Whether you’re starting a new job, navigating a challenging employment dispute, or considering a severance agreement, your employment contract is one of the most important legal documents in your career. In Bergen County, employees are often presented with complex contracts that include dense legal language, vague responsibilities, or overly restrictive terms that can have lasting effects. Understanding these contracts—and your rights under them—is critical.

At Carcich O’Shea, our team of employment attorneys is dedicated to helping employees protect their interests. We represent professionals across all industries in reviewing, negotiating, and disputing employment agreements to ensure their rights are protected and their careers are not unfairly limited by unreasonable contract terms.

What Is the Purpose of an Employment Contract?

An employment contract outlines the terms and conditions of your role. It may include job duties, salary, bonuses, benefits, termination clauses, and restrictive covenants like non-compete or confidentiality agreements. While these documents are meant to clarify expectations between you and your employer, they often favor the employer and can contain provisions that are confusing or limiting.

For employees, the stakes are high. A poorly worded contract or an overly broad non-compete clause can limit future job opportunities or cause you to lose out on earnings. That’s why it’s important to have a skilled attorney review the terms before you sign.

Common Employment Contract Issues Employees Should Watch For

Even well-meaning contracts can contain pitfalls. Common problem areas include:

• Compensation Details: Salary, bonuses, commissions, and raises should be spelled out clearly. Ambiguities here can affect your earnings.
• Termination Clauses: These outline when and how your employment can be ended. You’ll want to know if you’re entitled to severance, whether there’s a notice period, and what grounds can lead to termination.
• Non-Compete Clauses: These may limit your ability to work for a competitor after leaving your job. In New Jersey, they must be reasonable in scope, geography, and duration to be enforceable.
• Confidentiality Agreements: These may affect your ability to discuss workplace conditions, report illegal activity, or use general knowledge gained on the job.
• Dispute Resolution Provisions: Your contract may require arbitration instead of court, or waive your right to a jury trial. It’s important to understand the impact.

Employees should never assume a contract is “standard.” Every agreement is negotiable, and our attorneys can help ensure the terms work in your favor, not against you.

Reviewing and Negotiating Your Employment Contract

When offered a new job, it’s tempting to sign quickly, especially if the position is competitive. But signing a contract without legal review can lead to problems down the line. You may be agreeing to restrictive covenants, vague performance requirements, or unclear compensation structures without realizing it.

At Carcich O’Shea, we thoroughly review contracts, explain each provision in plain language, and help you understand what you’re signing. If needed, we’ll also help you negotiate for better terms—whether that means more compensation, shorter non-compete durations, or clearer expectations.

We regularly advise employees in a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, education, technology, and more.

What to Know About Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Clauses

One of the most difficult challenges employees face involves restrictive covenants—specifically, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses. These provisions can severely limit your professional freedom after you leave a job.

In New Jersey, courts will enforce these clauses only if they are reasonable and serve to protect legitimate business interests. However, employers often include language that goes too far, restricting former employees from working in their chosen field or even from contacting former clients.

Our attorneys review the enforceability of these clauses, challenge overly broad restrictions, and work to limit your exposure to post-employment restrictions. If you’re already being threatened with legal action based on a non-compete or non-solicitation clause, we can provide a strong legal defense and advocate for your right to work.

Breach of Employment Contract: Know Your Rights

If your employer violates the terms of your employment agreement, you may have a claim for breach of contract. Common examples include:

• Failure to pay agreed-upon salary, commissions, or benefits.
• Wrongful termination in violation of notice provisions.
• Imposing responsibilities outside of what was agreed to.
• Enforcing unenforceable restrictive covenants.

Whether the breach involves compensation, job duties, or conditions of termination, our attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue a resolution. In some cases, this may involve negotiation, while in others, litigation may be necessary.

Understanding Severance Agreements

When leaving a job, you may be offered a severance agreement, especially if you are in a leadership role or have been with the company for a long time. These agreements often require you to waive legal claims or accept new restrictive covenants in exchange for severance pay.

Before signing anything, it is essential to consult an attorney. We will review the agreement, identify any unfavorable terms, and negotiate on your behalf if necessary. You should never feel pressured into signing quickly. Severance agreements can impact your financial future, career options, and legal rights.

Employment Contract Disputes and Legal Remedies

If you’re involved in a dispute over your contract—whether it’s a disagreement about job responsibilities, a termination issue, or a non-compete claim—our goal is to resolve the matter as efficiently and favorably as possible.

Many disputes can be resolved without going to court through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. However, when litigation is required, our firm has the experience and courtroom skill to pursue your claim effectively.

At Carcich O’Shea, we focus on resolving disputes strategically, always keeping your best interests and long-term career goals in mind.

Why Employees Trust Carcich O’Shea

With offices in Hackensack, we serve clients across Bergen County and throughout northern New Jersey. Our team understands the power imbalance employees often face when dealing with employers and employment contracts. That’s why we provide:

• Clear, personalized legal advice.
• Strategic contract review and negotiation.
• Strong representation in disputes and litigation.
• A deep understanding of New Jersey employment law.

Whether you’re preparing to sign a new employment contract, considering leaving your job, or already facing legal action, we’re here to help you take control of the situation.

Speak With a Bergen County Employment Contract Lawyer at Carcich O’Shea Today

Your career, livelihood, and professional reputation deserve protection. Don’t leave your rights to chance by signing an employment contract you don’t fully understand. Contact the Bergen County employment contract lawyers at Carcich O’Shea to schedule a confidential consultation. Call 201-988-1308 or contact us online today to speak with an attorney who can help you understand your contract, negotiate better terms, or respond to a legal dispute. Located in Hackensack, New Jersey, we serve clients in Bergen County, Edison Township, Middlesex County, Essex County, Morris County, and Passaic County.