Common Employment Contract Disputes
Employment contracts can be complex and filled with legal jargon, making it easy for disputes to arise between an employer and an employee.
Some common areas of disagreement include the following:
- Disputes about pay such as concerns about wages and bonuses, commission structures, stock options, or other forms of compensation
- Changes in job duties including significant shifts in responsibilities, reporting structure, or workload without a corresponding pay increase
- Restrictive covenants involving problems with non-compete clauses, non-solicitation provisions, or confidentiality terms that may be broader than allowed under Colorado law
- Termination and separation issues such as disputes over termination terms or conditions, including suspected wrongful termination
In most cases, our attorneys can help resolve these disputes through negotiation and mediation. However, we are well-equipped to take your case to court and fight for your rights if necessary.
Understanding Colorado Employment Contract Law
When you sign or challenge an employment agreement in Colorado, you are dealing with a mix of state statutes, court decisions, and federal laws that all shape what your contract really means. Rules can differ depending on whether you work in Denver, Colorado Springs, or another community, and employers may use forms that do not always reflect current Colorado law. An experienced Denver employment contract attorney can help you understand which parts of your agreement are enforceable, which may be negotiable, and how state law may limit certain restrictions on your future work.
For example, Colorado places limits on many non-compete provisions, and recent changes in state law have affected how employers can restrict employees in different salary ranges and professions. Your agreement may also interact with wage payment laws, anti-discrimination protections, and whistleblower rules that are enforced in courts such as the Denver District Court and through federal agencies. By reviewing your contract through the lens of these laws, you can better assess whether to sign, request changes, or pursue legal action.
Employees and executives often want to know what is “standard” for their industry, but what is typical in one part of the Front Range might not match expectations elsewhere in Colorado. A Denver employment contract lawyer can help you compare your offer or severance proposal to what they commonly see in similar roles, explain any legal risks that might not be obvious from the wording alone, and help you prepare thoughtful questions to raise with your employer or human resources team.
Severance Packages & Executive Compensation
If you resign from employment or have been terminated or laid off, your employer may offer a severance package. Your employer will usually draft this, so it will likely include terms that protect their interests, not yours. It could require you to waive certain rights, including your right to sue your employer on any grounds.
Before agreeing to a severance package, consider turning to our Colorado Springs or Denver employment contract attorneys. We excel at handling cases involving severance packages and executive compensation. Our team can assess whether the offering is fair and if there are any potential avenues for increasing the amount of compensation. Additionally, if you have been offered an executive compensation package, we can help determine if it aligns with industry standards and provide guidance on negotiation tactics.
Employees in Colorado often face tight deadlines to review severance agreements, and those who work for larger employers along the Front Range may feel pressured to sign quickly to receive payment. A Denver employment contract attorney can explain how release language, non-disparagement provisions, and cooperation clauses may affect you if future disputes arise, and can help you decide whether it makes sense to ask for additional time, more severance pay, or changes to restrictive covenants before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Have a Denver Employment Contract Lawyer Review My Agreement?
Having an employment contract reviewed by a Denver attorney ensures that you fully understand your rights and obligations before signing. A skilled lawyer can identify overly broad noncompete clauses, unfair severance terms, or hidden waivers that might restrict your future career options. By consulting with Leventhal Swan Taylor Temming PC, you gain clarity on complex legal language and secure leverage to negotiate terms that better protect your professional interests.
Can an Employer Change the Terms of My Contract After I Sign It?
In most situations, an employer cannot unilaterally change the terms of a binding employment contract without your consent or without offering additional consideration. However, certain agreements may include provisions that allow for modifications under specific circumstances. If your employer is attempting to alter your compensation, duties, or benefits against the original terms, our employment contract lawyers in Denver can review the document to determine if a breach of contract has occurred and advise you on your legal options.
What Are the Consequences of Violating a Noncompete Agreement in Colorado?
Violating a noncompete agreement in Colorado can lead to severe consequences, including lawsuits from your former employer seeking financial damages or an injunction to prevent you from working for a competitor. Colorado law strictly regulates noncompete agreements, rendering many of them void unless they meet specific statutory exceptions, such as those protecting trade secrets or applying to highly compensated workers. Our legal team can evaluate the enforceability of your noncompete clause and defend you against unlawful restrictions on your livelihood.
How Can a Lawyer Assist With Negotiating a Severance Package?
A Denver employment contract attorney can evaluate your severance package to ensure the compensation and benefits offered are fair and align with industry standards. Employers often use severance agreements to secure waivers protecting them from future lawsuits, so it is vital to understand exactly what rights you are giving up. The attorneys at Leventhal Swan Taylor Temming PC have extensive experience negotiating severance terms and can advocate for improved financial payouts, extended health benefits, or more favorable confidentiality terms before you sign.
What Should I Do if My Employer Breaches Our Employment Agreement?
If you believe your employer has breached your employment agreement, you should gather all relevant documentation, including the original contract, pay stubs, and any written communications regarding the dispute. Do not take actions that could be construed as a breach on your part. Contact a Denver employment contract lawyer immediately to discuss your situation. We can help you pursue appropriate remedies, which may include negotiating a resolution, filing a formal complaint, or taking your case to court to recover owed wages or damages.
