Severance agreements, employment contracts, and professional service agreements often contain hidden legal traps that can impact an employee’s career, earnings, and future opportunities. Employers draft these documents to protect themselves—not the employee. Before signing anything, it is critical to understand your rights and ensure the agreement is fair, enforceable, and beneficial.
Beckum Law provides comprehensive review and negotiation services for employees, executives, physicians, engineers, financial professionals, managers, and other high‑skill workers across Alabama. With more than 20 years of experience handling employment contracts and workplace disputes, attorney William “Will” Beckum helps clients strengthen agreements, avoid restrictive clauses, and maximize severance compensation.
Why Legal Review Is Essential
Severance agreements are legally binding contracts. Once you sign, you may be giving up:
- Your right to sue for discrimination, retaliation, or unpaid wages
- Valuable legal claims you may not even know about
- Ability to work for competitors or start your own business
- Ability to seek future employment in your field
- Rights to certain bonuses, commissions, or benefits
A short review before signing can prevent years of limitations.
What We Look for in Severance Agreements
Severance agreements typically include:
- Release of all legal claims
- Confidentiality provisions
- Non‑disparagement clauses
- Non‑compete and non‑solicitation restrictions
- Intellectual property agreements
- Compensation terms and payout structure
- COBRA or benefits continuation
- Return‑of‑property requirements
- Deadlines for signing and revocation periods
Many agreements contain overly broad or unenforceable terms. We identify what should be modified—and negotiate improvements.
Negotiating Better Severance Packages
Employers often expect negotiation. We help employees secure:
- Higher severance payments
- Extended salary continuation
- Continued health insurance benefits
- Removal or modification of non‑competes
- Neutral or positive references
- Non‑disparagement protections
- Payment of attorney’s fees in some cases
- Clear definitions of final pay, bonuses, and commissions
A well‑negotiated severance can provide financial security and protect future career opportunities.
Employment Contract Review for Professionals
Professionals in Alabama—especially physicians, nurse practitioners, engineers, executives, and financial advisors—face unique contractual challenges. We review:
- Compensation structure (salary, bonus, incentives)
- RVU or productivity formulas (for medical professionals)
- On‑call schedules and workload expectations
- Termination clauses (“for cause” vs. “without cause”)
- Tail insurance and malpractice coverage requirements
- Intellectual property and work‑product ownership
- Relocation reimbursement provisions
- Arbitration clauses and dispute‑resolution terms
Poorly drafted contracts can limit earning potential, restrict mobility, or expose employees to unexpected liabilities.
Restrictive Covenants (Non‑Competes, Non‑Solicitation, Confidentiality)
Alabama law limits the enforceability of non‑compete agreements. Many restrictive covenants violate state law because they are:
- Too long in duration
- Too broad in geographic scope
- Unrelated to legitimate business interests
- Unclear or overly vague
We evaluate whether restrictive covenants are enforceable and negotiate revisions to protect your future employment options.
Retaliation and Severance
Many severance agreements are offered after:
- Complaints of discrimination or harassment
- FMLA leave or ADA accommodation requests
- Workplace investigations
- Corporate restructuring or layoffs
- Termination without clear cause
We analyze whether you may have valuable legal claims before signing them away.
How Beckum Law Helps
Our severance and contract review services include:
- Detailed clause‑by‑clause analysis
- Identifying illegal or unenforceable terms
- Recommended revisions and negotiation strategy
- Direct negotiation with the employer when requested
- Fast turnaround for clients with signing deadlines
- Protecting future employment opportunities and earnings
Most agreements are negotiable—even when employers claim they are “standard” or “non‑negotiable.”
How to Protect Yourself Before Signing
Before you sign:
- Do not rely on HR to explain your rights.
- Do not assume the agreement cannot be changed.
- Do not sign under pressure—ask for time to review.
- Save all documents related to termination and performance.
- Contact an attorney early to preserve your leverage.
Speak With an Alabama Severance & Contract Review Lawyer
Whether you are reviewing a severance package, negotiating an employment contract, or evaluating restrictive covenants, Beckum Law can help protect your rights, career, and financial future. Our goal is to ensure you sign agreements that are fair, enforceable, and advantageous—not harmful.
Call (205) 588‑0699 or submit a confidential online inquiry today.