Severance Agreement Attorney
In San Bernardino, CA

When your employment ends, your employer may offer a Severance Agreement. This is a legal contract that outlines the terms of your departure from the company, including compensation and other benefits. As an experienced Severance Agreement Attorney in San Bernardino, CA, SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation helps employees understand the complexities of these contracts, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.

SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation | Severance Agreements | California Employment Law Attorneys
What About Severance Pay?

While Federal Law does NOT require Severance Pay, many employers offer it as a goodwill gesture, or to prevent potential legal claims. Understanding the provisions of your Severance Agreement is essential, as it could affect your future employment opportunities and legal rights.

Key Provisions
In A
Severance Agreement

Severance Agreements typically contain several important provisions that must be carefully reviewed. A Severance Agreement Attorney can help you understand the implications of these clauses:

  • Severance Pay: Additional compensation offered beyond any statutory requirements.
  • Continuation Of Health Benefits: Ensuring access to healthcare post-employment.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): Restrictions on sharing confidential company information.
  • Non-Disparagement Clauses: Prohibiting negative statements about the employer.
  • Other Benefits: Tailored provisions based on individual circumstances.

California Law also provides crucial protections for employees. Under SB 331, employees must be given at least five (5) days to review their Severance Agreement and have the right to consult with a Severance Agreement Attorney.

Employers are prohibited from silencing employees about factual information related to harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.

These safeguards help ensure that employees can make well-informed and voluntary decisions about their severance package.

Severance Agreements
and
Wrongful Termination

Wrongful Termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or failure to comply with federal and state labor laws. If you believe your termination was wrongful, accepting a severance package without consulting a Severance Agreement Attorney may limit your ability to challenge the termination or seek further compensation.

Reviewing The Terms
Of A Severance Agreement

When reviewing a Severance Agreement, several key factors should be carefully considered:

SANFORD A. KASSEL, APLC | San Bernardino Severance Agreement Attorney
  • Wrongful Termination: Ensure that you are not waiving your rights to pursue a Wrongful Termination claim.
  • Labor Violations: Check for any provisions that might limit your ability to address wage theft or overtime violations.
  • Personal Injury Claims: California labor law protects your right to pursue compensation for work-related injuries, regardless of the Severance Agreement.
  • Wage And Hour Matters: Ensure that any unpaid wages or overtime are addressed in the Severance Agreement.

Retaliation And Discrimination:
Know Your Rights

Under both Federal and State Law, retaliation and discrimination in the workplace are prohibited:

  • Retaliation: Employers cannot take adverse actions against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities, such as reporting workplace violations or participating in an investigation.
  • Discrimination: It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.

These protections are enshrined in the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)* and are critical to ensure a fair working environment.

If your termination or Severance Agreement involves retaliation or discrimination, seeking legal counsel from a Severance Agreement Attorney can help you hold your employer accountable.

*The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is enforced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

Civil Rights Department • State of California | California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) | SANFORD A. KASSEL, APLC | San Bernardino Employment Law Attorneys
Severance Agreements
and
Personal Injury Claims

Under California labor laws, an employer cannot include provisions in a Severance Agreement that waive your right to pursue compensation for workplace injuries. If your Severance Agreement includes a clause that prevents you from filing personal injury claims, it may violate your legal rights. Employees cannot be forced to forfeit their right to workers’ compensation for work-related injuries, regardless of the Severance Agreement.

A Severance Agreement Attorney can review the terms of your contract and ensure that any personal injury claims are not unlawfully restricted.

At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, we have a comprehensive understanding of these laws and will give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US…

Rebecca Spencer…. “Sandy and Gavin were extremely helpful and responsive with my case. I would highly recommend them for any issues regarding employment law.”

Rajaa Ahmadie…. “Gavin Kassel is a great attorney.. Did work hard for me.. Always answered my concerns and he is very focused. I highly recommend him. The important part–he is always accessible.

Lauren Klein…. “Sandy and Gavin (along with the office staff) were a pleasure to work with. They took good care of me and explained everything before we took each step to ensure that the decisions were mine but I was making them fully informed.”

Athul Raj…. “Gavin and Sandy did better than I even expected for me on my case. Very professional, helpful, and knowledgeable attorneys. You are in great hands with them!”

Anne Mitchell…. “I interviewed several attorneys when I was dealing with an employment law situation that I needed resolved. After meeting with Gavin and Sandy, I knew they were the right law firm for the job. I’m extremely happy with the outcome of my case! They are honest, professional, hard-working, always kept me updated on what was happening, easy to talk to, and very tough litigators. I highly recommend their office.

Sara Bavle…. “Sanford Kassel has been so much help for me. I’ve never had someone fight so hard for me in my life. I’m lucky to have found him. I definitely recommend him to anyone who needs help. Thank you Mr. Kassel, you have no idea how much I appreciate everything you’ve done and continue to do for me.”

Benjamin Mazal…. “Excellent, sincere service. The attorneys and staff are helpful, efficient and reassuring. I recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance. They will definitely make your experience as smooth as possible. Simply the best!”

Matt Brown…. “Absolutely the best law firm in the Inland Empire! I highly recommend Sanford Kassel because of his outstanding service and commitment to meeting his client’s needs. He and his team are proven winners and they will fight for you.”

Selina Kerr…. “Such amazing people. I had a great outcome thanks to Gavin handling. He was able to advise me on the best way to handle so my job was protected until everything was resolved. I was able to get a hold of him quickly when had any questions and he was patient with me even though I was a little rattled with my work situation. Extremely grateful.”

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Why Legal Representation Matters

Severance Agreements are important legal documents that can impact your future. At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, we provide experienced legal counsel to help you navigate these agreements. With over 70 years of combined experience, our top-rated attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation.

Before you sign a Severance Agreement, consult with a reputable Severance Agreement Attorney to ensure that your rights are not compromised. Contact us today for a FREE consultation and let us help you make an informed decision about your future.

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Sanford and Gavin Kassel are part of a legacy of lawyers who have adhered to principles of integrity and compassion while representing their clients. Recognizing the ongoing evolution of the law, they emphasize the importance of taking care of one another. The Kassels combine care and compassion with experience, innovation, resourcefulness, and tenacity. This unique approach to legal practice has spanned more than 70 years, through three generations, dating back to 1957 when Philip A. Kassel opened his first law practice in San Bernardino, California. We know the law and can advise you of your best legal course of action.