where to get a lawyer to read over my employement contract

Full Answer

Do I need a contract lawyer to look over my contract?

Overall, hiring a contract lawyer to look over your contract before signing can be one of the most crucial steps in the entire contracting process. However, it is not a requirement, meaning you'll have to make the decision on your own whether or not to hire an attorney before signing on the dotted line.

Why do I need an attorney to review my employment contract?

Having an attorney review your contract helps ensure that it is legal and helps you understand your obligations before you sign. Your new employer may require you to provide extended notice before leaving or retiring. While this might not seem relevant today, it could be important if you decide to move on or retire by a certain date.

When do you need an employment lawyer?

If you are involved in an employment dispute or face an adverse action by your employer, an employment lawyer can help. Employment lawyers protect the rights of employees and determine violations of federal and state anti-discrimination and harassment laws, and employment agreements.

How much does it cost to hire a contract attorney?

Overall, hourly rates for an attorney to review your contract may vary greatly, but expect a range from $100 per hour to $750 per hour. For more generic information, see our page about how much does a lawyer cost. What does a contract attorney do? Hiring an attorney to review a contract can be expensive, however, it's an extremely valuable process.

How do I review an employment contract?

Key Considerations for Reviewing Your Employment ContractJob Description. While an employment contract should include the employee's title, work hours and work location, it should also include a description of the employee's duties. ... Statutory Minimums. ... Compensation and Benefits. ... Term. ... Termination. ... Bargaining Power.

How do you look over a contract?

12 things to look for when reviewing a contractNegotiate the terms. ... Identify the parties. ... Complete all blanks. ... Rights and responsibilities. ... Confidentiality provisions. ... Remedies provisions. ... Allocating risk. ... Hold harmless and indemnification provisions.More items...•

Can you're negotiate an employment contract?

Employment contracts usually have a certain period to renegotiate the terms, and the time to do this is usually at the ending of the current contract or when the employer wants to take on a new employee full-time rather than only temporary.

How do you void an employment contract?

An employment contract can be declared void when there are changes in laws that affect the contract, and the company didn't update the contract before it was signed and agreed upon by both parties.

How do you read a contract fast?

1:513:44How to read a contract.quickly- and when NOT to sign! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you understand exactly what you are going to have to do and what the other party is goingMoreMake sure you understand exactly what you are going to have to do and what the other party is going to have to do which brings me to the third part which is when when is anything going to happen if.

What does a contract lawyer do?

Contract lawyers specialize in dealing with the legal issues associated with the creation, negotiation and enforcement of contracts, and they sometimes get involved with litigation when the parties who made a contract later disagree about how that contract should be interpreted or enforced.

How do you modify an employment contract?

As a business owner or manager, the only way to amend an employment contract is with the permission of the employee herself.Look at the employment contract. ... Think of a new term you can add to the contract. ... Propose the change to the employee. ... Make amends to the original contract.More items...

How do I ask for more money in a contract?

Salary Negotiation Tips 21-31 Making the AskPut Your Number Out First. ... Ask for More Than What You Want. ... Don't Use a Range. ... Be Kind But Firm. ... Focus on Market Value. ... Prioritize Your Requests. ... But Don't Mention Personal Needs. ... Ask for Advice.More items...

How do you change a contract of employment?

A contract between an employer and an employee or worker is a legally binding agreement. A contract can be agreed verbally or in writing. Any changes to the contract must be agreed by both the employer and employee or worker, or in some circumstances with a trade union or other employee representatives.

What makes an employment contract invalid?

A contract can be broken if either you or your employer doesn't follow a term in the contract. This is known as a 'breach of contract'. For example, if you're dismissed and your employer doesn't give you the amount of notice you're entitled to under your contract, this would be a breach of contract.

What is an illegal employment contract?

Contracts are illegal when the written content therein causes those involved in the contract to act illegally. The illegality being considered should be directly related to the content of the contract and not to some outlying concept. An illegal contract is not enforceable in a court of law.

What constitutes a breach of employment contract?

Common examples of breach of employment contract by employers in the context of express terms can range from a failure to pay an employee's stated salary, either on time or at all, to a failure to provide the correct contractual notice period on termination of their employment.

What to discuss during an interview?

During the interview process, you likely discussed the specifics of the position and what would be expected of you if you were hired. In some cases, the employer may not have gone into specific detail regarding the job and the role you will be asked to play. The employment agreement formalizes your job title and description. It is to your benefit to have an attorney review these responsibilities so you can evaluate if you are being fairly compensated and if the role you are accepting meets your expectations.

What should be included in an employment agreement?

Salary, benefits, bonuses, equity, opportunities for professional development, and any other form of compensation you’ve been offered should be included in the employment agreement. An attorney can help you ensure everything you were promised is there in writing.

