Schaefer Halleen, LLC- Minneapolis Employment Lawyer

Minneapolis Employment Law Firm

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Severance and Employment Contracts Attorneys in Minnesota

Negotiating Contracts of Employment or Severance Minneapolis

While few Minnesota employees are in a position to negotiate specific contract terms with an employer, the opportunity to do so is a valuable one.

If you need advice about employment agreements, the enforcement of severance terms or restrictive covenants, or the negotiation of a severance package in layoff or workplace dispute situations, contact an experienced employment lawyer at Schaefer Halleen, LLC, in Minneapolis.

We negotiate and review executive and professional employment contracts

Comprehensive employment contracts for executives, managers, professionals, or partners in small practice groups can achieve several essential objectives: defining the terms of compensation under various performance scenarios and the terms of departure for cause, without cause or upon changes in ownership or management.

Our job is to help you identify the interests you need to protect on matters ranging from bonuses to severance pay and non-compete commitments. Once your needs and objectives are in clear focus, we can then go to work to protect them to the greatest extent possible in focused negotiations. One essential goal is to make sure that the severance terms and restrictive covenants that protect your interests will stand up in court upon termination or resignation.

Case Results: Severance and Employment Agreements

The Client:  Terminated Vice President of Financial Company
Problem:  Denied bonus and severance due to alleged “for cause” termination because of poor investment track record.
Approach: Larry Schaefer litigated claim through jury trial and appeal, demonstrating that “for cause” cannot be established based on investment results beyond client’s control.
Solution: Achieve jury verdict in excess of $500,000, upheld on appeal, while establishing the leading Minnesota case authority interpreting what constitutes “for cause” termination in the employment setting.

The Client:  Senior Human Resources executive with a large consulting firm
Problem:  Was denied promotion to head of HR after being promised the job.
Approach:  Sent proposal letter to company and later filed EEOC Charge and engaged in mediation.
Solution:  Obtained more than a year’s severance pay for client.

The Client:  Entire Executive Team (consisting of seventeen members) of litigation services company
Problem: Compensation and bonus system not honored due to actions of parent company, at cost of over $5,000,000 to this group, with permanent changes planned.
Approach:  Larry Schaefer engaged executives at parent company directly on behalf of group, demonstrating breach of past obligations and intent of executive team to initiate litigation if necessary, with vast exposure to company.
Solution:  Parent company Board elects to reverse course, overturns prior breach, restore compensation and bonus potential to past levels, and compensate every member of team to full measure of loss in the past.

The Client:  CEO of US subsidiary of International Corporation
Problem:  Client is facing notice of termination for claimed cause and little severance and forfeiture of stock options.
Approach:  Larry Schaefer engaged directly with General Counsel and later outside counsel to present detailed factual background and legal analysis of breach of contract and national origin discrimination claims.
Solution:  Negotiate severance package which fully restores full severance benefits and stock option retention/exercise rights under existing contract, characterizes separation as voluntary resignation, and substantially limits non-compete/non-solicitation obligations.

The Client:  32-year old Executive
Problem:  Recently received his MBA and wanted to change companies, but he had a non-compete and obligation to repay tuition benefit.
Approach: Direct negotiation with company.
Solution: Company waived non-compete and tuition reimbursement obligations.

The Client: Experienced Saleswomen
Problem: Former employer attempted to enforce non-compete agreements against clients
Approach: Advised clients and new employer in negotiations against former employer; directly negotiated with former employer
Solution: Non-compete dispute resolved; clients allowed to take their books of business to new employer and retain new employment

The Client: Successful electrical lineman who left job for a new opportunity
Problem: Former employer actively attempted to prevent client from securing employment with competitors.
Approach: Filed lawsuit in state court and aggressively litigated matter, winning all initial motions
Solution: After successfully defeating defendant’s motions to dismiss and to remove matter to federal court, negotiated and secured a substantial monetary settlement for client, including additional contractual agreement by former employer to cease obstructive behavior

  • Severance and Employment Contracts

    Severance and Employment Agreements

Minnesota Severance and Employment Contract Attorneys

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Negotiated severance is a valuable tool for resolving employment disputes Minneapolis

While defined severance terms under different circumstances are essential features of a sound employment contract, employees who do not work under negotiated contracts can benefit from a similar approach to severance in cases of layoff or when resignation or termination appear likely outcomes of a troubled job situation.

Severance packages are typically conditioned upon a written release of the right to sue the employer for any claims resulting from layoff, termination or a violation of employee rights that occurred previously. Employers often propose enhanced severance as an additional incentive to waive or release claims over and above a base amount offered without a waiver.

