Before starting a new job, you will likely be asked to sign an employment agreement. You may feel pressured to sign it as presented to start with your best foot forward, even if you may not necessarily be confident with it. But you should not hesitate in seeking legal counsel if you feel hesitant in any way. Continue reading to learn what you should expect from your employment agreement and how an experienced New York employee contract lawyer of Bell Law Group can protect your interests.
What does employment-at-will mean in New York State?
Notably, New York State is an employment-at-will state. This means the following things:
- Employees in New York State are entitled to quit their job for any reason at all.
- Employers in New York State are entitled to lay off or fire employees for any reason or no reason at all.
However, there are exceptions to this, which include the following:
- An employer cannot terminate an employee for unlawful reasons, such as discrimination.
- An employer must abide by the terms of the agreement that governs how you may be terminated.
For these reasons, it is imperative to thoroughly understand the terms of your employment agreement before signing.
What conditions should I expect to be included in my employment agreement?
Your employment agreement states more than just your salary and your start date. Rather, it can have serious legal implications that you should seriously reflect on before signing. For one, it may contain a noncompete clause that prevents you from working for the employer’s competitors for a certain amount of years. What’s more, it may contain a nondisclosure agreement that could be the basis of future litigation.
The following are other conditions that may pop up in your employment agreement:
- Your overall responsibilities toward the company and the employer.
- The set duration of your employment.
- Company policies and rules that you are required to follow, or your employment can be terminated.
- Other circumstances in which your employment can be terminated.
- Terms and conditions of potential benefits.
- Terms and conditions of your eligibility to receive paid time off.
If you require assistance with navigating these terms and conditions, it is in your best interest to retain the services of a skilled New York employee rights lawyer today.
CONTACT THE BELL LAW GROUP, PLLC TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
If your employer has possibly committed wage and hour violations, you need to hire an attorney who understands all of the applicable state and federal employment laws. At Bell Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys are experienced in private employment claims. We offer a free strategy session and have offices in New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C. To schedule your consultation, call 855-566-2355 or contact us.
