Executive Severance & Compensation Negotiation: What California C-Suite Leaders Need to Know

Haulk & Herrera LLP
May 19
2 min read

Executive Transition in California? Protect Your Compensation Before You Sign

If you’re a CEO, CFO, COO, or C-suite executive facing a layoff, termination, or even a “mutual separation,” your executive compensation and severance package deserve more than a quick signature. High-level employment agreements often involve stock options, performance bonuses, retention pay, and restrictive clauses that must be handled with expert legal insight.

At Haulk & Herrera LLP, we specialize in helping executives throughout California review, negotiate, and maximize their payouts—while protecting their future and reputation.

Why Executives Need Legal Support for Severance and Exit Packages

Executive employment agreements are complex. Without proper legal review, you may unknowingly:

Forfeit valuable stock options or RSUs
Lose bonuses or commissions you’ve already earned
Be held to overreaching non-compete or non-solicitation terms
Sign away your right to pursue claims for wrongful termination, breach of contract, or retaliation
Agree to one-sided non-disparagement and confidentiality terms

As a high-level executive, you’ve spent years building your expertise and earning your position—you deserve to leave with what you’re owed.

What’s Typically at Stake for Executives

A thorough severance review considers more than just your base salary. At Haulk & Herrera LLP, we carefully assess:

Base salary and severance pay
Stock options, equity, and RSUs
Bonuses (performance, signing, retention, exit)
Health and retirement benefits (401(k), COBRA, pension)
Non-compete and non-solicit clauses
Company property, email access, and data privacy
Reputation management and public statements

We’ll help ensure you leave with your finances, integrity, and future opportunities intact.

How We Help California Executives

As trusted employment attorneys, we’ve worked with executives across tech, finance, media, healthcare, education, and startup environments. Our California-based firm offers:

Detailed executive compensation reviews
Negotiation of better terms or lump-sum payouts
Advice on stock options and bonus structures
Protection against post-employment restrictions
Guidance on wrongful termination, breach of contract, or discrimination claims
Discreet, confidential representation

We understand the high stakes of executive-level transitions and provide the sophisticated legal strategy you need to protect your exit.

Situations Where Legal Counsel Is Critical

You’ve received an executive severance offer after company restructuring or merger
You're being forced out under a “mutual” agreement but sense retaliation or bias
You have unvested stock or bonuses at risk
You’re being asked to sign a broad release or waiver
You’ve been with a startup and need help with equity disputes
You're relocating or being reassigned and unsure of your rights

Whether you’re in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego, our firm can represent you and negotiate directly with your employer or legal counsel.

Why Choose Haulk & Herrera LLP

We’re not just employment lawyers—we’re strategic advocates for California executives navigating career transitions. Our boutique law firm provides hands-on support, responsive communication, and custom legal solutions for high-level professionals.

Your career, legacy, and compensation matter. We make sure they’re protected.

Schedule a Confidential Executive Severance Consultation

Don’t let your years of service and leadership end with a one-sided agreement. Before you sign your exit paperwork, consult with an experienced attorney who understands executive-level compensation in California.