California Severance Pay Attorneys
Call (800) 466-5015 to Schedule a Free Consultation
Easy 4-Step Process for California Severance Package Review
Step 1.
Call us or email your agreement to info@severance-lawyers.com
Step 2.
Our office will schedule a date and time for the meeting (either in person, via Zoom, or over the phone). All meetings can be scheduled within 24 hours.
Step 3.
Our California severance package attorney will conduct a thorough review of the agreement before discussing it carefully with you and answering your questions.
Step 4.
Our California attorneys will send you a detailed email regarding any changes, revisions, or other items in your California severance package that need addressing with your previous employer. You will then have the option to negotiate with your employer directly on your behalf to retain us to negotiate for you to try to improve the terms and amount of severance pay.
Severance and Employment Law in California
In California, the law states that severance packages must be offered in exchange for something of value provided by the employee. This could include years of service or a special skill set. An employer may also require an employee to sign a non-compete agreement as part of their severance package. A skilled California severance lawyer can help ensure that any non-compete agreement is reasonable and enforceable, while also making sure that the terms of the severance package are fair and just. In addition, they can discuss with employers other options such as extended pay periods, bonus payments, and outplacement services. Finally, a specialized attorney can assist employees in negotiating for additional benefits beyond those specified in their employment contract or collective bargaining agreement if necessary.
How To Calculate Severance in California
If your employer in California provides you with a severance agreement, it can be unclear what you are being asked to sign. Before accepting the agreement or asking for changes, it is wise to have an experienced employment attorney review it. Our attorneys have a great deal of experience with severance agreements and can assist you in reviewing and negotiating your California severance package. This will help protect your rights while ensuring the maximum benefit.
California Severance Package Review & Negotiation
Before signing any severance document in California, it is crucial to have it reviewed by an experienced employment attorney in the state. This ensures that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under the new severance agreement.
Your Rights in California
You have the right to take a review period to consider the severance package before signing, even if your employer is pressuring you to decide quickly. You can make your own choice and are not obligated to accept the same terms as other employees. It's often possible to negotiate the terms of the package. Our team of California employment attorneys can assist you by thoroughly reviewing your offer, providing advice on your options, and leveraging our extensive knowledge of California employment law to ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
Who We Are
Severance Lawyers is a team of employment law experts based in California who specialize in severance pay. We have assisted numerous clients in assessing their severance agreements and securing just compensation through negotiation. Upon contacting us, we will thoroughly evaluate your agreement and provide you with a comprehensive list of factors to consider, along with recommendations, within 24 hours. This will ensure that you have a clear understanding of the terms your employer is presenting.
You have two options for responding to your employer: you can do it yourself or hire one of our lawyers to negotiate for you. If you decide to hire us, our California severance pay lawyers will work hard to get you better terms and a higher severance pay amount. To schedule a consultation, please call (800) 466-5015.
Our California Severance Attorneys Serve the Following Communities:
- Alameda County
- Alpine County
- Amador County
- Butte County
- Calaveras County
- Colusa County
- Contra Costa County
- Del Norte County
- El Dorado County
- Fresno County
- Glenn County
- Humbolt County
- Imperial County
- Inyo County
- Kern County
- Kings County
- Lake County
- Lassen County
- Los Angeles County
- Madeira County
- Marin County
- Mariposa County
- Mendocino County
- Merced County
- Modoc County
- Mono County
- Monterey County
- Napa County
- Orange County
- Nevada County
- Placer County
- Plumas County
- Riverside County
- Sacramento County
- San Benito County
- San Bernardino County
- San Diego County
- San Francisco County
- San Joaquin County
- San Luis Obispo County
- San Mateo County
- Santa Barbara County
- Santa Clara County
- Santa Cruz County
- Shasta County
- Sierra County
- Siskiyou County
- Solano County
- Sonoma County
- Stanislaus County
- Sutter County
- Tehama County
- Trinity County
- Tulare County
- Tuolumne County
- Ventura County
- Yolo County
- Yuba County
Client reviews
-
- Al W.
This law firm helped me achieve the results that I needed. Would recommend Paul to anyone that feels as though they have been wronged and need legal guidance and assistance.
-
- Wendy G.
My experience with Severance Lawyers was excellent. They gave my case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful. They were a calming and confident presence during a difficult and uncertain time for me. Their guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, professional, timely and open for calls and quick updates. They invested the time to work through all of my questions and issues. I can’t thank them enough and would hire them again.
-
- Michelle M.
Tom and his staff understand the law very well. They are quick to return calls, take the initiative, and explain things in a way I can understand. From start to finish Tom was there to help me out every step of the way with our case. I am glad to have Tom and his team on my side. I simply cannot thank them enough!
-
- Tucker W.
I found myself in a challenging & stressful situation that required legal representation and their attorney Paul Castronovo handled it beyond my expectations. Paul is incredibly experienced/knowledgeable and I just felt like I was in good hands the entire time. Paul has a calming demeanor too–which is helpful in these stressful situations. Paul helped turn my lemons into lemonade.
-
- Sweta M.
Tom McKinney’s prompt attention, articulate and comprehensive advice addressed my Employment Agreement related issue. His confidence shined through instilling the confidence in me and peace of mind having him by my side. If you’re dealing with the proverbial ‘blood sucking’ company, look no further than Tom’s voice of reason.
-
- Austin S.
Going to Tom and his team for my case was the best decision I made. He was professional and knowledgeable in employment law. He helped me reach a resolution and I could not recommend him enough for anyone else out there.
-
- Sean C.
Tom McKinney is one of the best attorneys that I know…whether to negotiate on your behalf or reviewing your agreement to make sure you are getting maximum value for your compensation. From stock options to deferred compensation. I have referred him to friends in NJ and NY.
-
- Joe K.
I had Tom review my severance agreement. He provided a lot of valuable insight. I was able to go back to my employer with various points and double my package. Tom was prudent in having me use his services (told me to go back to my employer before fully engaging him) and I did not overpay when not needed. Other lawyers could have easily taken advantage of my situation and over-lawyered the situation.
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
-
How long do I have to sign the severance documents?
When companies terminate employees and provide a severance package, the goal of the severance is to benefit both the company and the employee. Therefore, the employee has time to review the agreement. Review timelines depend on employee age and the number of people terminated simultaneously.
- Employees under the age of 40 – No set time frame, but it must be reasonable and ample enough to review and understand the components.
- Employees over the age of 40 – 21 days to review and sign and 7 days to reconsider and revoke your signature.
- Multiple terminations at once – 45 days to review and sign and 7 days to reconsider and revoke your signature.
-
How is severance pay calculated?
Several factors go into severance pay amounts. Employees in higher management positions may receive additional benefits like longer pay terms, office equipment, or medical benefits.
Typical payouts can last up to 26 weeks and go by the following calculations:
- Hourly Employees: Number of years with company X 1 week of regular pay = Severance Pay $ Total
- Salaried Employees: Number of years with company X 2 weeks of regular pay = Severance Pay $ Total
-
Am I entitled to severance pay?
No, most companies provide a severance agreement when they lay off or fire an employee. Offering a severance package is entirely optional for the company. Most companies only do it to protect themselves from future lawsuits, the employee going to a competitor company, or adverse claims from the employee. The company takes multiple factors into account when preparing the packages.
