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Lawyer to Negotiate Severance: Why Legal Help Can Make a Big Difference

If you’ve just been laid off, terminated, or asked to resign, your employer might offer you a severance package. It may seem generous—or it might feel lacking. But here’s the truth: severance packages are negotiable, and working with a lawyer to negotiate severance can be the difference between a lowball offer and a deal that truly protects your future.

In this blog, we’ll cover why severance matters, what’s actually negotiable, and how a severance lawyer can help you walk away with confidence and compensation.

What Is a Severance Package?

A severance package is a collection of pay and benefits an employer may offer when you leave the company—either voluntarily or involuntarily. It often includes:

• A lump sum or continued salary for a set period
  
  
• Payment for unused vacation or PTO
  
  
• Extended healthcare coverage (COBRA assistance)
  
  
• Stock options or retirement plan access
  
  
• Non-compete or confidentiality clauses
  
  
• A release of legal claims
  
  

📌 Employers are not required by Texas law to offer severance, but many do to protect themselves from potential lawsuits and maintain goodwill.

Why You Shouldn’t Sign a Severance Agreement Immediately

Many employees feel pressure to sign right away—especially after an unexpected termination. But doing so without legal review could mean giving up significant rights.

A severance agreement often includes:

• Waivers of legal claims (like wrongful termination or discrimination lawsuits)
  
  
• Non-compete clauses that limit your job options
  
  
• Non-disparagement clauses that prevent you from speaking publicly about your experience
  
  
• Confidentiality clauses that prevent you from discussing the terms
  
  

💡 Once you sign, these terms become binding—so it’s crucial to fully understand what you’re agreeing to.

How a Lawyer to Negotiate Severance Helps You

A severance lawyer can:

• Review your agreement for fairness and legality
  
  
• Identify red flags and overly restrictive clauses
  
  
• Calculate what you’re truly owed (based on tenure, role, and company policy)
  
  
• Negotiate for more compensation or better terms
  
  
• Protect your legal rights during and after your exit
  
  

In short, they make sure you’re not leaving money—or freedom—on the table.

What Can Be Negotiated in a Severance Package?

You can negotiate more than just money. Here’s what an attorney may help you improve:

Your lawyer will tailor negotiations to your situation, employment history, and goals.

When Should You Hire a Severance Lawyer?

You should contact a lawyer before you sign if:

• You feel pressured to accept the offer quickly
  
  
• The agreement includes legal waivers or restrictions
  
  
• You’re being terminated under questionable circumstances
  
  
• You’re being asked to resign “voluntarily”
  
  
• You’re part of a mass layoff or restructuring
  
  
• You have stock, equity, or long-term incentive plans
  
  
• You suspect discrimination or retaliation is involved
  
  

🧠 Even if the package seems fair on the surface, legal advice can reveal hidden risks or opportunities to increase value.

How Much Time Do You Have to Sign?

Most employers give 7 to 21 days to review a severance offer. If you’re over 40 and the agreement waives age discrimination claims, federal law requires a minimum of 21 days to consider it and 7 days to revoke it after signing.

⚠️ Don’t feel rushed—this is your chance to advocate for a better exit.

Common Severance Agreement Mistakes to Avoid

• Signing without legal review
  
  
• Assuming the first offer is final
  
  
• Overlooking restrictive covenants (like non-competes)
  
  
• Failing to consider future job implications
  
  
• Not understanding tax consequences of severance pay
  
  
• Missing your window to negotiate
  
  

A severance lawyer ensures you don’t make costly missteps in a high-stakes moment.

How The Lange Firm Helps Employees in Texas

At The Lange Firm, we help professionals across Texas review, negotiate, and improve their severance agreements. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, education, or executive leadership, we offer:

• Flat-fee or hourly reviews for severance agreements
  
  
• Direct negotiations with your employer (if needed)
  
  
• Strategic advice for protecting your reputation and future job prospects
  
  
• Guidance on legal claims related to your termination (if applicable)
  
  

📞 Contact us today for a confidential severance review and walk away from your job with the compensation—and closure—you deserve.

Final Thoughts

Being let go is never easy—but with the right support, you can turn a difficult transition into a strategic opportunity. A lawyer to negotiate severance can help you understand your rights, improve your payout, and exit on the strongest possible terms.

✅ Don’t sign without understanding the stakes. Get legal advice—and leave on your own terms.