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Brian Butler

Cincinnati Employment Attorneys: Employment Agreements In The Wake Of Termination

When business executives and other professionals part ways, it can trigger complex contract issues. Corporate executives and professionals who leave their companies are subject to considerable risks. The Butler Trial Firm offers legal guidance and protection to executives in contract disputes.

At the executive level, terminated and departing employees can easily encounter executive contract disputes. An employment lawyer who has extensive experience with executives can help you understand your options and guide you through legal action if it becomes necessary. Call The Butler Trial Firm at 513-909-3402 to schedule your consultation.

Advising You Through Employment Termination Agreements In Ohio

Terminated employees are often asked to sign agreements regarding their employment termination. These include:

  • Noncompete agreements: By agreeing to a noncompete clause, you are agreeing not to pursue a profession or trade against your employer. Noncompete agreements can include language that prohibits you from seeking similar work within a geographic locale or within a certain time frame.
  • Confidentiality agreements: By signing a confidentiality agreement, also known as a nondisclosure agreement, you are agreeing not to disclose trade secrets and copyrighted information to third parties. Confidentiality clauses can limit executives’ career options.
  • Severance agreements: Severance packages can be complex, raising questions about fair and adequate compensation and fair treatment. Also, by signing a severance agreement, you waive your rights to sue your former employer. You will receive severance pay, benefits and, in some circumstances, “perks” such as temporary health insurance benefits.

Under Ohio law, termination agreements often include restrictive covenants such as noncompete clauses. For a noncompete agreement to be enforceable in Ohio, it must be reasonable. To be reasonable, the restriction must not be greater than necessary to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests. Also, it must not impose an undue hardship on the employee. Finally, it must not cause injury to the public.

Understanding The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act

Furthermore, federal protections like the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) apply in Ohio. Employees who are 40 years or older must be given at least 21 days to consider a severance offer. In addition, they have seven days to revoke their signature after signing it. Because these agreements can significantly limit your future employment opportunities and legal rights, it is critical to have them reviewed by an experienced attorney.

Executive-Level Legal Guidance During Termination

Business executives and professionals who leave their companies are exposed to considerable risk to their incomes, reputations and future career options. If you are a c-suite level executive or other high-level professional, it is imperative to get legal guidance from an experienced employment law attorney.

At The Butler Trial Firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of executives and other professionals. Our experienced employment lawyers can:

  • Review your existing employment agreements to determine if your employer breached your employment contract
  • Advise you of your rights and help you understand your options
  • Review any termination or severance agreements you have been asked to sign
  • Negotiate the terms of your departure
  • Litigate to protect your rights if it becomes necessary

As trial attorneys, we stand ready to defend and protect your rights in the courtroom. While most employment termination issues are resolved in negotiations, we are willing and prepared to proceed to the courtroom.

Consult A Cincinnati Executive Employment Termination Lawyer

At The Butler Trial Firm, our knowledgeable and skilled Cincinnati employment law attorneys are prepared to review your contracts and advise you of your rights and options.

To schedule a confidential consultation, you can call our office at 513-909-3402. You can also reach out to us by sending us a message through our online form.