THE SPENCER LAW FIRM
Employment-Related Issues
Entering into new professional relationships and terminating old ones involve a host of legal issues
We represent both employers and employees on various employment matters, including:
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Negotiating employment agreements between employers and employees;
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Drafting noncompete, noncircumvent, and other agreements related to employment relationships;
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Theft of intellectual property and trade secrets on both the prosecuting and defending sides of litigation;
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Prosecuting and defending wage and hour claims;
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Handling wrongful termination claims; and
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Handling various other termination issues including drafting separation and severance agreements.
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In today’s business world where so much of the value of a business is tied up in intangible assets like electronic data, client and vendor lists, and the like employers and employees both need assistance navigating the legal ramifications of employment contracts and agreements, as well as protection to ensure liability is properly allocated with respect to wages, benefits, and circumstances of separation.
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It is understandable to feel discomfort at the prospect of ending an employer/employee relationship. Sometimes a goodbye is sad, mutual, respectful — but sometimes things can get downright ugly. It is rare that each party accepts the arrangement is no longer a good fit. Sometimes walking away isn’t an option.
Employment law draws the line between what is and is not permissible behavior for both employees and employers.
Although Texas is an at-will employment state, employers may still have to show they let go of an employee for “just cause” – not “just because.” Employers should allow their employees a reasonable chance to become a successful team member, they need to be careful not to sabotage or retaliate against employees, and need to draft and implement policies and procedures that are compliant with the law in order to protect themselves in case of a termination issue. Failure to comply with these laws may lead to claims of discrimination, retaliation, insupportable work environment, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and wage claims, among others. If you are involved in a dispute where labor or employment are at issue, The Spencer Law Firm can help.
