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East Coast Legal Group offers guidance and support for contract negotiations, review, and drafting for both federal government and non-government related bids and negotiations. This includes RFP’s, RFQ’s, partnering agreements, and contest memos. We also offer support in drafting business-to-business (B2B) contracts, as well as vigorously pursuing breach of contract litigation.
We advise clients on the best business structure, and help companies move between structures as needed. ECLG can assist you in obtaining business licenses.
When disputes regarding shares, operating agreements, and corporate governance arise, ECLG should be your
first choice for sound legal counsel. Engaging our services early in the dispute process can often help resolve matters prior to a full trial. However, if trial is required, ECLG is staffed with competent and experienced litigation counsel who will guide your company through the entire legal process.
Our lawyers have helped clients in drafting and negotiating contracts, with substantial experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes. Our thorough, comprehensive business legal service areas cover:
Employment Severance Agreements Severance agreements have multiple components — some of the most important questions and concerns include:
WHAT IS A SEVERANCE AGREEMENT?
Severance agreements, or separation agreements, are contracts that control the terms of separation between employee and employer. They contain language that will controls how, when, and in what manner a person leaves his/her job. Typically, the employee will agree to waive any possible claims against a company, and will agree to not injure the reputation of the company. In exchange, the company will compensate the employee with benefits or monetary remuneration.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS?
Employers are not required by law to provide any severance when terminating an employee. Generally it is offered when potential claims by the employee may exist against the company, and they are looking to avoid legal liability. In some situations, though, the company may have a standard default severance package in place for certain senior or specialized employment classes.
IF I TAKE THE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT WHAT COULD I BE GIVING UP?
A severance from your employer must offer more than what you would otherwise be entitled to through simply leaving the company. Your wages, commissions, and vacation pay that you have already earned are not enough. For the severance agreement to be valid, whatever is being asked of you must be communicated clearly in the agreement, and limited in scope. The terms may include (but not limited to): agreeing not to bring any claims against the employer for wages that are in dispute, for waiving any discrimination claim or other wrongful termination; cooperation with the employer in future matters; or actions that may negatively impact the company; and restrictive covenants preventing you from competing with the company.
COULD A SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AFFECT MY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS?
Generally, any unemployment application you submit must include any severance amount paid above your normal wages. This may preclude a person from receiving some or all of his/her possible unemployment benefit. Be sure to discuss this with your ECLG attorney.
HOW TO EVALUATE IF A SEVERANCE AGREEMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
ECLG will help you evaluate and negotiate the terms of the severance agreement which will benefit you greatly. Your employer must provide you with time to discuss the agreement with your attorney before you sign the agreement. While this is a very stressful time and you may want to “take the money and move on” you need to carefully weigh all of your options
first. ECLG can identify possible issues related to your employment and severance, and evaluate the merit of these claims and their worth. Also, any restrictions on your future employment, and what you are allowed to discuss about this employer, need to be reviewed carefully to ensure you are being compensated properly under the severance agreement.
A business contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties for the exchange of goods or services (including payment). To qualify as a contract (also known as a “bargain”), there must be an offer by one of the parties, and an acceptance by the other.
In business dealings, a business contract ensures the terms of an agreement are recorded, and makes future “clarification” or litigation much easier. In order to avoid potential litigation and negotiate the best terms for your business, contact ECLG to prepare and/or review your contract documents.
Oral Business Contracts: An oral contract for goods or services can be as valid as a written contract. Oral contracts are legally enforceable; however, they are subject to misinterpretation and can be difficult to prove in court. It is always best to have a written legal contract when conducting business transactions.
Written Business Contracts: A written business contract is easier to uphold in court. Contracts should have the terms between the parties written out in a clear and concise manner. This will minimizie the possibility of argument between the parties involved. Whether your business is big or small, providing goods or services, you should consider using a written business contract to protect your interests. Call or send us a message below for a Free Consultation.