Employment contracts in Bristol, Virginia are legally binding and consist of an agreement between employer and employee regarding specified work conditions. Contracts for employment in the state of Virginia are negotiable, which allows the parties to arrive at an agreement best suited to their work relationship. If conditions are met, the employment contract for a set amount 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 Virginia Employment Contracts

Virginia employment contracts usually include many terms such as a description of the job, employment duration (generally at-will employment), compensation/benefits, and grounds for terminating. However, there are also other, less common, clauses that are worthy of notice. First, an arbitration clause requires parties to forego their rights to access the courts for any employment dispute.

Furthermore, 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. Also, work that is completed by an employee, or information obtained by them are covered in clauses known as confidentiality clauses and non-compete clauses.

How Can a Bristol Lawyer Help?

Bristol lawyers who specialize employment laws for the state of Virginia can 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 end employment.