Minneapolis Employment Law Firm

Need Employment Law Help? Contact Us →

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Firm Profile
  • Our Team
  • Services
    • Workplace Discrimination
      • Disability + Leave Discrimination
      • Gender Discrimination
      • Age Discrimination
      • Pregnancy Discrimination
      • LGBTQ Discrimination
      • Religious Discrimination Attorneys
      • Race Discrimination
    • Retaliation
      • Whistleblower Retaliation Lawyers
    • Sexual Harassment
      • Attorney for Sexually Harassed Employees
    • Severance and Employment Contracts
    • Wrongful Termination
    • Employment Class Actions
    • ERISA Pension and Benefits
  • Client Focus
    • Medical Professionals
    • Minnesota Executives
    • LGBTQ Community
    • Professional Women
  • Resources
    • Video Consultation Room
    • Media
    • Social Equity Scholarship
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Join Our Team
    • St. Paul
    • Edina
    • St. Louis Park
    • Bloomington
    • Plymouth
    • Maple Grove

Severance and Employment Contracts 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

Severance and Employment Contract Attorneys

Watch Video >
Watch Video >

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

Non-Compete Agreements Are Under Attack and Face an Uncertain Future

Post-employment restrictive covenants have been under unprecedented attack, legislatively and in litigation, in recent years.  These restrictions include non-compete, non-solicitation, and other conf...

April 19, 2022

What Rights Do Minnesota Employees Have to Examine and Contest Their Employment Personnel File?

Minnesota law enforces certain requirements on employers relating to employee personnel files.  The Minnesota Personnel Record Review and Access Act (“MPRRAA”) sets forth employees’ rights to e...

September 28, 2021

Should I Resign or Wait to be Fired?

While most employees begin a new job with a positive outlook and high expectations, it’s not unusual for the employment relationship to take a wrong turn.  It may be that the employee has been plac...

August 31, 2021

Restricting Noncompete Restrictions

Noncompete agreements continue to disadvantage employees and create massive obstacles for employee mobility. The uncertainty they create is often the biggest problem. What does my noncompete actually ...

August 17, 2021
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Filed Under: Darren M. Sharp, Severance/Employment Contracts

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
4.7
Based on 41 reviews
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
4.7
Keely Hooper
Keely Hooper
17:48 02 May 22
c verdick
c verdick
23:33 21 Apr 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 Murray
Kit Murray
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
Suzanne Simpson
Suzanne Simpson
14:43 15 Mar 19
Lawrence is exceptional. He prepared me for the process, explained the possible outcomes and provided next step direction throughout. My experience was settled efficiently, and with a very positive outcome. I’m so glad I found Schafer Haleen, LLC.I highly recommend their services.Suzanne
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.
annette miller
annette miller
00:40 07 Nov 18
I found the team to be professional, respectful and very well versed in employment law. I would recommend them to anyone looking for advice or expertise in this area.
Lynn Hassan Jones
Lynn Hassan Jones
14:18 31 Oct 18
I am a physician who recently hired Schaefer and Halleen to represent me in an employment discrimination case, my Atty was Jean Boler ESQ.They provided top-tier legal services to me for my case 2017 through my settlement in 1st qtr of 2018.This was excellent legal representation, specifically - very responsive, very prompt, extremely detailed and never off-putting.Absolutely would recommend without reservation!
Doc MoSho
Doc MoSho
19:40 02 Jul 18
They were attentive and responsive and dod a great job of diffusing the tension in a situation that could have been quite adversarial. They also did an excellent job of level setting before the process proceeded to far in an unrealistic direction. Great work.
the Dodger
the Dodger
14:28 04 Jun 18
Joyce Jenkins
Joyce Jenkins
19:03 02 Jun 18
Larry has been a great resource for several years. His response time, quality of response and follow up are excellent. He has been flexible enough to answer an impromptu calI and get a response back within an hour. I recall talking to Larry early one morning when there was 8" of snow and most businesses were closed. He was the only one in the office to keep my appointment.I have recommended Larry to more than a dozen of my friends and colleagues and I feel very comfortable recommending him to anyone.Derek Jenkins
John
John
23:57 01 Jun 18
An honest lawyer? YES! Larry was fantastic and I can’t thank him enough for his unbiased advice and support.
Ravi Balwada
Ravi Balwada
21:00 01 Jun 18
Larry is amazing. Very professional, takes the time to listen, is very knowledgeable and respected and if he says he can get you justice - you can count on it.
John Wichmann
John Wichmann
20:19 01 Jun 18
Larry and his team did an amazing job! They completed a task very smoothly and successfully that others said couldn't be done. I would hire him again in a heart beat.
Anne Dament
Anne Dament
18:52 01 Jun 18
Larry Schaefer is an incredible leader with an outstanding team of experts. They listen and care about their clients and work very hard on your behalf, educating you on your rights and guiding you through the process along the way. Everyone on the team is helpful and kind. 5 stars.
Bea Abdallah
Bea Abdallah
18:01 01 Jun 18
I strongly recommend this firm — so much so I once referred a colleague who they also helped. The firm is focused on their client’s specific issues, and unlike other attorneys I’ve worked with, they keep ongoing communication with you as the case advances. I am impressed with the professionalism and strong leadership from the staff, and deeply grateful for their good work.
Joanna Ramirez
Joanna Ramirez
16:54 01 Jun 18
I am grateful to Larry and his team. They did an excellent job of educating me about the legal process and keeping me updated on the status of my case. They had first hand knowledge about employment law in that they worked to get some of the legislation established.
Brett Rizk
Brett Rizk
12:26 13 Feb 17
Great Attorneys
See all reviewsWrite a review
powered by Google

Recent Blog Posts

  • COVID is here to stay: know your rights if it stays with you. June 21, 2022
  • State Minimum Wage Increased January 1, 2022 June 14, 2022
  • Pressures On Small Businesses Raise Employment Questions June 7, 2022
  • God, The Supreme Court, and LGBTQ Employment Rights May 24, 2022
  • BREAKING: Former Sr. Director Sues Target Corp. for Discrimination, Retaliation, and Defamation May 12, 2022

Still looking?

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
Saint Paul Employment Lawyers

Selection Process

Copyright © 2022 Schaefer Halleen · Law Firm Marketing by PSM Marketing · Log in