Severance Agreement Attorneys in D.C.

If you’ve been offered a severance agreement by your employer, it’s important to understand what you’re being asked to sign—and what you might be giving up. Severance agreements often include complex legal language that can waive your rights to sue, restrict your future job options, or limit your ability to speak out.

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help employees in Washington, D.C. review, negotiate, and challenge severance agreements. Whether you’re being laid off, terminated, or asked to leave under sensitive circumstances, we ensure your exit is fair, respectful, and legally sound.

What Is a Severance Agreement?

A severance agreement is a contract between an employer and employee that outlines the terms of separation. While employers are generally not required by law to offer severance pay, many do in exchange for the employee’s agreement to certain conditions, such as:

  • Releasing the employer from liability
  • Agreeing not to sue
  • Promising confidentiality
  • Restricting future employment or competition
  • Cooperating with the employer post-departure

Once signed, these agreements are legally binding. That’s why it’s essential to fully understand the terms—and have an experienced attorney review them—before you sign.

Common Clauses in Severance Agreements

Severance agreements in D.C. often include a mix of the following provisions:

1. Release of Claims

The most critical clause. This typically waives your right to sue your employer for any legal claims you may have, including:

  • Discrimination (race, age, gender, disability, etc.)
  • Retaliation or wrongful termination
  • Wage and hour violations
  • Breach of contract

Important: Even if your termination was unlawful, signing this release could prevent you from seeking justice unless the agreement is negotiated or challenged properly.

2. Non-Disparagement and Confidentiality

These clauses may limit what you can say about your employer and prohibit you from discussing the terms of the agreement with others.

3. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

Some severance packages include restrictions on your ability to work for a competitor or solicit clients or coworkers. In D.C., these clauses are subject to increasing scrutiny and may not be enforceable in every situation.

4. Cooperation Requirements

You may be required to assist with future litigation, investigations, or business matters after your departure. It’s important to define the scope of this obligation.

5. Benefits and Severance Pay

Details the amount of severance pay offered, whether health benefits will continue, and if there are any conditions for payment (such as returning company property).

Why You Should Never Sign Without Legal Review

Many employees are given just a few days—or even hours—to sign a severance agreement. This can be overwhelming, especially if your job is ending unexpectedly. But signing without review can have serious consequences.

Here’s why legal review is essential:

  • You may be giving up valuable rights unknowingly.
  • You may have leverage to negotiate a better package.
  • You might be agreeing to unfair or unenforceable restrictions.
  • The language may be vague or overly broad, leading to future legal risk.

Our attorneys will walk you through each clause, identify red flags, and help you understand your options before you commit to anything.

Negotiating a Fair Exit

You don’t have to accept the first offer your employer puts on the table. We often help clients negotiate:

  • More severance pay
  • Extension of health or COBRA benefits
  • Removal or limitation of non-compete clauses
  • Stronger protections for future employment
  • A neutral or positive reference

Our firm approaches severance negotiation strategically—protecting your legal rights while maintaining professionalism and discretion.

Can You Challenge a Severance Agreement After Signing?

In some cases, yes. A severance agreement may be invalidated if:

  • It was signed under duress or coercion
  • It contains unlawful or overly broad provisions
  • It fails to comply with legal requirements (e.g., age discrimination waivers under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA))

If you signed an agreement and now believe you were misled or unfairly pressured, we can review your case and determine your options.

Serving All Workers in Washington, D.C.

We represent clients across many industries and employment levels, including:

  • Government contractors
  • Tech and legal professionals
  • Healthcare workers
  • Executives and senior managers
  • Hourly and unionized employees

Whether you’re exiting voluntarily or being forced out, we provide the legal insight and negotiation power you need to leave on your terms.

Talk to a Severance Attorney Before You Sign

Your separation from a job is more than just a transaction—it’s a turning point. Don’t let a rushed or one-sided agreement determine your future.

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help employees in Washington, D.C. protect their rights, maximize severance terms, and move forward with peace of mind.

Contact Us for a Confidential Severance Review

  • Phone: (202) 474-8500
  • Website: www.mundacalaw.com
  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • Serving: Employees throughout D.C. and the surrounding metro area

Let us review your severance agreement and make sure your rights are protected.