SEVERANCE NEGOTIATIONS
At Bracamontes & Vlasak, P.C., we have substantial experience with complex negotiations involving lay-offs, firings, and resignations for high-earning employees in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area big tech, pharmaceutical, financial, and banking industries.
Oftentimes, employees in these industries are offered meager settlements to start with. Hiring the right California employment law attorney who knows how these companies work can make all the difference. In many cases, we have been able to procure settlements over 10-20 times what was initially offered to the employee without representation.
Considerations In Reaching A Severance Agreement
In negotiating severances, there are several factors to consider. Since all severance agreements are voluntary on the part of the employer in the context of at-will employment, what matters most to gain leverage in negotiations is to develop a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a potential wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment claim the employee may have against the employer. The next step is to clearly communicate that to the employer along with a reasonable demand, laying out the factual and legal basis of the claim and the concrete risks and consequences to the employer if settlement is not reached.
At BV Law, we also thoroughly investigate the case upfront, including determining what documentary or testimonial/witness evidence may be available to support the claim. All of this gives us, and hence our clients, more bargaining power when negotiations begin.
Fighting For Our Clients’ Goals
The goals of the client are always central. Whether the employee/client is willing to sue is a question that must be answered upfront. Setting the parameters of negotiation is also important, for example, whether the employee needs COBRA paid or 401k funds addressed, and so on.
Silicon Valley and Bay Area companies that BV Law has successfully negotiated or litigated against in the Tech, Pharmaceutical, Financial, and Banking Industries, include:
- Bio-Rad Laboratories
- Blackrock
- Intuit
- Salesforce.com
- Bank of the West
- Sallie Mae
- Bank of America
- RS Investments, Inc.
- Genentech
If you have been terminated in the Bay Area or Silicon Valley technology or finance industries, contact BV Law today for a free consultation about negotiating a pending severance or settlement. You can also reach us by phone at 415-835-6777. BV Law has offices in Oakland and San Francisco.
