Des Moines, employment contracts between an employer and employee legally bind them to specific conditions in their work relationship. Many employment contracts in Washington are negotiable because both parties frequently find it beneficial to arrive on an unique agreement that best suits the 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 Washington Employment Contracts

An employment contract in Washington will typically provide for the following terms: job position description, compensation, duration of employment period (or at-will), and grounds for promotion/termination. Nonetheless, 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.

Additionally, 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. Thirdly, information or work that is obtained or completed by an employee may be subject to confidentiality and non-compete clauses.

How Can a Des Moines Lawyer Help?

Lawyers in Des Moines who specialize in Washington employment laws can assist you in determining what employment contracts contain. 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.