The advice of a knowledgeable employment lawyer can help you get the most out of a severance offer. We have the ability to evaluate your situation for employment claims that can add value to your severance package. We can also help you achieve severance terms that can allow you to further your career in the same industry or profession.

The lawyers in our firm have negotiated many severance agreements and have an excellent record in obtaining additional benefits for our clients. These can reflect either the value of your potential claims against your employer, or simply additional benefits that neither you nor your employer thought to consider, such as outplacement services or continued health insurance.

For additional information about the ways you can benefit from our experience with employment contracts and severance agreements, contact an attorney at Schaefer Halleen, LLC, in Minneapolis.

FAQs About Severance and Employment Contracts in Minnesota

What is a reasonable severance package?

There isn’t one “standard” severance package. This is largely because Minnesota employers are not required to offer severance packages to employees who are terminated, resign, or constructively discharged. If an employer does offer a severance package to you, the terms and monetary benefits you are offered will likely depend on the type of work you perform, how long you have been employed by your employer, the nature and reason for your departure, and a number of other factors. If you would like to determine what is a reasonable severance package for your situation, then consider speaking to a Minneapolis severance attorney.

Can I sue if I signed a severance agreement?

Severance packages are typically conditioned upon a written release of your right to sue the employer for any claims resulting from layoff, termination, or a violation of employee rights that occurred under state and federal laws. Employers may propose an increased severance as an additional incentive to waive or release claims over and above a base amount offered without a waiver. Since you may have a limited timeframe to sign the severance agreement, you should quickly discuss the proposed severance claim with a severance attorney before accepting.

Can I refuse a severance package in Minneapolis?

You are not obligated to accept the severance package your employer proposes. You are free to negotiate the terms of the proposed severance, but your employer may reject your counteroffer. It’s advantageous for you to work with a professional severance attorney because the attorney understands the state and federal laws, can negotiate on your behalf, thereby lifting the negotiating burden off of you, and can help you ensure any employment law claims that could be made raised in court are viable and explained to your employer.

Do I need a lawyer in Minneapolis to negotiate severance?

If you anticipate being offered a severance package, then you should strongly consider working with a severance attorney. Your attorney can help ensure the employer is offering you a fair amount of money for you to waive your legal claims. The attorney has the ability to evaluate your situation for employment law claims and others based on common law, which can add value to your severance package. They can also help you achieve severance terms that allow you to further your career in the same industry or profession, including by negotiating any noncompete clauses within the severance package.

Can you collect unemployment benefits if you received a severance package?

If you receive a lump sum severance, you may still be able to receive unemployment benefits. However, severance that is paid through monthly installments may jeopardize your ability to collect unemployment.  Only the state unemployment office has the authority to determine if you will receive unemployment compensation after you received a severance package.  With the assistance of a severance attorney you may be able to negotiate a severance payout that maximizes your ability to receive unemployment.

Recent Posts on Severance and Employment Contracts from Schaefer Halleen

Navigating a RIF? Key Questions to Consider Before Accepting a Severance Package

Navigating a RIF? Key Questions to Consider Before Accepting a Severance Package

In times of corporate restructuring or a Reduction in Force (RIF), employees often grapple with a significant decision: whether to accept a severance package. It’s important to approach this crossroads with clarity and careful thought. Here are key questions to ask when presented with a severance offer as part of a RIF:  What Does the […]

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The End of Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Clauses?

The End of Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Clauses?

Employee severance agreements consist of an exchange of promises between the employer and employee. The core of the agreement is the employer’s promise of some benefit – often a monetary payment – to the employee, in exchange for the employee’s promise to release potential legal claims against the employer. Buried in the written terms of […]

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Schaefer Halleen- Big Win for Minnesota Employees: 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session Results in New Employee Rights and Protections

Big Win for Minnesota Employees: 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session Results in New Employee Rights and Protections

The 2023 Minnesota legislative session proved to be the most consequential in recent memory for the Minnesota employment law landscape. Multiple new laws create significant and wide-ranging rights and protections for Minnesota workers.  Schaefer Halleen is pleased to summarize some of the highlights, which include banning noncompete agreements, establishing a new paid family and medical […]

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Schaefer Halleen, LLC

Schaefer Halleen, LLC is located at:
412 S 4th St, Suite 1050, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-294-2600
Fax: 612-294-2640
Email: info@schaeferhalleen.com
www.schaeferhalleen.com

