Fired? Don’t Sign That Severance Agreement Until You Read This

Losing your job is hard enough. Then they hand you a severance agreement filled with legal jargon and tight deadlines, expecting you to just sign and walk away. But that document could affect your income, your future job opportunities, and even your right to speak out. 

Before you put pen to paper, you need to know exactly what you’re agreeing to. This is your chance to protect yourself and walk away with more than just the bare minimum. Our business transaction lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, help companies make strategic moves. We can also make sure your next move sets you up for success.

Red Flags, Gut Feelings, and Unfair Terms: When to Lawyer Up Fast

You’re holding a severance agreement in your hands, and your heart’s pounding a little. Something doesn’t sit right. That feeling? Trust it. Here’s when you absolutely shouldn’t sign without calling a lawyer:

You’re being told to give up your right to sue.

Buried deep in the fine print may be a clause that waives your legal rights, including the right to take action for wrongful termination or discrimination. 

Once you agree to that, your chances of legal recourse are gone. That’s a serious decision that should never be made without legal advice. A lawyer can identify what you’re giving up and whether it’s worth it.

There’s a non-compete clause that could mess with your future.

Non-compete clauses can restrict your ability to work in your field or industry for months, even years. 

Even if unenforceable, they can scare off potential employers or limit your opportunities. They’re written to benefit the company, not you. A legal review can clarify what you’re really agreeing to.

The severance offer feels like an insult.

If you’ve spent years contributing to a company and they offer just a couple weeks of pay, that’s not compensation. It’s an afterthought. 

Employers often offer the bare minimum, hoping you won’t negotiate. But you have every right to ask for more, especially if your departure wasn’t voluntary. A lawyer can help push for a severance that actually reflects your value.

The wording feels designed to confuse you.

Agreements often use vague language that hides harmful terms. 

Legal-sounding phrases like "general release" or "non-disparagement" can have lasting consequences if misunderstood. These clauses could silence you or limit your future options. An attorney will make sure you’re not signing away more than you intend.

While commercial contract attorneys in New York protect clients from risky terms, business transaction lawyers review severance agreements to protect your financial and professional future.

They Wrote the First Draft. You Don’t Have to Accept It: How a Lawyer Can Flip the Script

Your employer’s agreement protects them. Not you. But it’s not the final word. A lawyer helps you rewrite the deal on your terms.

• You can secure more compensation. Severance pay isn’t fixed. Employers often leave room to negotiate, especially if they want to avoid disputes. An attorney knows how to use your work history or potential claims as leverage. More pay means more time and security while you plan your next step.
• You can extend health coverage. Health insurance disruptions are stressful, especially if you're managing ongoing care or supporting dependents. A lawyer can push for continued benefits through employer-paid Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) or additional coverage periods. That added time gives you peace of mind. It's a safety net most people don’t realize they can request.
• You can eliminate restrictive clauses. Clauses that limit future employment, restrict who you can talk to, or force you into silence can seriously hurt your career. An attorney can spot overly broad terms and negotiate to remove or revise them. You shouldn’t have to give up your future to leave your past behind. Legal counsel ensures you walk away with freedom intact.
• You get transparency. Agreements are often vague on purpose. A lawyer breaks them down into plain, understandable terms. That way, there are no hidden obligations or unexpected consequences. 

It’s no different than working with  business formation legal professionals: the right start, or finish, protects everything that comes after.

The Real Math Behind Hiring a Severance Attorney

You might be wondering if hiring a severance attorney is really worth it, especially when you’re already dealing with job loss and financial uncertainty. 

But this isn’t just about reviewing paperwork. It’s about protecting your future income, your benefits, and your ability to move forward without restrictions. When you factor in what’s at stake - lost compensation, healthcare coverage, or career-limiting clauses - the value of legal help becomes clear.

A strong severance agreement can buy you breathing room, time to make smart career moves, and the peace of mind that you didn’t get pushed out under unfair terms. Attorneys can often negotiate more than you think, from additional pay to extended health benefits, and that can easily outweigh their fee. 

Plus, they’ll catch the landmines you didn’t know were there: broad non-competes, vague NDAs, and legal traps hidden in the fine print. What seems like an added expense now could save you thousands later and help you walk away with dignity and leverage.

Game-Changing Moments: Real Stories Where Lawyers Flipped the Script

A Manhattan marketing executive was offered six weeks of pay. Her lawyer uncovered discriminatory patterns and secured six months instead, plus full COBRA coverage. That financial cushion gave her time to job hunt without pressure. It also prevented a legal battle by addressing her concerns early.

A Brooklyn software developer faced a confidentiality clause that blocked him from showcasing his portfolio. Legal counsel rewrote the terms to preserve his work and land his next gig faster. That small change protected his livelihood. It's proof that details matter.

This is what smart strategy looks like. Just as leadership seeks corporate governance legal advice in New York to weather transitions, you deserve legal protection through yours.

The First Conversation Is a Game-Changer: What to Expect in a Consultation

You don’t need to know the law. That’s our job as legal professionals. Here’s what you’ll walk through in your first meeting:

• We review the agreement line by line. Every clause is explained in plain language. You’ll walk out understanding your rights, risks, and options. No legal jargon, no guesswork. Just clear answers to what’s actually in front of you.
• We ask for your story. The details around how and why you were let go can change everything. That context helps identify negotiation points or potential claims. It’s more than just paperwork. It’s about people. And your experience matters.
• We flag risk points. Some agreements include clauses you might overlook, like waiving unemployment benefits or agreeing to silence. We spot the red flags before they become problems. That insight can protect your future employment and legal rights.
• We create a plan. Based on your goals, we help chart a course of action. Whether that means asking for more money, adjusting terms, or walking away clean, we’ll guide the strategy. You're never left to figure it out on your own.

If companies can negotiate business sale and purchase agreements, then so can you, with experienced business attorneys on your side.

Work With One of the Best. We’re Ready When You Are.

When you’re backed into a corner with a legal document that could change your future, you need more than advice. You need a strategy. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our business transaction lawyers in New York know how to protect what matters to you most. As one of the country's most trusted law firms, we’re here to help you move forward with peace of mind.

Let’s get started protecting your rights. Contact our office today to schedule your free case review.