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D.C. 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 D.C. employment lawyers at Berry & Berry, PLLC specialize in representing D.C. 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 D.C. 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 D.C. 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 D.C. Severance Agreements

Severance agreements contain various terms that may provide you with benefits or impose certain legal obligations. Before signing any severance agreement in Washington, D.C., you should first determine whether your agreement contains any of the following terms:

     Severance Pay and Benefits

Severance pay is compensation provided to you upon termination of employment. Under D.C. 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.

     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.

     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.

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.

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, 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 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, D.C. severance agreement lawyers, please contact us at (703) 668-0070 or by contacting us for an appointment online.

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

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