Google Rating
4.5
Based on 64 reviews
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
4.5
Kelly Hanneman
Kelly Hanneman
14:34 22 Nov 23
Darren Sharp is a thoughtful, helpful, understanding and extremely knowledgeable lawyer. I'm so glad I contacted him after being referred by a neighbor. He helped me in settling a case, and I feel his efforts got me the best possible outcome.
Joe Smithwick
Joe Smithwick
03:11 22 Nov 23
If you have employment law questions/concerns - you can contact Schaefer Halleen and they will take great care of you. Througout the entire process I felt like I had expert representation. The team at Schaefer Halleen took the time to explain everything to me and were always available via phone and email to assist with any questions.THIS is the firm to use.Thank you Larry, Sam, and the entire team at Schaefer Halleen.
Mary Lynn Carver
Mary Lynn Carver
21:26 07 Nov 23
MIke Haubrich
MIke Haubrich
02:18 07 Nov 23
I needed a review of my severance agreement before I would sign it, and most employement law firms told me it would not be worth their time to review it. Schaefer Hallen, LLC, called me personally after I sent a query and told me that they definitely understood why I would request a review. They assigned an attorney and she spent a full half hour with me, so I felt comfortable signing and sending it it. She answered my questions thoroughly. I was quite pleased with the experience, and the fee was reasonable, too.
Sam Chiu
Sam Chiu
19:09 25 Oct 23
Tim Christensen - Exceptional Legal Support!I had the pleasure of working with Tim, and I can't express enough how grateful I am for his exceptional legal support. From the very beginning, Tim was thorough, professional, and incredibly insightful.He reviewed every detail of my contract meticulously, ensuring that my interests were protected. He offered valuable advice, answered my questions promptly, and provided me with clear explanations. Tim's expertise in the legal aspects of my case was evident, and he was able to successfully negotiate essential changes to the contract.Tim's attention to detail and commitment to my case were unwavering. He worked diligently to secure the best possible terms, and I genuinely felt like he had my back every step of the way.Tim is not only a highly skilled attorney but also a friendly and approachable professional. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal counsel. He made a significant difference in my professional journey, and I can't thank him enough for his outstanding work.I'm extremely pleased with the results and the service I received from Tim, and I have no hesitation in giving him my highest recommendation. Thank you, Tim, for your invaluable support and guidance!
Megan Baxter
Megan Baxter
14:13 09 Oct 23
I had a great experience with Schaefer Halleen, LLC. Very prompt and attentive the whole way through.
Dave Carlson
Dave Carlson
16:46 28 Sep 23
Awesome counseling and legal services.Larry and his team are very service oriented!
Leon Griggs
Leon Griggs
15:49 12 Sep 23
I had no idea if or what legal rights I had involving employment law. After receiving consultation from Schaefer Halleen, a surprising and fair resolution was found to the expressed appreciation of all parties involved.Schaefer Halleen, Thank you for your help on this very important matter.
Don Mink
Don Mink
16:15 22 Aug 23
Lawrence was extremely professional and thorough in his research and communication with me and other parties. I highly recommend him and this firm and would personally utilize their services in the future.
Rembrandt Brown
Rembrandt Brown
19:16 10 Jul 23
Fantastic firm!
Al Krysan
Al Krysan
13:47 16 May 23
I engaged Peter Christian at Schaefer Halleen and his advice, guidance, and speed to resolution was just what I needed to move on in a better spot. I highly recommend this team!
Randy Reyes
Randy Reyes
16:13 28 Apr 23
Lauren D'Cruz did a wonderful job representing me on a complicated case. Her expertise, intelligence, and understanding of the circumstances and my personal story led to a very successful outcome and efficient process. I am extremely grateful for her expert work.
James Hannan
James Hannan
20:04 21 Apr 23
Excellent knowledge and easy to work with!
Mary Kallock
Mary Kallock
04:22 19 Apr 23
I highly recommend working with Schaefer Halleen. Each team member that I interacted with - Larry, Darren, and Jenelle - were extremely professional, respectful of my time and concerns, and were quick to address my needs. I worked closely with Darren Sharp for my case. Darren lives up to his surname - he is thorough, efficient, and no nonsense when it came to representing my needs. All the same, he is compassionate, engaged, and a pleasure to work with. Again, I highly recommend this firm and thank them for their support in my case!
Leann Barrick
Leann Barrick
05:00 25 Jan 23
I highly recommend this law firm. Peter took his time to explain how the legal practice would work so I knew what to expect and Jenelle showed compassion when listening to my needs. Peter resolved the settlement fast and I think you find out you'll be happy with this firm as well.
Smook Music
Smook Music
16:34 27 Dec 22
Jeff Hilligoss
Jeff Hilligoss
15:03 05 Dec 22
