When the time comes where an employer offers you a job, you are most likely very excited and eager to start. After all, you’re turning a new page in life. However, in most cases, along with a job offer comes an employment agreement that you must sign to become an official employee. When this happens, you must be very careful–do not simply sign this agreement without reading it, as oftentimes, these agreements are full of clauses, stipulations, and vague wording that may make matters confusing, and can potentially harm you in the long run. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Georgia employment law attorney to learn more about employment agreements and how our firm can help you review yours before signing. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What is the definition of an employment-at-will state?

If you live and work in Georgia, there is a very good chance that you have heard the phrase, “employment-at-will.” Simply put, since Georgia is an employment-at-will state, employees are entitled to stay or leave their place of employment for either a specific reason or no reason at all. Conversely, employers in Georgia are also allowed to fire employees for no reason at all as well, which can be very stressful, especially when an employee believes he or she has been wrongfully terminated. Terms of your employment will often be detailed in your employment agreement, which is why it is critical that you read this agreement before signing.

What do employment agreements generally address?

When someone is asked to sign an employment agreement, no matter the type, they often have a lot to consider, as these agreements are far more than simple documents containing basic formalities. At times, this is true, however, it is critical that when you are asked to sign an employment agreement, you read the fine print and retain the services of an experienced Georgia employment law attorney who can work to ensure that you are not signing anything that may come back to haunt you in the long run. Some of the most common stipulations and terms included in these employment agreements are as follows:

• Dispute resolution information.
• Whether you may receive PTO.
• The duration of your employment (if applicable).
• Company policies/rules.
• Potential entitlement to certain benefits (i.e. healthcare) or compensation.
• Non-compete clauses.
• Confidentiality clauses regarding private company information.
• Your responsibilities towards the company and your employer’s responsibilities to you, the employee.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA FIRM

If you need help with an employment law matter in the state of Georgia, you can count on Ben Barrett Law to effectively represent your interests. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Barrett has the skill and experience necessary to help you navigate the complexities of any employment law matter you may be facing. To discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.