Severance Agreement Attorney in Arlington, Virginia
If you’ve been offered a severance agreement by your employer in Arlington, Virginia, it’s crucial to understand what you’re signing. Severance packages often come with strings attached—waiving your right to sue, limiting future employment options, or including overly broad confidentiality clauses.
At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help employees carefully review and negotiate severance agreements so they walk away with peace of mind and the compensation they deserve. Before you sign anything, let us protect your rights and your future.
What Is a Severance Agreement?
A severance agreement is a contract offered by an employer at the end of the employment relationship. It may include financial compensation, continued benefits, or other perks in exchange for certain legal concessions from the employee.
Employers are not legally required to offer severance in Virginia unless it’s part of a contract or policy. However, many offer packages to:
- Limit legal liability
- Ensure a smooth transition
- Maintain goodwill
- Secure non-disparagement or confidentiality clauses
These agreements are legally binding, and once signed, they are often very difficult to undo.
What’s Included in a Typical Severance Agreement?
Severance agreements can vary widely, but most include some combination of the following:
Monetary Compensation
This may be a lump sum or salary continuation over a set period. It might also include payment for unused PTO, bonuses, or commissions.
Release of Claims
Almost all severance agreements include a general release, meaning you agree not to sue your employer for any reason—including wrongful termination, discrimination, or unpaid wages.
Non-Disparagement Clauses
You may be prohibited from saying anything negative about the employer, even if your experiences were valid and truthful.
Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
You may be barred from sharing internal information or details of the severance agreement.
Non-Compete or Non-Solicitation Provisions
Some agreements impose restrictions on your ability to work for competitors or solicit clients or employees for a set time after departure.
Rehire Bans
Some agreements include language preventing you from seeking employment with the same employer again.
Why You Should Have a Severance Agreement Reviewed
Too often, employees are pressured to sign severance agreements quickly—sometimes without fully understanding their legal implications. Here’s why a review by a qualified employment attorney matters:
1. Ensure You’re Being Treated Fairly
Are you receiving appropriate compensation based on your years of service, position, and company policies?
2. Understand What You’re Giving Up
Many agreements waive your right to bring future legal claims—even if you later discover the termination was unlawful.
3. Spot Overly Restrictive Clauses
Some agreements contain non-compete or confidentiality clauses that could unfairly limit your future career opportunities.
4. Negotiate Better Terms
You don’t have to accept what’s offered. In many cases, we’ve successfully helped clients negotiate better severance pay, health coverage, or reduced restrictions.
5. Avoid Mistakes That Could Cost You
Signing without review could leave you vulnerable to lawsuits or waive important rights without realizing it.
Severance Negotiation Is a Strategic Process
Employers expect that some employees will negotiate severance agreements—especially those in professional or executive roles. If you’ve been offered a severance package, you should:
- Avoid signing anything immediately
- Request time to review the agreement (typically 21 days under federal law if you’re over 40)
- Seek legal counsel to evaluate and negotiate the terms
At The Mundaca Law Firm, we review severance agreements with an eye toward protecting your legal rights and professional reputation.
Serving Employees in Arlington and Across Northern Virginia
Whether you’re leaving a job at a government agency, a tech company, or a local business in Arlington, your future deserves protection. We work with employees in a wide range of industries and positions, including:
- Government and federal contractors
- Healthcare and biotech
- Legal, finance, and consulting
- Higher education and nonprofits
- Startups and private employers
Why Choose The Mundaca Law Firm?
- Experience with Employment Contracts: We understand the legal language and hidden risks in severance terms.
- Local Insight: Serving Arlington, VA, and the broader D.C. region, we understand how employers in this area approach separation agreements.
- Negotiation Skills: We know how to advocate for better terms, especially for employees facing layoffs, restructuring, or unfair treatment.
- Clear, Confidential Guidance: We explain your rights in plain English so you can make informed decisions under pressure.
Don’t Sign Away Your Rights Without a Fight
A severance agreement is more than just a paycheck—it’s a legal document that can affect your financial security, your reputation, and your career. Before signing, talk to an attorney who can help you protect your interests.
Schedule a Confidential Severance Review Today
- Phone: (202) 474-8500
- Website: www.mundacalaw.com
- Serving: Arlington, VA and surrounding areas
You only get one chance to negotiate your severance. Let us make it count.