NYC Severance Agreement Attorney

Severance Agreement Attorney in New York City

When an employment relationship ends, the terms of departure can have lasting financial and professional consequences. A severance agreement is not simply a check — it is a legal contract that defines your post-employment rights, restrictions, and obligations. In exchange for severance pay, employers typically require you to release all legal claims, agree to confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions, and accept non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions that can limit your future career options.

At Agarunov Law Firm, P.C., we represent employees and executives in severance negotiations throughout New York City and New Jersey. We evaluate the offer, identify any legal claims that strengthen your negotiating position, and work to secure the best possible terms. For employers, we draft separation agreements that are enforceable and protect business interests while offering fair terms to departing employees.

Our Severance Agreement Services

Severance Agreement Review

Before signing any severance agreement, you should have an attorney review the terms. We analyze every provision including severance pay amount and payment schedule, general release and waiver of claims, non-compete and non-solicitation restrictions, confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations, COBRA and benefits continuation, equity, stock option, and bonus treatment, cooperation and clawback provisions, and reference and future employment provisions.

Severance Negotiation

Armed with our analysis of the agreement and any legal claims you may have, we negotiate improved terms on your behalf. We have successfully negotiated increased severance payments, extended benefits continuation, narrower or eliminated non-compete restrictions, more favorable reference provisions, and accelerated equity vesting. Employers are often willing to improve terms to secure a clean release of claims.

Executive Severance

Executive and C-suite departures involve unique considerations including deferred compensation, equity packages, change-of-control provisions, board observer rights, and public communications. We bring experience in executive-level negotiations and understand the leverage points and sensitivities involved in senior departures.

For Employers: Separation Agreement Drafting

We draft separation agreements that achieve your business objectives — securing a valid release, protecting confidential information, and preventing competitive harm — while complying with all legal requirements including OWBPA provisions for employees over 40 and group termination disclosure requirements.

Key Legal Protections in Severance Agreements

• OWBPA Compliance: Employees 40+ must receive specific disclosures, 21 days to consider (45 for group layoffs), and 7 days to revoke
• Non-Waivable Rights: Certain rights cannot be waived, including EEOC charges, unemployment benefits, and workers compensation claims
• Consideration Requirement: Severance must provide something beyond what the employee is already owed
• Enforceability: Overly broad or unconscionable provisions may render portions unenforceable

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.