Larry Schaefer and the professionals at Schaefer Halleen are the team you want in your court for employment law matters. Consummate professionals, their expert, clear-eyed advice and counsel has been invaluable to me over the course of my career. And they are a delight to work with!
Tom Emison
Tom Emison
14:53 22 Nov 22
Tim Christensen is simply amazing; evenings, weekends, whatever it took to serve me. thank you Tim!
Mark Copeland
Mark Copeland
22:46 17 Nov 22
Tim was fantastic and really paid attention to detail. I recommend him and the firm to anyone who has employment legal issues.Mark Copeland
C Verdick
C Verdick
13:47 15 Nov 22
Peter and Makenzie were great to work with. Highly recommend.
Keely Hooper
Keely Hooper
17:48 02 May 22
Caroline Allen
Caroline Allen
10:56 03 Feb 22
I worked with Larry on a severance negotiation and was incredibly pleased with the work he did. He gave great advice and helped me end the negotiation in a very favorable spot.
Kit White
Kit White
18:22 07 Jun 21
I would highly recommend working with this firm if you're dealing with a legal case. They are so responsive, kind and compassionate. Darren made me feel heard and fought for me throughout the entirety of my case. It was not an easy experience, as legal cases tend to bring up a lot of emotions and trauma, but this firm will fight for you and make you feel heard. Highly, highly recommend.
Marcia
Marcia
14:18 02 Jun 21
I highly recommend Peter Christian and Shaefer Halleen. Clear communication and planning were key to our success. The team I worked with was empathetic and sensitive to my situation, and always helped me understand the overall legal process and what to expect during our case.
Amy A Houchins-Post
Amy A Houchins-Post
14:00 10 Mar 21
Lia
Lia
22:13 26 Feb 21
Peter and Lauren are patient and understanding. They considered my case from every angle possible. They also took the time to educate me a bit on how the law works. Very impressed!
Julie Koritz
Julie Koritz
01:27 25 Feb 21
Peter and Jacob did a great job getting me a settlement. I am very fortunate to have worked with them.
DeAijha Oliver
DeAijha Oliver
05:22 30 Dec 20
Henry V
Henry V
15:56 25 Sep 20
I worked with Larry Schaefer and Lauren D'Cruz. They enthusiastically took up my case. They showed creativity, good judgment and deep knowledge of the law in formulating the theory of the case. They also struck a fine balance between zealous advocacy and risk management. They were very responsive and provided timely status updates throughout our engagement. They took genuine interest in me as a person. I would recommend Schaefer Halleen to my family and friends without reservation.
Constance Lewis
Constance Lewis
15:46 10 Aug 20
I had the opportunity to work with Peter Christian. He was amazing to work with. He believed in my case from the moment we spoke and was diligent in working for me. He kept me in the loop on every aspect of my case, he allowed me to have input before decisions were made and fought for me from the very beginning to the end. He was prompt and followed through on everything he said he would. Peter was very professional, and timely. I truly appreciate the time and dedication to my case. Thank you Peter for taking the chance with my case and fighting for me. With Peter's expertise, my case was settled with a positive and favorable outcome. You were a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend your services. Thank you again!
B Bowlby
B Bowlby
15:46 24 Apr 20
I cannot recommend Schaefer Halleen highly enough. I had a particularly hard employment issue and I found the people at S.H. to be excellent to work with. They are all very professional, very intelligent, handled me and my situation with care and always kept me up to date on where my case was at. In the rare instance when I contacted them by either phone or email I received a near immediate response.I was always made to feel that I was important and I always felt I was being given advice I could trust. At the end of the day my case was settled in a very timely manor and I am very pleased with how it turned out.Finally, the lawyers and staff at S.H. are some of the most experienced people in their industry and I was very impressed with their past accomplishments. I knew I could trust S.H. to handle my case after the very first meeting. If you need employment law help, Schaefer Halleen, LLC is the one and only firm I would recommend.
Roland Awasome
Roland Awasome
13:32 02 Apr 20
I am a professional and worked with many attorneys in the past. Peter is hands down the best out there. I can’t recommend him enough .
Laura H
Laura H
14:10 21 Feb 20
I am so thankful I found the Schaefer Hallen team to help me through one of the most difficult times in my life. Lauren always took the time to listen and was respectful and professional. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and she helped organize all my random thoughts and emails to help strengthen my case. Larry and Lauren kept me informed throughout the whole process and always made me feel like I was in control. With their expertise, my case was settled efficiently and with a positive outcome.
Mevhibe Atay
Mevhibe Atay
20:03 19 Feb 20
I had a great experience with the firm. My attorney Darren Sharp was very efficient, knowledgeable and kept me informed at every step. Very trustworthy and professional.
