In Portland, Maine, an employment contract is agreement between an employer and employee which legally binds them to conditions specified in the work relationship. Maine contracts are typically negotiable since both employer and employee benefit from an agreement that is tailored to their specific work setting. An employment contract for a set term provides the employee with a guarantee of job security if the conditions are met, and it also allows employers some measure of direct control over employee productivity.

Common Terms in Maine Employment Contracts

An employment contract in Maine will normally provide for the following terms: job position description, compensation, duration of employment period (or at-will), and grounds for promotion/termination. Other clauses that are less common might also be contained in the contract. These might include: first, an arbitration clause stating that the parties may not sue should a dispute arise regarding the employment

Second, the contract can contain a termination clause, also known as a "severance clause". Courts have held that employers who violate these clauses when firing a person may be sued for wrongful termination. Additionally, confidentiality and non-compete clauses make all information obtained or work completed by an employee under contract subject to specific rules.

How Can a Portland Lawyer Help?

Portland lawyers who specialize employment laws for the state of Maine can help you out in understanding the contents of any given employment contract. You can also obtain counsel from an attorney as to what is fair in a contract. They can also negotiate terms for you with regards to concerns with entering or leaving employment.