Los Angeles Employment Agreements Lawyer

With thriving creative and tech industries, Los Angeles is at the heart of workplace growth, and that means there are a lot of employment agreements signed every single day. What goes into these contracts can be the difference between a big break and a trap.

Whether you are accepting a new position, negotiating updated terms, or in a dispute over a contract you have already signed, our Los Angeles employment agreements lawyer is here to help you make sure you have a full understanding of what is — and what is not  — in your contract. Reach out to our employment attorneys today.

What is an Employment Agreement and What Does it Do?

For many positions, an employee will sign paperwork outlining the scope of their duties, their compensation, benefits, and more. This is the employment agreement. Sometimes, these contracts are fairly straightforward, but — depending on the industry — they can get quite complex. More intricate employment agreements might include non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), intellectual property clauses, stock options, and conduct clauses.

Employees will often sign an employment agreement when entering a position in the entertainment or tech industries. They are also common in many corporate settings, especially when payment includes executive compensation and bonus structures. In addition, many freelance or independent contractor positions begin with an employment agreement.

Common Problem Areas for Employment Agreements

Just because it was written into an employment agreement does not mean that it is legal and enforceable. A Los Angeles attorney could review an employment agreement to ensure it follows any legal requirements.

Non-Compete Clauses

Many contracts include a non-compete clause, which limits the interactions an employee can have within the industry after employment ends. However, almost all of these clauses are void under Business & Professions Code § 16600 and thus unenforceable.

Confidentiality and NDAs

While NDAs and clauses about confidentiality are legal and binding, they must be written in a way that is narrow in scope. The concern is that overly broad NDAs may violate an employee’s rights. For example, SB 331 outlines that a confidentiality agreement cannot keep a victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault from disclosing these actions.

Intellectual Property

When working in creative or tech fields, ideas become extremely important. Where an idea originated and who owns it is often in dispute, and many times, the employment agreement will grant intellectual property rights to the employer rather than the individual employee.

Who Needs an Employment Agreements Lawyer?

For maximum understanding and clarity, anyone who is about to enter into a new employment agreement should first contact a lawyer in Los Angeles to look over the contract. This is especially important for anyone who is feeling pressured to sign quickly or who feels they are being offered unfair terms.

Many people turn to employment agreements lawyers after they have been terminated. This is when agreement provisions surrounding bonuses, severance pay, and non-disparagement clauses can become particularly complicated and disputed.

A lawyer will help break down the legal jargon of a contract and explain it in plain terms, giving employees and independent contractors confidence in their abilities to negotiate. A lawyer can also help enforce provisions in an employment agreement that benefit their client.

Get Legal Help From a Los Angeles Attorney Before You Sign an Employment Agreement

Do not assume that an employment agreement has your best interests represented in writing. While accepting a new position or negotiating better terms can be a time of excitement and optimism, you need to be proactive about protecting your future.

Our Los Angeles employment agreements lawyer is here to break down the contract and make sure you understand everything before you sign. We are also here to help you negotiate the best terms and enforce the contract when you need it most. Call today to get started.