Scarsdale Severance Negotiation Lawyers

We Represent Clients in Scarsdale in Severance Negotiations 

At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Scarsdale severance negotiation attorneys are skilled, experienced, and solutions-focused advocates for clients. We invest time, resources, and attention to detail to help our clients obtain the best outcome for their situation. If you have any questions about a severance negotiation, please do not hesitate to contact our Scarsdale employment attorneys today. 

What is a Severance Agreement?

Broadly explained, a severance agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms of the employee’s departure from the company. While all severance agreements are “case by case,” some of the most common terms include compensation, benefits continuation, and other provisions such as a release of claims against the employer. Most often, the employee agrees not to sue the company in exchange for severance benefits. 

Severance Pay is Not Guaranteed Under New York Law or Federal Law

Severance pay is not automatically required under either New York law or federal law. Employers are generally not obligated to provide severance unless it is promised in an employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or company policy. With that being said, many employers in Scarsdale do offer some form of severance pay. For employers, severance can be both a goodwill gesture and a strategy to reduce legal risk. Severance packages are often subject to negotiation.. 

You Have the Right to Negotiate a Severance Package

You have the right to negotiate a severance package before accepting or signing any agreement. If you are an employee, it is important to understand that employers may initially offer terms that are not in your best interest, especially if the agreement includes a waiver of legal claims. If you are an employer, it is important to know that severance pay is generally not required by law and you have the right to negotiate favorable terms as well. Taking time to review the offer and consult with our experienced Scarsdale employment law attorneys are strongly advised. Once it is signed, a severance agreement is a legally enforceable contract in New York. 

Tips for Negotiating a Severance Agreement in Scarsdale

Are you preparing for severance negotiations in Scarsdale? A proactive approach is a must. The sooner you develop your strategy for negotiating a favorable severance agreement, the better positioned you will be to secure the right agreement. Here are three tips for negotiating severance: 

1. Understand What You Want (and What You are Giving Up): Before entering negotiations, identify your priorities, whether it is more money, extended health benefits, or a neutral reference. At the same time, understand that signing a severance agreement usually means giving up the right to sue your employer. Knowing exactly what you want (and what you are being asked to surrender) puts you in a stronger position to negotiate an agreement. 
2. Consider a Creative Approach: Severance negotiations are not only about the dollar amount. While severance pay often forms the heart of a severance package, that is not always the only available benefit. An employee may be able to secure continued health care coverage, a lump-sum COBRA payment, or a positive letter of reference to help with future job searches. Some employees will negotiate for career counseling or outplacement services. A creative mindset opens the door to non-monetary benefits that may be just as valuable. 
3. Negotiate Through an Employment Attorney: Severance negotiations are complicated. You do not have to take them all alone. Experienced Scarsdale, NY employment attorneys can help you understand the legal consequences of the severance agreement and advocate for better terms. Your attorneys can also identify hidden risks in the language of the agreement. Remember, severance agreements are legally binding when they are signed. 

Why Trust Our Scarsdale Employment Lawyer for a Severance Negotiation

Severance packages are negotiated. Whether you are an employee or an employer, it is your right to negotiate for a severance agreement that is most favorable for your specific situation. Our founding attorney Mark Carey has nearly 30 years of employment law experience in New York. Backed by a strong record of client testimonials, we are leaders in severance negotiations. When you contact us, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Scarsdale severance agreement lawyer who can: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about your case;  
• Review any existing contract you have signed or that has been proposed; 
• Gather and organize all supporting documents, records, and evidence; and
• Represent you in severance package negotiations. 

Contact Our Scarsdale, NY Severance Agreement Negotiation Lawyer Today

At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Scarsdale employment lawyer has extensive experience with severance negotiations. If you have any questions about severance, we are here to help. Call us at (914) 705-5427 or contact us online to set up your strictly private, no-commitment initial consultation. Our firm represents clients in severance negotiations in Scarsdale, Westchester County, and throughout the wider region in New York State.