Employees offered severance agreements in Atlantic City, NJ should approach these documents with caution. While they may appear straightforward, severance agreements are legal contracts that often require workers to give up key rights—such as the ability to sue the employer—in exchange for compensation. These contracts are typically drafted to protect the employer, not the employee.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC advises individuals throughout New Jersey, including Atlantic City, on severance agreements and related employment matters. Our attorneys provide clear guidance to help you understand what you’re being asked to sign and whether the terms are in your best interest. If appropriate, we also negotiate for better terms or recommend rejecting the agreement entirely.
Understanding What’s in a Severance Agreement
A severance agreement defines the terms under which an employee is leaving a company. Employers often include language that:
- Prevents the employee from disclosing internal company information or the terms of the agreement (non-disclosure)
- Limits future employment opportunities in similar fields or with competitors (non-compete)
- Prohibits speaking negatively about the employer (non-disparagement)
- Waives the right to bring legal claims, including lawsuits for discrimination, retaliation, or wage violations
These clauses can affect your career, income, and legal rights long after you leave the company. Many people do not realize the full scope of what they are signing until it is too late.
Why Legal Review Matters
Even if the severance payment seems fair, signing without legal review can be risky. You could be giving up the right to pursue claims you didn’t know you had, or accepting restrictions that make it harder to get your next job. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC will walk you through the language, flag problematic terms, and suggest revisions to make the agreement more balanced.
Negotiation Is Often Possible
Employers are sometimes willing to adjust terms—especially when issues are identified by legal counsel. This could include increasing the payout, shortening the duration of a non-compete, or removing overly broad waivers.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Sign
If you’ve received a severance agreement from an employer in Atlantic City, don’t sign before speaking with an attorney. Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC for a consultation. We’ll help you understand what’s at stake, preserve your legal rights, and pursue fairer terms when necessary.
What Should Be Included in Your Severance Agreement?
When employment ends in Atlantic City, NJ, reviewing your severance agreement carefully is essential. These agreements often contain terms that affect your pay, healthcare, future employment, and legal rights. Before signing, ensure the following key areas are fully addressed:
Severance Pay and Final Compensation
Employers may offer severance as a lump sum or over time. You should also verify you’re receiving:
- Payment for unused paid time off (PTO)
- Any earned but unpaid bonuses or commissions
- Other forms of accrued compensation or reimbursements
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC reviews your compensation package to identify any missing payments and confirms that signing a release won’t interfere with your rights to pursue valid claims or benefits.
Health Insurance and COBRA Coverage
Most terminated employees are eligible to continue health coverage under COBRA, but at personal cost. Legal counsel can often negotiate employer contributions toward:
- COBRA premium payments for a defined period
- A lump-sum payout equivalent to healthcare coverage costs
This can offset significant expenses and prevent unexpected gaps in medical coverage.
Employment References and Job Search Impact
Severance agreements typically define what an employer may disclose during background checks. In many cases, this is limited to job title and dates of employment. An attorney can negotiate language that confirms your departure was voluntary or due to restructuring—helping safeguard your reputation during the hiring process.
Dispute Resolution Clauses
Many agreements include mandatory arbitration or waiver-of-lawsuit provisions. These legally binding clauses affect your ability to take disputes to court. It’s critical to:
- Understand how arbitration will apply
- Review the fairness of the terms
- Know what claims, if any, are still permitted
We evaluate these clauses for enforceability and long-term consequences.
Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Terms
Confidentiality clauses may limit your ability to discuss your severance terms with coworkers, future employers, or the public. However, there are usually exceptions—for example, speaking with legal counsel, immediate family, or complying with legal obligations.
Our attorneys help you understand exactly what is covered and whether the language should be revised to avoid ambiguity or overreach.
Before You Sign, Speak to an Attorney
If you’ve been offered a severance agreement in Atlantic City, don’t assume the terms are standard. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC provides legal review, negotiation support, and advice tailored to your situation. Protect your interests before making a decision that could limit your options.
Why Choose NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC for Severance Agreement Review
A severance agreement is a binding contract with long-term consequences. If you’ve been terminated or pressured to resign in Atlantic City, NJ, it’s critical to understand what you’re agreeing to before signing. Many agreements include broad waivers that prevent you from taking legal action or collecting benefits you may rightfully be owed.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC advises clients across New Jersey, including Atlantic City, on how to navigate these agreements. Our attorneys do more than read the fine print—we break down every provision, explain your rights, and push back on unfair terms when needed.
We assist by:
- Reviewing the agreement to uncover legal and financial risks
- Explaining how each clause may impact your career, income, or future claims
- Identifying whether the severance offer reflects the value of the rights you’re giving up
- Negotiating directly with your employer or their legal team to improve terms
- Protecting your position during and after the transition
Our role is to protect your interests—not just check for errors.
Speak to an Attorney Before Accepting Severance
Severance agreements are often presented under tight deadlines, which can pressure employees into signing without fully understanding the consequences. Common provisions may include:
- A full release of all claims against your employer
- Limitations on where or how you can work next
- Confidentiality requirements that restrict what you can say
- Arbitration clauses that prevent you from filing a lawsuit
These clauses can impact your ability to move forward professionally and financially. We help you assess what you’re giving up—and determine whether the payment being offered is adequate in light of those waivers.
If you’ve received a severance offer in Atlantic City, contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC for a thorough legal review. We’ll ensure your rights are protected and help you secure a fair outcome.