would be! I am cleared NEVER TO WALK THAT OLD PAST AGAIN but these guys made it happen, truly eternally grateful! Praise God and KEEP MOVING MOUNTAINS Gentlemen!”

David H.

“Attorney Todd Hull and his team at Berry & Berry were fantastic. I had an issue with my security clearance that was favorably and quickly adjudicated. Todd walked me through the process, set reasonable expectations, told me what documents to request and was often the voice of reason when I was understandably a little angry sometimes. More importantly, he took the draft response I had written and all the documents I provided and turned it into a crushing response that blew the government’s case to pieces. He told me to expect a response in 3-4 months and that I would probably have to go to court to get a fair shake and hope for a favorable outcome. Two weeks after submitting my response, I received word that my clearance had been reinstated. This would not have happened without his excellent work. I also think he was extremely fair about billing. I feel he produced a product that required more hours than he billed. He’s a great attorney and I’m so glad I found him.”

Alex S.

“Absolute strongest recommendation. John and his team were professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. He knew the appeals process backwards and forwards, he prepped me for what last ahead at each milestone and was especially thorough.”

Mark O.

“Outstanding legal representation. Highly recommended. John Berry and his team are first class professionals. Melissa Watkins was great!”

Rahim N.

“Berry & Berry is a great firm. Kimberly was very knowledgeable, detailed, professional, and kept me in the loop of the process. I would recommend this firm without hesitation.”

Lakina B.

“I would definitely recommend Berry& Berry. My case was a success thanks to Kimberly she was great. They made me feel very comfortable.”

Kevin L.

I had an exceptional experience working with Berry & Berry. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to their clients. Kim Berry and Aidan Connor were consistently responsive, thoughtful, and thorough in every aspect of their work. What stood out most was their integrity and dedication to delivering high-quality legal services. It’s clear they take great pride in their work and truly care about the people they assist. I’m grateful for all their help and would highly recommend Berry & Berry to anyone in need of knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel.

K. D.

I would highly recommend this firm. Mr. Berry quickly grasped the details of my case, and worked diligently towards a favorable resolution. I really appreciated his expertise and concern for my situation.

John

Berry and Berry was a great firm to work with, and specfically Attorney Melissa Watkins was FANTASTIC! She was very knowledgeable, experienced, and hard working! She was able to quickly assess my case which was previously mishandled by a horrendous law firm and did outstanding work to reach a resolution in the matter. I would not hesitate for a second to rehire Melissa should I need legal representation for the same or similar issue.

Melissa truly went above and beyond on my case. She was patient and answered all questions using her vast experience. She very accurately predicted future events and provided excellent guidance which matched what was, or was about to occur. Her communication was equally excellent, returning questions and calls at her first opportunity to respond to frequent changes and information. Thank you Melissa and Berry&Berry!

Michael

A caring, skilled and relentless team that won’t quit until they get the results you seek. Highly recommend.

Mike C.

I cannot say enough great things about Berry & Berry. I reached out to them regarding my security clearance, and I knew I was in good hands from the beginning. Both John Berry and Todd Hull took the time to truly understand my situation and provided clear, actionable advice throughout the entire process. The entire firm was always prompt with communication, incredibly knowledgeable about the law, and showed a level of professionalism that put me at ease.

Not only was John Berry diligent in handling every detail, but he also worked very hard to ensure a positive outcome. He kept me informed at every step, explaining complex processes and legal terms in ways I could easily understand, which made a stressful situation feel much more manageable.

What truly stood out to me was his compassion and dedication. John showed genuine care about my situation and went above and beyond to provide support.

If you are looking for a firm that is not only incredibly skilled but also trustworthy, responsive, and compassionate, I highly recommend Berry & Berry. I would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.

Ryan H.

When I started my litigation against my employer I was unable to find representation in my local area as I worked for a government institution. I was desperate having never been in a situation of this magnitude. Upon calling the firm the staff listened and guided me to one of the most effective attorney I could ever imagine. The dignity afforded me and her extensive knowledge of federal law was unparalleled. Ms. Watkins is a GEM. She was upfront forthcoming and forthright. When she surmised and articulated salient facts, she just Got It. I would hire HER again. If you find yourself in litigation with the US Government, Department of Defense she is the attorney to consult with.

Althea R.

“Highly recommend Berry & Berry. Kimberly Berry picked up a tremendous mess (from previous attorney) of a case that was about to expire. She not only picked it up but revived it and was able to arrange a settlement after many months of stagnation. I can’t thank her enough for her professionalism, tenacity and timeliness throughout. Thank you Berry & Berry for your EXCELLENT service!”

Anders J.

“John Berry and Aidan Connor! Security Clearance GRANTED! IF I COULD GIVE AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF STARS I WOULD. If moving mountains was a thing that men could actually do, they can do it! My situation was definitely difficult and one for the books. I mean a checkered past for sure. Recovered from it and actually walk the walk. Just the same, very CHECKERED! They are professionals, they are knowledgeable, and they really took the time and care my case needed. I was going to be denied and I truly believe if I had not put them on the job I would be! I am cleared NEVER TO WALK THAT OLD PAST AGAIN but these guys made it happen, truly eternally grateful! Praise God and KEEP MOVING MOUNTAINS Gentlemen!”

David H.

“Attorney Todd Hull and his team at Berry & Berry were fantastic. I had an issue with my security clearance that was favorably and quickly adjudicated. Todd walked me through the process, set reasonable expectations, told me what documents to request and was often the voice of reason when I was understandably a little angry sometimes. More importantly, he took the draft response I had written and all the documents I provided and turned it into a crushing response that blew the government’s case to pieces. He told me to expect a response in 3-4 months and that I would probably have to go to court to get a fair shake and hope for a favorable outcome. Two weeks after submitting my response, I received word that my clearance had been reinstated. This would not have happened without his excellent work. I also think he was extremely fair about billing. I feel he produced a product that required more hours than he billed. He’s a great attorney and I’m so glad I found him.”

Alex S.

“Absolute strongest recommendation. John and his team were professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. He knew the appeals process backwards and forwards, he prepped me for what last ahead at each milestone and was especially thorough.”

Mark O.

“Outstanding legal representation. Highly recommended. John Berry and his team are first class professionals. Melissa Watkins was great!”

Rahim N.

“Berry & Berry is a great firm. Kimberly was very knowledgeable, detailed, professional, and kept me in the loop of the process. I would recommend this firm without hesitation.”

Lakina B.

“I would definitely recommend Berry& Berry. My case was a success thanks to Kimberly she was great. They made me feel very comfortable.”

Kevin L.

If you wish to explore legal representation, please call our office or use this form to inquire about our consultation process.

Call Us Today!703-668-0070

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