Before Signing an Employment Contract, Know Your Rights
Many people would agree that speaking with an attorney before signing a legal document is a good idea. However, it is not uncommon for people to sign or agree to the terms of a contract without necessarily realizing that they may want to consult an attorney.
Some people may even feel a bit desensitized when it comes to contracts. After all, we are asked to agree to things all the time, from the conditions to download software to a multi-year commitment with a cable company. Because of this, people may not appreciate the serious nature of signing documents like an employment contract.
If you are in a position to sign or create an employment contract, legal support can prove to be crucial and help you avoid costly mistakes. A person without a legal background may not understand certain terminology or clauses in a contract and it can be very intimidating to negotiate terms. People in this position can end up taking an all-or-nothing approach to a proposed contract only to find themselves missing out on some important opportunities.
There is a lot at stake when it comes to employment contracts. An employee's rights for conflict resolution can be significantly limited; an employer may see their business suffer because there were no guidelines in place to protect the company; one party may simply walk away from a business relationship without penalty because there was a failure to define promises and penalties in a contract.
In order to avoid these costly mistakes, it can be essential to have an attorney review a contract and help you understand what rules are or are not set and can spot any clauses that are questionable or unenforceable. The attorneys at our law firm have experience in drafting, reviewing, challenging and enforcing terms in employment contracts and we can help you attempt to avoid messy complications down the road.
Even if you think an employment contract is standard, straightforward and little more than a formality, you need to understand that there could be a lot at stake when and if you sign that document. Before doing so, employers and employees are invited to visit our law firm's website to read more about our experience in negotiating employment contracts.