Employer Contracts: What You Should Look for Prior to Signing

An employment contract is a legal agreement between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms and conditions of the employment relationship, including the employee’s duties, compensation, benefits, termination, non-compete clauses, and confidentiality agreements.

An employment lawyer New Jersey can help with employment contracts in various ways. Do not leave your employment contract to chance. Contact Ashton E. Thomas today to discuss how they can help you ensure that your employment contracts are up to standards.

Understand the Importance of an Employment Contract

An employment contract is crucial for both the employer and the employee because it defines each party’s rights and responsibilities.

For the employer, a contract for employment can help protect the company from potential legal issues by outlining the terms of the employment relationship, specifying the employee’s role, and provisions for protecting the employer’s confidential information and proprietary rights.

For the employee, an employment contract can provide important information about compensation, benefits, and the terms of their employment. It can also help ensure they are treated fairly and per the law.

Additionally, in case of legal disputes or breach of the employment contract, the employee can present the contract before legal bodies. An employment contract can be a valuable tool in a legal dispute, as it helps establish the employment relationship’s terms and can be used as evidence in court.

However, have an initial employment contract review with legal professionals and review when changes happen to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations.

What To Look for Before Signing Employer Contracts

Employment lawyers in New Jersey can help you understand the terms of your employment and address any misunderstandings or discrepancies before you begin working. Before signing an employment contract, carefully review the following items:

Job duties and responsibilities

By reviewing the duties and responsibilities on your contract of employment, you can ensure that they match your expectations and that the job aligns with your skills and career goals. For example, if the contract includes responsibilities you did not discuss during the interview, you may want to ask for clarification or negotiate for a change. If the job duties differ from what you were expecting, you may decide not to accept the job offer.

Compensation

Studying the contract’s compensation section before signing allows you to ensure the compensation offered is fair, in line with industry standards, meets your financial expectations, and does not include any hidden fees or deductions. The compensation section of the contract should include details such as

• Your salary or hourly rate,
• Benefits, and
• Any bonuses or incentives offered.

Additionally, review the employer’s benefits package, such as health insurance, retirement plans, vacation days, and other perks. It will ensure your compensation matches the work you will be doing.

Non-Complete and Non-Solicitation Clauses

Analyzing the non-compete and non-solicitation clauses before signing an employment contract allows you to understand the impact of these clauses on your ability to work for future employers or start your own business.

Non-compete clauses prohibit you from working for a competitor for a certain period after your employment ends. These clauses can limit your career options and earning potential.

Non-solicitation clauses, on the other hand, prohibit you from soliciting customers or clients you worked with during your employment with the company. These clauses can also restrict your ability to work for competitors or start your own business after employment ends.

Termination Provisions

The termination provisions should include details such as

• The notice period required for termination,
• The grounds for termination, and
• The procedures for termination.

Checking the termination provisions allows you to understand the conditions under which your employment can be terminated and to ensure that they are fair and reasonable.

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Provisions

Confidentiality provisions prohibit you from disclosing confidential information belonging to the company to third parties. They may also prohibit you from using that information for your benefit.

Intellectual property provisions outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties concerning any intellectual property created during employment. These provisions specify who owns the rights to any intellectual property created and under what circumstances the employee can use or commercialize this intellectual property.

Legal Help from an Employment Contract Attorney

Ashton E. Thomas, Esq., is a licensed employment contract attorney. He and his team have extensive experience reviewing and negotiating employment contracts and advising employees and employers on their rights and obligations. Do not take any chances when it comes to your employment contract. Contact Ashton E. Thomas today for your employment contract concerns and safeguard your rights and interests.