San Diego Severance & Non-Compete Help

Your job isn’t just a paycheck; it’s your livelihood, your reputation, and your professional future. Whether you’re starting a new position or leaving a longtime employer, the terms of your employment agreement or severance package can have lasting consequences for your income, benefits, and career options. At The Gould Firm, we help San Diego employees understand, negotiate, and enforce their employment contracts so they receive the compensation, protections, and freedom they deserve. Our team is skilled in California labor and employment law, guiding workers through complex agreements with clarity and confidence. 

Before you sign any contract or accept a severance offer, it’s essential to know your rights and ensure your employer is playing by California’s employee-friendly rules. Our team is happy to review your documents when you schedule a free consultation. 

What to Know About Your Employment Agreement & Severance Package 

Employment contracts can be full of legal jargon and hidden clauses that favor the employer. Many workers sign them without realizing how those terms could affect their pay, job security, or post-employment freedom. 

At their core, employment agreements set the rules of the relationship between an employer and an employee, defining pay, duties, benefits, termination rights, and post-employment restrictions. But California’s laws heavily favor employee mobility and fairness, and many employer-drafted provisions are unenforceable or misleading. 

Common Clauses to Watch For 

Our attorneys at The Gould Firm routinely identify and challenge problematic terms such as: 

• “At-will” disclaimers that undercut job stability or promised benefits.
• Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses that restrict future employment.
• Confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions that silence legitimate concerns.
• Arbitration agreements that limit your right to a public trial.
• Commission or bonus structures that lack clear performance criteria.

These terms can dramatically affect your rights if you’re wrongfully terminated, laid off, or denied earned compensation. Before you sign, or if you believe your employer has breached your agreement, The Gould Firm can review your contract and ensure it complies with California law. 

What Is a Severance Agreement? 

A severance agreement is a contract that outlines the terms of your separation, including: 

• The amount of severance pay or continued salary 
• Continuation of health or retirement benefits 
• Non-disclosure or confidentiality terms 
• Non-disparagement and cooperation clauses 
• A release of claims against the employer 

When employment ends, companies often present a severance agreement offering pay or benefits in exchange for the employee’s signature. On the surface, it can seem like a fair deal, but what’s hidden in the fine print can be critical to your future. In most cases, signing a severance agreement means you’re waiving your right to sue for wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, or other workplace violations. That’s why reviewing these agreements with an experienced attorney is essential before you sign anything. 

How The Gould Firm Helps 

Our employment attorneys: 

• Review the severance agreement for hidden or unfair terms.
• Negotiate for higher compensation, extended benefits, or neutral references.
• Ensure the release does not prevent future legal claims you may have under California law.
• Advise on the tax and legal implications of the agreement.

We know what fair severance looks like and how to leverage your rights under California’s Labor Code and employment statutes to improve your position before finalizing the deal. 

Non-Compete & Restrictive Covenants: What California Law Permits 

California is one of the most employee-friendly states in the nation regarding non-compete clauses and restrictive covenants. In most cases, these clauses are void and unenforceable under California Business and Professions Code §16600, which states that every individual has the right to pursue any lawful occupation or profession of their choice. 

Yet, despite this clear law, many employers still include non-compete provisions in their contracts, often to intimidate employees into staying put or to restrict them after departure. 

Common Restrictive Clauses 

Here’s what to watch for in your contract or severance package: 

• Non-compete agreements that prohibit working for competitors or starting a similar business.
• Non-solicitation clauses that restrict contact with former clients or coworkers.
• Confidentiality clauses that overreach to include general industry knowledge or experience.
• Trade secret provisions that attempt to block fair use of skills and contacts.

While protecting legitimate trade secrets is lawful, blanket restrictions on your right to work or earn a living are not. 

Recent Legal Updates 

California has strengthened its stance even further: 

• As of 2024, employers are required to notify current and former employees if any non-compete agreements they signed is void. 
• Including an unlawful non-compete clause can now expose employers to civil penalties and private lawsuits. 

If your employer is attempting to enforce a non-compete or limit your ability to work in your field, The Gould Firm can take immediate legal action to invalidate those restrictions and protect your professional freedom. 

Negotiating Fair Terms & Holding Employers Accountable 

Employment contracts and severance packages aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every employee has a unique leverage based on tenure, role, performance, or the circumstances of their termination. Our attorneys help clients strategically negotiate stronger terms and push back against unfair practices. 

We Help Employees: 

• Negotiate fair starting salaries, bonuses, and benefits 
• Review offer letters and executive contracts 
• Secure enhanced severance packages 
• Challenge unlawful arbitration, non-compete, or confidentiality clauses 
• Enforce unpaid commissions or earned wages 
• Address breaches of contract or retaliation after separation 

Whether you’re joining a new company, leaving your job, or in a dispute over your contract, The Gould Firm ensures that your career and reputation are protected every step of the way. 

The Gould Firm’s Contract & Severance Legal Advocacy 

At The Gould Firm, we believe that employees deserve honesty, transparency, and respect, especially when legal agreements shape their livelihoods. Our San Diego-based attorneys combine deep knowledge of California employment law with a commitment to personalized advocacy. Here’s why workers across an Diego trust us with their careers: 

• Employment Law is What We Do: We focus on labor and employment law, giving us the experience and insight to spot hidden risks, unlawful provisions, and negotiation opportunities that general practitioners often miss. 
• Strategic Contract Review and Negotiation: We don’t just read your contract; we analyze it line by line to identify leverage points, negotiate better terms, and ensure compliance with California law. Whether you’re an executive or an entry-level employee, we make sure your agreement works for you. 
• Skilled in Severance and Post-Termination Disputes: Our attorneys are experienced in challenging unfair severance terms, wrongful terminations, and retaliatory firings disguised as “layoffs.” We’ve helped clients recover unpaid wages, bonuses, and benefits they were owed under contract. 
• Protecting Your Future Employment: We’ve successfully defended workers from illegal non-compete enforcement and retaliation. Our attorneys ensure your right to pursue your profession, in California or beyond, remains intact. 
• Client-Focused, Contingency-Based Representation: Depending on your case, we may handle disputes on a contingency or hybrid fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation or secure improved terms for you. Every consultation is confidential and focused on your goals. 

Take the Next Step and Protect Your Career and Your Rights 

Before you sign a new employment agreement or severance package, talk to an attorney who understands California’s unique employment protections. Many clauses that employers present as “standard” are not legally enforceable, and you have more negotiating power than you might think. 

Whether you’re starting a new chapter or closing one, The Gould Firm is here to ensure your transition is fair, lawful, and financially secure. 

Contact The Gould Firm today for a confidential consultation with a San Diego employment contract and severance attorney. We’ll review your agreement, explain your rights, and help you move forward on solid ground.