Center City Severance Agreement Lawyers
If you’ve been presented with a severance agreement by your employer in Center City Philadelphia, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re signing. These agreements often contain complex legal terms that affect your rights now and in the future. At The Gold Law Firm P.C., our experienced severance agreement lawyers help employees evaluate, negotiate, and revise severance packages to ensure they are fair and legally sound.
Whether you’re leaving a job voluntarily, being laid off, or facing termination, having a knowledgeable employment attorney in your corner can make all the difference.
What Is a Severance Agreement?
A severance agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that typically outlines the terms of employment termination. In exchange for compensation or other benefits, employees are often asked to waive specific rights, including the right to sue for discrimination, wrongful termination, or unpaid wages.
While severance agreements are not always required by law, employers may offer them to limit future liability or to provide goodwill during layoffs or restructuring.
A standard severance agreement may include:
- Severance pay (a lump sum or continued salary)
- Continuation of health benefits or COBRA coverage
- A release of legal claims against the employer
- Confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses
- Non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions
- Return of company property
- References and reemployment terms
Before signing any agreement, it is essential to fully understand how it impacts your legal rights.
Why You Should Consult a Severance Agreement Attorney
Many employees feel pressure to sign severance documents quickly, often within a tight deadline. However, once signed, these agreements can be difficult — or even impossible — to undo. That’s why it’s critical to have your agreement reviewed by a skilled attorney before making any decisions.
At The Gold Law Firm P.C., we can:
- Explain your rights and obligations under the agreement.
- Identify red flags that may harm your future employment prospects or legal claims.
- Negotiate better terms, including higher severance pay or limited restrictions.
- Protect you from unfair or unlawful provisions, such as overly broad non-compete clauses or vague confidentiality rules.
- Advise you on claims you may be waiving, such as workplace discrimination, harassment, or wage violations.
We approach each severance case with personalized attention, ensuring that your interests — not your employer’s — remain the priority.
Common Issues We Address in Severance Agreements
Every severance package is different, but certain provisions deserve close scrutiny. Our Center City employment lawyers frequently advise clients on issues such as:
- Release of Claims: Most severance agreements require employees to waive any potential claims against the employer. These may include discrimination, retaliation, or unpaid wage claims. We’ll review whether your waiver is valid and whether you may be giving up valuable legal rights.
- Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenants: A severance agreement may contain language preventing you from working for a competitor or soliciting former clients. We evaluate the scope and enforceability of these restrictions under Pennsylvania law and negotiate limitations if they are too broad or unfair.
- Severance Pay Amount: Employers often have discretion over how much they offer, but that doesn’t mean the offer is reasonable. We assess whether the compensation reflects your length of service, role, and circumstances of separation, and push for a more favorable amount when appropriate.
- Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement: These clauses can restrict your ability to discuss your experience or share why you left the company. We help ensure that such clauses are not overly burdensome and that you can still talk about your employment in future job interviews.
- COBRA and Benefits Continuation: We’ll confirm whether your agreement addresses continued health benefits, retirement contributions, or other key benefits and explain how they coordinate with federal COBRA rights and state law.
Who We Represent
At The Gold Law Firm P.C., we work with employees at all levels and across all industries, including:
- Executives and C-level professionals
- Mid-level managers and directors
- Health care, education, and nonprofit workers
- Sales professionals and consultants
- Tech and startup employees
- Union and non-union workers
Whether you’re dealing with a severance agreement as part of a company layoff, performance-related separation, or a negotiated exit, we can guide you through the process and protect your future.
Timing Matters — Don’t Delay
You typically have a limited window to review and accept or reject a severance agreement. Under federal law, employees over age 40 who are asked to release age discrimination claims must be given at least 21 days to consider the agreement (and seven days to revoke it after signing). However, many agreements include shorter deadlines.
Don’t sign under pressure. Take advantage of your time to get legal advice and protect yourself before your rights are gone.
Why Choose The Gold Law Firm P.C.?
At The Gold Law Firm P.C., we are known for our in-depth knowledge of employment law and our dedication to helping employees navigate difficult transitions. When you work with our team, you benefit from:
- Experienced employment lawyers who focus on workplace rights.
- Detailed severance reviews and customized advice.
- Skilled negotiators who understand how to push for better terms.
- Straightforward guidance so you can make informed decisions.
- Accessible service located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia.
We offer confidential consultations and clear pricing so there are no surprises. Whether you’re evaluating a severance agreement or have already signed one and have concerns, we’re ready to help.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Center City Severance Agreement Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C.
Before signing a severance package, get the clarity and protection you deserve. The Gold Law Firm P.C. helps employees across Philadelphia understand their rights, avoid costly mistakes, and negotiate stronger outcomes. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our Center City severance agreement lawyers. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Cherry Hill.