Severance Agreement Review & Negotiation

How we help

• Review deadlines, payment terms, and what you’re actually giving up
• Analyze release language, confidentiality, non-disparagement, and restrictions
• Identify leverage points and negotiation strategy
• Seek improved compensation and cleaner terms when possible

A severance agreement is often presented during a stressful moment, immediately after termination or when an employee is pressured to resign. The deadlines are short, the language is dense, and the employer’s offer can appear more generous than it actually is. My work focuses on helping employees understand exactly what they are signing and whether the terms truly protect their interests.

A proper review includes far more than checking the payment amount. It requires examining release provisions, non-disparagement clauses, confidentiality, post-employment restrictions, cooperation clauses, and how each section affects future rights. Many agreements contain broad waivers of discrimination claims, or language that quietly limits the employee’s leverage.

In most cases, the terms are negotiable. Employers expect attorneys to request revisions, and in many situations, a well-structured negotiation results in increased compensation or more favorable language. Timing matters, strategy matters, and understanding the employer’s likely approach matters just as much.

Employees often come to me with one question: “Is this fair?” My goal is to answer that clearly and to ensure they do not give up rights they never intended to waive. I help clients review, negotiate, and finalize severance agreements so they can move forward with clarity rather than uncertainty.