A severance package is a combination of compensation and benefits provided when your employment ends. Employers are not required by law to offer severance, but many do so to:

• Reduce legal risk

• Maintain good relationships

• Reward long-term employees

• Avoid reputational harm

• Encourage a smooth transition

A severance package may include:

• Lump-sum or ongoing salary payments

• Continued health insurance

• Retirement benefits

• PTO payout

• Stock options or equity handling

• Extended COBRA coverage

• Career transition support

• Letters of reference or neutral job verifications

• Non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements

• Non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions

The key point: all of it is negotiable—but only if you know what to ask for.

Why You Need a Severance Package Negotiation Lawyer

A severance lawyer helps you maximize your package and protect your legal rights by:

1. Reviewing and Explaining Your Agreement

Severance contracts are legally complex. Your attorney will analyze:

• Release of claims

• Restrictive covenants

• Compensation structure

• Eligibility terms

• State-specific employment laws

• Timing requirements

• Potential legal claims you may be giving up

2. Identifying Leverage That You Didn’t Know You Had

Employers often offer a “standard package,” but this rarely reflects what they’re actually willing to pay—especially if they want:

• A legal release

• Confidentiality

• Avoidance of wrongful termination claims

• Protection of trade secrets

• A quick, quiet exit

An attorney identifies leverage points that can lead to thousands more in compensation.

3. Negotiating Directly With Your Employer

Lawyers handle communications on your behalf to ensure you’re taken seriously and protected.

Employers often increase offers when dealing with an experienced attorney who knows employment law inside and out.

4. Protecting Your Right to Future Employment

Many severance agreements contain:

• Non-competes

• Non-solicitation clauses

• Non-disparagement provisions

• Confidentiality requirements

These can severely limit your job opportunities. A lawyer negotiates or removes unfair restrictions.

5. Ensuring You Don’t Waive Important Legal Claims

In exchange for severance, employers often ask you to waive:

• Wrongful termination claims

• Wage disputes

• Harassment or discrimination claims

• Retaliation claims

• Whistleblower protections

A lawyer helps you avoid giving up rights improperly.

6. Increasing Your Compensation

Many attorneys secure:

• More weeks/months of pay

• Additional bonuses

• Continued benefits

• PTO payouts

• Equity extensions

• Better tax outcomes

• Protection of vested/unvested stock

Employees who hire severance counsel usually walk away with significantly more than they were initially offered.

When You Should Hire a Severance Package Negotiation Lawyer

You should consult a lawyer if you:

✔ Were laid off or terminated

✔ Are offered a severance package to resign

✔ Believe the termination was unfair

✔ Are asked to sign a non-compete

✔ Fear retaliation or reputational harm

✔ Are a highly compensated employee or executive

✔ Have equity, bonuses, commissions, or stock at risk

✔ Work in a state with strict labor laws

✔ Are being pressured to sign quickly

✔ Have been given a deadline you don’t understand

Do not sign anything before a lawyer reviews it.

What Can Be Negotiated in a Severance Package?

Almost everything. A severance lawyer can negotiate:

1. Money (most important)

• Extra weeks or months of salary

• Lump sum vs installments

• Bonus payouts

• Commission payout

• Equity vesting acceleration

• Retirement contributions

2. Healthcare & Benefits

• COBRA coverage

• Employer-paid health insurance

• Extended benefits

• Vacation/PTO payout

• Outplacement services

3. Legal Protections

• Removal or limitation of non-competes

• Elimination of non-solicitation clauses

• Mutually beneficial non-disparagement

• Confidentiality protections

• Neutral job references

4. Timing & Tax Optimization

• Payment structure

• Fiscal year adjustments

• Delayed release of claims

• IRS § 409A compliance for executives

A skilled attorney can often secure 2–5× more value than the original offer.

How Employers Typically Structure Severance Offers

Employers generally want:

• A quick signature

• A broad release of claims

• Protection of business interests

• Confidentiality

• No lawsuits

• No negative publicity

This means the agreement is usually drafted entirely in the employer’s favor.

Your lawyer’s job is to rebalance that power dynamic.

How Severance Negotiation Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Initial Consultation

You provide your attorney with the agreement and background information.

2. Agreement Review

Your lawyer examines:

• Language

• Restrictive covenants

• Legal claims

• Past employer practices

• State/federal law compliance

3. Strategy Development

Your lawyer develops a negotiation plan based on:

• Your goals

• Employer leverage

• Legal risks

• Industry norms

4. Attorney-to-Employer Negotiation

Your lawyer contacts the employer and negotiates directly.

5. Revised Agreement

The employer provides a new offer.

6. Final Review & Signing

Once you approve, your lawyer ensures legal compliance before you sign.

How Much Does a Severance Negotiation Lawyer Cost?

Fees vary but typically include:

1. Flat Fees (Common for Review)

$500–$2,500 depending on complexity.

2. Hourly Rates

$250–$600/hour depending on region and seniority.

3. Hybrid or Percentage-Based Models

Some lawyers take a percentage of the increase they secure for you.

Given that severance negotiations often add thousands to tens of thousands to your payout, hiring a lawyer is usually one of the best returns on investment.

Why Choose Legal-Counsel.net to Find a Severance Negotiation Lawyer?

Legal-Counsel.net is the premier online destination for connecting with highly qualified severance lawyers nationwide.

Benefits of using Legal-Counsel.net include:

✔ Access to specialized employment lawyers experienced in severance negotiations
✔ Attorneys familiar with state-specific laws and employer tactics
✔ Fast matching with vetted professionals
✔ Guidance for executives, managers, and hourly workers
✔ Support for reviewing, negotiating, or challenging agreements
✔ A platform that prioritizes client protection and confidentiality

Whether you need quick contract review or full-scale negotiation, Legal-Counsel.net makes it easy to find the right lawyer near you.

How to Get Started

To connect with a qualified severance package negotiation lawyer, visit:

👉 https://legal-counsel.net/

Professional severance attorneys can help you:

• Maximize compensation

• Secure more benefits

• Protect your career

• Avoid legal pitfalls

• Negotiate fair terms

• Transition to your next job with confidence

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a severance package negotiable?

Yes — almost every severance agreement is negotiable.

2. Will hiring a lawyer upset my employer?

Not typically. Employment attorneys negotiate severance packages every day.

3. Can a lawyer help me get more money?

Yes. Attorneys often secure substantially higher payouts.

4. Should I sign a severance agreement without a lawyer?

No. You may unknowingly give up legal rights.

5. How long do I have to sign a severance agreement?

Usually 7–21 days, but it varies by state and agreement.

6. Can a lawyer remove a non-compete from my severance terms?

Often, yes. Many restrictive covenants can be negotiated or removed.

Conclusion

A severance package is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign in your career. It affects your finances, your future employment, and your legal rights. That’s why hiring a severance package negotiation lawyer is essential to ensuring you receive fair treatment and maximum compensation.

If you want expert help reviewing, negotiating, or improving your severance offer, visit:

👉 https://legal-counsel.net/
Your trusted source for top-rated employment attorneys nationwide.