Can you be terminated without cause?

The employment agreement should also note whether you can be terminated without cause, which some people refer to as termination at will, or if you can only be terminated for cause, such as failure to show up for work, not performing certain job requirements, or inappropriate behavior.

Is a non-compete clause appropriate?

A non-compete clause may be appropriate depending on your industry and job title. Even if you have never worked for a company that uses non-compete agreements, it is wise to check your employment agreement to see if it is included. In New Hampshire, there are laws regulating non-compete agreements.

Do you have to give extended notice to a new employer?

Leaving your job and termination of employment. Your new employer may require you to provide extended notice before leaving or retiring. While this might not seem relevant today, it could be important if you decide to move on or retire by a certain date.

What is fixed term contract?

Fixed-term contracts are work agreements that terminate naturally on a pre-determined date. An example of this is a contract that states that the worker will work for the employer for a period of one year. In this case, the contract can be terminated without cause if the express term specifying the end-date of the contract is valid and enforceable. In that case, the worker is not entitled to notice of termination or severance pay, as the termination date was agreed upon in advance.

What are some examples of contracts that you can't expect?

Finally, there are clauses in contracts that you may not expect and that can limit your rights as a worker. Examples include layoffs and probationary periods. Your employer has no freestanding right to subject you to a layoff or a probationary period; these must be agreed to in the employment contract.

What to do if your employer is not providing you with what you have a right to?

If your employer is not providing you with what you have a right to, either under the ESA or under your employment contract, you can take action to obtain those benefits. This can be done through a complaint with the Ministry of Labour or court. Seek legal advice to determine which path may be best for you.

How to determine if a contract limits your entitlements?

To determine whether your contract limits your termination entitlements you will generally need to consult with an employment lawyer. Employment contracts are confusing and complicated, and you may have signed one without fully understanding the meaning of the contract.

What is Monkhouse Law?

Employment Lawyers at Monkhouse Law specialize in Employment Law, Human Rights Law, and Disability Insurance Law. We serve employees, independent contractors and employers, and strive to get optimal results for every client through skilled advocacy and research on each matter. We have successfully represented clients before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Superior Court, the Divisional Appeals Court, and the Court of Appeal as well as the Supreme Court of Canada.

What are the rights of ESA?

Most commonly, this includes vacation pay, statutory holiday pay, and overtime. These are protected rights under the ESA.

What is an indefinite contract?

1. Indefinite-Term Contracts. Indefinite-term contracts are very common, particularly amongst workers with stable employment and traditional job security. In essence, they state that a worker will do a job for an employer, but do not include a specific end date of the termination.

Can I negotiate without an attorney?

While you always have the option of proceeding without an attorney, there are instances when an attorney can help you negotiate better terms (i.e. more money, better benefits, perks, etc.). It might even be worth it to you to pay a lawyer something to hear how they would approach the negotiation, the things that he would ask to include or exclude from the contract, and then you can handle it on you own.

Can you sign an employment contract over yourself?

When it comes to signing an employment contract, you have a few options. You can leave the offer on the table and walk away. You can also look the contract over yourself, give the employer the benefit of the doubt, and sign on the line.

When should a legal document be reviewed?

Document review is also recommended any time you make changes to a legal document or your situation changes.

Why is a legal document review important?

Any time you make changes to a legal document or your situation changes, a legal document review is a good idea to ensure your interests are protected. What type of documents can be reviewed? Your attorney can review any contract, agreement or document you choose, including those that don’t require your signature.

What is legal zoom?

LegalZoom legal document review services are available for an affordable price that includes document review or contract review by an attorney who understands the language used in legal documents. To take advantage of LegalZoom’s exclusive price for online legal document review, you must be a Business Advisory Plan member.

Is LegalZoom an advertisement?

ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: This portion of the LegalZoom website is an advertisement. This portion of the LegalZoom website is not a lawyer referral service. LegalZoom does not endorse or recommend any lawyer or law firm who advertises on our site.

What is flat free contract review?

It's great for the customer, as you'll just pay a single set fee for contract review, regardless of how long your lawyer works on the project. This pricing system provides a much better idea on how much contract attorneys will charge for their legal advice upfront.

What type of contracts do attorneys review?

Business, real estate, and estate contracts are a few of the most common types of contracts that attorneys review. Employment contracts are also often reviewed as clients often obtain more from their attorneys negotiating terms than the fee charged for the services.

Why do you need an attorney to review a contract?

This is because an attorney brings along years of experience and training to guide you. The contract attorney's knowledge can contribute to you getting the best deal possible in the contract you're creating.

What is issue specific contract review?

Issue-specific contract review. An issue-specific contract review is the cheapest form of contract review, as the lawyer will just look over a specific issue you have questions on. If you're on a tight budget, this is a good way to feel more confident before signing the agreement. Some of the specific questions or provisions you might want ...

