NYC Employment Lawyer

Employment Law Services in New York City

Every employment relationship is governed by agreements — whether formal written contracts, offer letters, or implied terms established through company policies and handbooks. These documents define compensation, obligations, restrictions, and rights that can affect careers and businesses for years. Getting the terms right from the start, and understanding your position when the relationship ends, is where experienced legal counsel makes the difference.

At Agarunov Law Firm, P.C., we focus on the transactional side of employment law: drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the agreements that define workplace relationships. We represent both employers building compliant employment structures and employees navigating contracts, restrictive covenants, and separations. Our practice covers employment agreements, independent contractor arrangements, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, employee handbooks, and severance negotiations throughout New York City and New Jersey.

Our Employment Law Services

Employment Contracts & Agreements

Whether you are an executive evaluating a compensation package, a business owner hiring key personnel, or a professional considering a new opportunity, the terms in your employment agreement govern your rights and obligations for the duration of the relationship and often beyond. We draft, review, and negotiate employment agreements, offer letters, compensation arrangements, and restrictive covenants for both employers and employees.

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Employment Contracts & Agreements

Employment agreements, offer letters, non-competes, NDAs, independent contractor agreements, and executive compensation.

Independent Contractor Agreements

Properly structuring independent contractor relationships is critical for both the hiring party and the contractor. Misclassification of employees as independent contractors can result in back taxes, penalties, and liability for benefits and wage protections. We draft contractor agreements that clearly establish the independent nature of the relationship, define scope and deliverables, address intellectual property ownership, and protect both parties. We also advise employers on classification analysis under federal, New York, and New Jersey tests.

Non-Compete & Restrictive Covenants

Non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements restrict what you can do during and after employment. For employees, these provisions can significantly impact career mobility and future earning potential. For employers, they protect trade secrets, client relationships, and competitive advantages. We negotiate and draft enforceable restrictive covenants that balance business protection with employee rights under evolving New York and New Jersey law.

Employee Handbooks & Workplace Policies

A well-drafted employee handbook establishes clear expectations, documents required policies, and protects the employer from liability. We draft and review handbooks that comply with federal, New York State, and New York City requirements — including anti-discrimination policies, leave policies (FMLA, NY Paid Family Leave, NYC sick leave), at-will acknowledgments, social media policies, and remote work provisions. For healthcare employers, we address industry-specific requirements including HIPAA compliance and credentialing obligations.

Severance Agreements & Separation Negotiations

When an employment relationship ends, the terms of departure matter enormously. Severance agreements require you to waive legal rights in exchange for compensation, and the provisions around non-compete restrictions, non-disparagement, confidentiality, and references can have lasting consequences. We negotiate severance packages for employees and executives, and draft enforceable separation agreements for employers.

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Severance Agreements

Severance negotiation, separation agreement review, release analysis, and post-employment restrictions.

Who We Represent

• Employers & HR Departments: Businesses building compliant employment structures, handbooks, and contractor arrangements
• Executives & Senior Professionals: C-suite and leadership negotiating compensation, equity, and severance terms
• Employees: Workers reviewing employment agreements, non-competes, and separation offers
• Startups & Growing Companies: Early-stage businesses establishing employment and contractor frameworks
• Healthcare Organizations: Medical practices and healthcare providers with industry-specific employment needs
• Independent Contractors: Freelancers and consultants structuring and protecting their client relationships

Serving New York and New Jersey

Agarunov Law Firm is licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey. We represent employers and employees throughout the tri-state area including all five NYC boroughs, Long Island, and Northern New Jersey including Bergen County (Englewood, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Teaneck), Hudson County (Jersey City, Hoboken), Essex County (Newark, Montclair), Passaic County (Paterson, Wayne), and Middlesex County (New Brunswick, Edison).

Employment laws differ between New York and New Jersey, and our dual-state licensing allows us to advise on the specific requirements of each jurisdiction.