A Los Altos, California employment contract is an agreement where the employer and employee each intend to legally bind the other to particular conditions in the work relationship. Many California employment contracts can be negotiable since both parties benefit from a suitable agreement that is unique to their circumstances. If conditions are met, the employment contract for a set period of time will provide the employee with a guarantee of job security. It also gives employees some degree of control directly over employee productivity.

Common Terms in California Employment Contracts

Terms that are included in the majority of employment contracts in California include the job description, salary or wages, length of employment (or if it at will) and grounds for termination or advancement. Contracts might also contain less commonly used clauses. First, arbitration clauses require parties to give up their rights to sue in court for any type of employment dispute.

Also, a severance clause or "termination clause" outlines the process for ending the employment. Courts have held employers liable for wrongful termination when violating such clauses. Moreover, confidentiality and non-compete clauses make any information obtained or work completed by an employee under contract subject to specific rules.

How Can a Los Altos Lawyer Help?

Los Altos lawyers who specialize employment laws for the state of California may help you out in understanding the contents of any given employment contract. An attorney will also counsel you in obtaining what is fair to you in the contract terms, and they can help negotiate agreements addressing your needs as you begin or terminate employment.