What is contract review plus negotiation?

Contract review plus negotiation. If you're not confident handling your contract at all, this is the level of contract review you'll need to choose. Basically, your lawyer will handle everything for you, including reviewing, editing, redlining, and negotiating the contract.

Why is it important to analyze a contract?

Deeply analyzing the contract is significant because you want to make sure you are being protected as well. The use of legal documents will be necessary for a business contract, or any setting that requires being legally binding.

Is a one page contract more complex than a 100 page contract?

In many cases, a one-page contract can have more complexities than a 100-page contract. A reputable contract attorney should recognize this right away, which is why the best lawyers ask to see the contract and any other legal documents before setting their price.

What to do when you agree to a new job?

When agreeing to the terms of a new job, you will likely sign a number of documents outlining the employment relationship. Much of it is quite standard, but you may want a little more information about certain terms before signing on the dotted line; something an employment law attorney can help you with.

What is an employment contract?

An employment contract can take the form of a traditional written agreement that is signed and agreed to by employer and employee. More frequently, however, employment agreements are "implied" -- from verbal statements or actions taken by the employer and employee, through company memoranda or employee handbooks, ...

What are the terms and conditions of an employment contract?

Employment contracts, whether written or implied from employee handbooks or policies, may also provide the terms and conditions of: Health benefits. Vacation and sick leave; Employee grievance procedures; Employee behavior after termination of the employment relationship. In general, the scope of such an agreement, ...

What is employee behavior after termination of employment relationship?

In general, the scope of such an agreement, whether the geographic area covered or the length of time that it lasts, must be no broader than necessary to protect the employer's business.

What is the best effort provision in an employment contract?

4. BEST EFFORTS - Although it is often just assumed that the employee will work hard for the employer, sometimes employers add a best-efforts provision to the employment contract. It states that the employee promises to work to the best of his or her ability, and to be loyal to the employer. Sometimes it also states that ...

What are the different types of employment contracts?

Types of Employment Contracts and Compensation Agreements. 1. CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT - An employee confidentiality agreement is a contract (or part of a contract) in which the employee promises not to share any information about the details of the employer's business or the employer's secret processes, plans, formulas, data, or machinery.

What is the agency clause in a contract?

7. NO AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT - Sometimes this part of the contract is called the "agency" provision. It makes clear that the employer and employee have an employment relationship only, not an agency relationship; the employee has no right to enter into a contract or otherwise obligate the employer, unless the employer gives express written consent ...

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to review a contract?

Here are some factors it can depend upon: Depending on these, and many more factors, hiring a lawyer to review a contract can be quite steep, ranging from $300 and $1,000. In case you want them to actually draft and negotiate the contract for you, it could get even more expensive, falling somewhere between $500 and $3,000.

Why do you need a contract review lawyer?

Understanding exactly what you need a contract review lawyer to do when they review your contract will help you make the decision whether or not you want to make the investment in hiring an attorney.

What is issue specific contract review?

An issue-specific contract review is the most economical option if spending money is the most important factor for you. If you are mostly happy with the contract, but not quite clear on some of the specific terms or issues, or need a specific clause of the contract explained, the lawyer will just look over those specific areas of concern. A lawyer can help decipher the legalese and explain those terms in common English so you can figure out if they work for you. You don’t want to sign things you don’t understand, so if you're on a tight budget, but still need the peace of mind, this is a good way to feel more confident before signing the agreement.

What is redlining a contract?

In the legal world, this is known as “redlining a contract”, which can really help the whole process move along more smoothly. In other words, you don’t have to discuss the changes in your agreement with the other party, as they will receive the contract already finished with the option to accept or deny.

Do lawyers charge flat fees?

Each lawyer sets his or her own prices depending on their own level of expertise and the fees they charge can vary greatly from one attorney to the next. Most of the time, however, lawyers use either flat-fee pricing or hourly pricing when they get hired to review a business contract.

Can attorney fees hurt your pocket?

In short, if you can limit the extent of the contract review, the attorney fees will not hurt your pocket as much. But you need to understand that there is always a quid-pro-quo, and you will have to accept the fact that your attorney will not review any other aspects of the contract except the ones you circled.

Is contract review more expensive than basic level?

This type of contract review will definitely be more costly than the basic level, but you will get much deeper involvement from your attorney. Instead of having your lawyer just review your document, point out what needs to be fixed in your contract, and answer your questions, they will provide you with a version of your contract ...

Is It in The Employment Agreement?

See more on uptonhatfield.com

Job Title and Description

Is There A Non-Compete Agreement included?

Leaving Your Job and Termination of Employment

Protecting Your Best Interests