In Somerset, Massachusetts, an employment contract is agreement between an employer and employee which legally binds them to conditions specified in the work relationship. Most Massachusetts employment contracts can be negotiable since both parties benefit from a suitable agreement that is unique to their circumstances. Employment contracts specifying a term of employment provide employees with some measure of job security if conditions are satisfied. They further permit the employer to directly control employee productivity to some degree.

Common Terms in Massachusetts Employment Contracts

Terms that are included in the majority of employment contracts in Massachusetts include the job description, salary or compensation, length of employment (or if it at will) and grounds for termination or advancement. Some clauses are less common but still worthy of being noted. First, the contract might include an arbitration clause which requires that parties forgo going to court over an employment dispute.

Second, 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. Additionally, clauses covering confidentiality and non-compete clauses subject all information completed or obtained by employees to specific rules.

How Can a Somerset Lawyer Help?

Somerset lawyers who specialize employment laws for the state of Massachusetts 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.