Losing a job is stressful. Whether the termination occurs after years of dedicated service or as part of a sudden downsizing, employees are often presented with a severance agreement and asked to sign it quickly. These agreements are written by the employer’s lawyers for the benefit of the employer, not the employee. They contain complicated terms, hidden restrictions, and payment amounts that are often far below what the law would actually impose.
At 1818 Legal, we see the same pattern again and again. Employers know that employees are vulnerable when faced with job loss, and they rely on fear and time pressure to get people to sign away valuable rights. That is why finding an experienced severance pay lawyer is critical. With the right guidance, you can protect your financial future, avoid signing away your legitimate legal claims, and negotiate for compensation that reflects your true value.
Why Severance Agreements Matter
Severance agreements are not “gifts” from the company; they are legal contracts designed to close the books on any potential disputes. Employers want you to release all claims related to your time at the company, including any for discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, or wrongful termination. Employers also want to impose restrictions on your future activities, such as non-compete clauses, non-solicitation terms, or broad confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions.
If you sign without legal review, you may be giving up your right to challenge illegal conduct or to find work in your industry. Many employees do not realize that these agreements can impact future job searches, unemployment benefits, and even your reputation in your field.
When to Call a Lawyer
The answer is simple: as soon as you are presented with a severance package. Many employees wait until the last minute, but acting early provides far more leverage.
- You should contact a lawyer if:
- You are being pressured to sign quickly
- The payment amount seems low compared to your years of service
- The agreement contains non-compete or non-disparagement language
- You suspect your termination was connected to discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing
Employment laws have strict deadlines. Once you sign, your options shrink dramatically. Early action gives you time to review your rights, consider alternatives, and make informed decisions.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Before meeting with a lawyer, it helps to gather documents. The severance agreement is the starting point, but it is equally important to collect your employment contract, company employee handbook, pay stubs, performance reviews, and company policies related to severance or termination.
These materials often contain information about bonuses, commissions, accrued vacation time, and benefits continuation that should be factored into any severance package. In Illinois, the Wage Payment and Collection Act protects employees’ rights to specific earned compensation, such as future commissions and bonuses, and experienced counsel can use those laws to strengthen your negotiating position.
Payment Options for Severance Pay Representation
One of the first questions employees ask is: “How much will this cost me?” At 1818 Legal, we understand that job loss creates financial uncertainty, so we offer different approaches depending on your situation.
Flat-Fee Review: For employees who simply want an experienced lawyer to review a severance agreement and identify red flags, we often provide a flat-fee option. This is cost-effective when you want clarity before making a decision. Hourly Representation: In more complex cases, especially where negotiations or additional legal claims are involved, we may bill by the hour. This ensures that you only pay for the time actually spent on your matter. Contingency or Hybrid Models: In certain situations, if we believe we can significantly improve your package, we may offer contingency or hybrid arrangements. This means our fee is tied to how much we negotiate for you above your original offer.
Every case is different, and we work with clients to find an arrangement that makes sense for them. The most important point is this: with the right lawyer, the value gained from negotiation often exceeds the cost of representation.
Protecting Your Future
Severance negotiations are about more than money. They are about protecting your future. In addition to a severance payment amount, a lawyer will help secure benefits
continuation, references, and fair timelines for payment. They can also ensure that restrictive covenants are narrowed or removed so you can continue your career without unnecessary barriers.
Employers have lawyers drafting these agreements with their best interests in mind. Don’t be shy about retaining someone equally skilled on your team.
Call 1818
At 1818 Legal, we combine litigation experience with practical negotiation skills to help Illinois employees get fair treatment when employment ends. If you’ve been offered a severance package, don’t sign before talking to us.
Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and maximize your severance.
