Know Your Rights Before You Sign: How Our California Employment Lawyers Help with Severance Review
- Haulk & Herrera LLP
- May 19
- 2 min read
Considering a Severance Agreement? Don’t Sign Until You Understand Your Rights
When you’re faced with a severance agreement, it can feel overwhelming—especially if your job has just ended. You may feel pressure to sign quickly, but that document can have long-lasting effects on your finances, career, and legal rights. At Haulk & Herrera LLP, we help employees across California navigate severance reviews with clarity and confidence.
Our experienced California employment lawyers offer strategic guidance and legal protection so you can walk away from your job on your terms—not theirs.
What Is a Severance Agreement?
A severance agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee that typically offers compensation or benefits in exchange for certain conditions—most commonly, a waiver of legal rights, such as the right to sue for wrongful termination, discrimination, or retaliation.
While the payout may seem generous, the terms of the agreement can heavily favor your employer if not carefully reviewed.
Why You Should NEVER Sign a Severance Agreement Without Legal Review
Even if your employer says the offer is “standard,” you may be giving up more than you realize. Most severance agreements include:
Waivers of legal claims (even if you haven’t filed one)
Non-disparagement clauses
Non-compete or non-solicitation terms
Confidentiality agreements
General releases of liability
These terms can limit your future job opportunities and ability to speak freely, and may not fairly compensate you based on your years of service, role, or the circumstances of your departure.
At Haulk & Herrera LLP, we examine every clause and negotiate better terms when necessary.
How Haulk & Herrera LLP Helps Employees With Severance Reviews
As trusted California employment attorneys, we bring years of experience reviewing, negotiating, and advising on severance packages. Here's what you can expect from a consultation with us:
Detailed review of your severance agreement
Analysis of your rights and options under California law
Negotiation support to improve severance terms
Confidential guidance on wrongful termination, retaliation, or discrimination claims
In many cases, we identify serious issues with the agreement—or discover you may have grounds for legal claims your employer wants you to waive.
Common Situations We See With Severance Agreements
We regularly work with employees in the following situations:
Laid off during company restructuring
Offered a severance package after being wrongfully terminated
Pressured to sign a release after reporting harassment or discrimination
Tech employees impacted by mass layoffs
Executives with complex contracts or equity
Spanish-speaking employees who received unclear or untranslated agreements
Our team is ready to protect your rights.
Know Your Rights—Don’t Go It Alone
California law offers some of the strongest employee protections in the country—but only if you know how to use them. Don’t risk your future by signing a severance agreement without legal support.
Haulk & Herrera LLP is here to help. We offer free consultations so you can understand your rights before you sign.
Schedule Your Severance Review Today
If you've been offered a severance package—or if you're unsure whether you're entitled to one—contact Haulk & Herrera LLP today. Our dedicated employment law attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation and respect you deserve.
Call now for a free consultation (415) 745-3219
Serving clients across California
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