Ioannis Karampelas
Ioannis Karampelas
15:45 12 Sep 19
Extremely professional and humane treatment towards me as a person in severe trouble, perplexed by conditions generated totally out of my control. This law firm is outstanding.
Katy Eagle
Katy Eagle
16:54 16 May 19
Overall, the firm is great! Lauren D'Cruz is organized, thoughtful, and very pleasant to work with. I have enjoyed my interactions with everyone at Schaefer Halleen over the years. I highly recommend the firm and Ms. D'Cruz.
M. Malik
M. Malik
20:11 05 Apr 19
It is with great pleasure that I write this for Mr Schaefer and his capable people comprised of talent and empathy. I had a fear of Attorneys (due to my own weakness, no disrespect to the legal profession), but I felt pleasantly surprised after my visit to his firm located in the heart of Minneapolis - my home city that I am passionate about. Larry's office emblomized everything that I look for. The attorneys, the administrative staff, the decor, it all felt "happy" and "inter-connected". I had thought my case was too too hard to understand by others, however due to Larry's brilliance and savvy, it became evident to me that he understood it very well. He had a clear line of action and a resolve to seek justice with ethics. That was all that I desired. I hope Larry's office continues to serve the disability community, that it prospers, grows, and makes Minneapolis the best city in the world.
Sameh Said
Sameh Said
16:21 04 Apr 19
I am very thankful to Larry for helping me through a very difficult time of my life. My former employer discriminated against me and treated me very badly and I was forced to resign to end my struggle with this employer. I did not know what to do or who I can find to help me getting through this and restore my reputation and my employment. I met with several layers prior to my meeting with Larry and I can tell the difference immediately when I engaged with him. Larry told me what will happen in the first meeting and despite my process took several months, he was able to predict the successful outcome just through listening to me in that very first meeting. He has complete understanding of all employment related issues, he is focused and dedicated to help his clients getting back on track. His strategic thinking and the steps he made were the key to success. He also has a wonderful team that are just the right team to help. Quick response and timely feedback about what is going on with the case so you are always in the loop with the next step. Now I moved on to a new and a better employer and I feel I am beginning a new and a good chapter in my life, and I feel I can't thank Larry or his wonderful team enough for what they did to me and how they supported me to get through probably the worst chapter in my life.Thank you Larry
Rebecca Thavis
Rebecca Thavis
17:14 02 Apr 19
Larry truly went above and beyond. In each step of the case, he made sure I was aware of what was happening and the next steps. He called frequently, and followed my choices, making sure that I felt in control. I never felt like a victim, or less- he helped inspire me to fight for what I needed and deserved. If I had to go through it again, no questions asked, I would want Larry by my side every step of the way. His team is well organized, efficient, kind and discrete. I am forever grateful that Schaefer Halleen represented me, and I highly suggest them for any and all people who need empowering representation.
Joanne Simons
Joanne Simons
21:30 26 Mar 19
Excellent experience, outstanding staff, expedient, caring, respectful.
Jessie Lecy
Jessie Lecy
00:22 18 Mar 19
The humanness and genuine care for their clients separates this firm from others and makes it best in class.
John Styliaras
John Styliaras
23:55 17 Mar 19
Larry and his team at Schaefer Halleen helped bring to resolution issues at the workplace in an amicable manner. When I first approached Larry, I was not even sure what steps to take, what to do, did not even know if I needed a lawyer, or why I needed a lawyer. All I knew was that friends and colleagues told me to reach out to a lawyer. And when I asked around, his name and his firm's name kept on being mentioned by many. And the reputation was well deserved.Larry patiently and deliberately listened to my story, and then explained to me exactly why I needed a lawyer, and how he could help me. Immediately he laid out the plan about how to proceed. Instantly I was put at ease. Throughout a very long process, he provided me advice and guidance and was always willing to talk to me on the phone, whenever there were either updates, or I had questions and concerns.I am absolutely certain that I would had not been able to reach the resolution without Larry's and his team's steadfast guidance, advice, and impressive work. I recommend Larry and his firm unconditionally - the very best in the field.John C. Styliaras MD,MS
Ricardo Vidal Gonzalez
Ricardo Vidal Gonzalez
18:49 12 Dec 18
I highly recommend the Schaefer Halleen law firm. Larry Schaefer was always available to answer any questions and his team was very professional. They work hard to get results and take the time to listen to the client’s goals.
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