When employers hire employees, contracts are necessary to outline what is expected of both parties. Communication and clarity are key aspects in a positive business environment.
If you are hiring strategic employees, consult an Atlanta employment contracts lawyer at Sparks Law to help you draft a binding document. If you are a new employee, our skilled attorneys can also review your agreement and offer critical legal advice before you sign the dotted line.
Employment contracts are signed by an employer and new employee. These legally enforceable documents spell out the rights and responsibilities of both parties and should address various provisions, such as the employee’s:
Employment contracts are usually for a specified amount of time and can be renewed at the end of that period. Other provisions may include:
Oral contracts are verbal agreements between an employer and employee, while written contracts memorialize all the agreed-upon terms in a formal document. Our experienced Atlanta attorneys recommend using written employment agreements to make it easier to settle disputes in the future.
Georgia is an at-will employment state, which means Atlanta employees work at the employer’s will and can be let go for any or no reason. Our local attorneys understand how employment contracts can alter the at-will status of the employee, and we are skilled at drafting agreements with this in mind.
For example, say you employ a worker with a contract for a two-year employment term. If you terminate them without cause after only one year, the employee may be able to sue you for breach of contract. As such, you should discuss at-will employment contracts with a seasoned attorney in your area to avoid these potential issues.
An employment contract also must take federal laws into consideration. For instance, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) forbids discrimination of any kind against applicants or employees. It also prohibits neutral employment policies that disproportionately affect any identity group if the policy is not specifically job-related. At Sparks Law, our lawyers are well-versed in federal employment laws and can ensure that your contract does not violate any regulations.
Whether you are an employer or an employee, it is in your best interests to have a proper contract that states your employment relationship. An employment agreement gives security to employees—they know they will be paid a specific wage for a certain length of time to do their job. For employers, a contract establishes the terms for settling disputes and helps avoid costly litigation. If you want to establish a clear employer-employee relationship, work with the skilled lawyers at our Atlanta office on a well-crafted employment contract.
It is always advised that you consult an experienced attorney for drafting or negotiating written employment contracts, especially those for professional or management positions. An Atlanta employment contracts lawyer can safeguard your employer-employee relationship by providing clear, comprehensive agreements for you and your business.
The legal team at Sparks Law can serve as a key resource in drafting, reviewing, and revising all of your business documents. We build relationships with our clients so that we deeply understand and can represent your best interests. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation.
