There can be no doubt about the critical role contracts can play in any employer-employee relationship, in terms of each party’s course of conduct now or in the future. A solidly drafted employment contract has the potential to provide a real sense of confidence and clarity to each side of the agreement, as all essential terms and conditions of the relationship will be given precise definitions. Issues regarding breach of an employment contract may encompass things such as pay rate, retirement options, benefits, stock options, severance, termination notice and the like.
Further Understanding Breach Of Employment Contract
A contract of this sort may also touch on issues relating to confidential information and acts beyond the scope of the employment itself. For instance, in order to attract and keep key employees and subject-mater experts, many employers have begun incorporating non-competition and non-disclosure terms into their contracts. Though it is true that an employer will use its contract to protect itself against harm, it is also required by law that employee rights receive essential protections too, including the fundamental right to generate income.
There are some clauses included in employment contracts in which an employer attempts to limit the types of entities for which an employee may work once the current relationship comes to an end. Many also use such contracts to protect proprietary material and trade secrets to which an employee may be exposed during his or her tenure with the company. A non-compete or a confidentiality agreement of this type can work to stop employees from engaging in specific types of work or disclosing corporate methods or formulas once the employer-employee relationship has ceased to exist.
Contract Pitfalls
Unfortunately, there are many instances in which the contract somehow fails in its design or the parties themselves act in a manner which the other believes to be contrary to the initial intentions of each side. Nobody enters into an employment agreement with the expectation that a major dispute will ultimately arise, but the truth of the matter is that issues crop up with alarming regularity. When this happens, each side tends to hold fast to the notion that they are in the right, yielding little leeway to the other. Disputes in this arena can place a great deal at stake, as an individual’s employability and livelihood can often hang in the balance pending resolution of the matter.
Always Seek Legal Counsel
If you are the target of informal or formal allegations concerning an alleged breach of an existing employment agreement, you are likely extremely anxious. Because of the complexity of employment contract law, it is vital to enlist the aid of a seasoned employment law practitioner. Whenever threats of enforcement action are raised against you, it is essential that you secure knowledgeable legal counsel able to inform you of your responsibilities as well as your rights. As each case is different, the help of a talented employment attorney can prove invaluable in assessing how best to respond to any allegations and how to achieve compliance with existing restrictive covenants which may apply.
Experience You Can Rely On
Our employment lawyers are well-equipped to assist with all realms of confidentiality clauses, non-disclosure agreements, contractual breaches and any other matter stemming from an employer-employee relationship. We possess vast experience in attaining resolution to disputes of this type through the use of our deft negotiation skills and open communication with all stakeholders. In the event we are unable to secure consensus in an early stage of the discussion, we are ready and willing to provide the type of aggressive trial advocacy we believe our clients deserve.
Contact Our Firm For More Information
The employment lawyers at the Brown Firm have the background necessary to provide sound interpretation of these agreements and to accurately assess whether or not a given contract is indeed enforceable. Regardless of whether you are thinking ahead to the future or have already been accused by your employer of an actionable breach, the attorneys at the Brown Firm stand prepared to provide the guidance and advice you need. They can assist you with any problem regarding breach of employment contract. Reach out today by phone at 703.828.0900 or send in a contact form online for a legal consultation. You’ll learn how we can help with all issues related to your employment agreement, and gain the peace of mind you have been missing.
