PRACTICE AREA
Employment Contract Lawyers in Los Angeles
Employment contracts define the terms of your working relationship — and when employers breach those terms, workers suffer. Our employment contract attorneys review, negotiate, and litigate employment agreements to protect your rights and interests.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your employment contract matter with a trusted Los Angeles attorney.
What Are Employment Contracts?
An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that sets forth the terms and conditions of employment — including compensation, job duties, duration, termination provisions, benefits, and restrictive covenants. Employment contracts can be written, oral, or implied by the parties’ conduct.
In California, most workers are employed at-will, meaning either party can end the relationship at any time for any lawful reason. However, an employment contract can modify the at-will relationship by guaranteeing employment for a set term, requiring just cause for termination, providing specific severance benefits, or including other protective terms.
Employment contract disputes often arise over breach of compensation promises, wrongful termination in violation of contract terms, enforceability of restrictive covenants (non-competes, non-solicitation clauses), bonus and commission disputes, and intellectual property ownership.
At Novian & Novian, our employment contract attorneys help employees review, negotiate, and enforce employment agreements. We also litigate breach of contract claims when employers fail to honor their contractual obligations.
How Can an Employment Contract Lawyer Help?
An employment contract lawyer helps employees understand their contractual rights, negotiate favorable terms, and pursue remedies when employers breach their agreements. These cases require careful analysis of contract language, California employment law, and the circumstances of any breach.
Our employment contract attorneys at Novian & Novian review proposed agreements before you sign, negotiate terms that protect your interests, advise on the enforceability of restrictive covenants under California law, and litigate breach of contract claims when employers fail to honor their promises. We also represent employees in disputes over bonuses, commissions, and other compensation tied to contractual terms.
If you have an employment contract issue, contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation. Our Los Angeles attorneys will review your situation and advise you on the best path forward.
What Our Clients Say
“My employer terminated me before my contract term ended and refused to pay the severance they promised. Novian & Novian sued for breach of contract and recovered the full amount plus damages.”
— Former Client, Los Angeles
“Novian & Novian reviewed my executive employment agreement before I signed and negotiated significantly better terms. Their expertise saved me from several problematic clauses.”
— Former Client, Beverly Hills
“When my former employer tried to enforce a non-compete clause against me, Novian & Novian shut it down quickly under California law. They are true experts in employment contracts.”
— Former Client, Westwood
Why Should You Choose Novian & Novian for Your Employment Contract Matter?
Novian & Novian has handled employment contract matters across California for over 35 years — from executive employment agreements and partnership disputes to commission plans and restrictive covenant challenges.
Our attorneys combine deep contractual knowledge with employment law expertise to provide comprehensive representation. Whether you need a contract reviewed, negotiated, or enforced through litigation, we deliver results.
Decades of Employment Contract Experience
We have reviewed, negotiated, and litigated hundreds of employment agreements across every industry and seniority level — from entry-level contracts to C-suite executive agreements.
Strategic Contract Negotiation
We help employees negotiate stronger employment terms — including better compensation, clearer termination protections, more favorable restrictive covenants, and robust severance provisions.
Aggressive Breach of Contract Litigation
When employers breach their contractual obligations, we litigate aggressively to recover all damages, including lost compensation, benefits, bonuses, and consequential damages.
Knowledge of California’s Unique Rules
California has unique employment contract rules — including the near-total ban on non-compete agreements (Bus. & Prof. Code 16600) and specific rules on commission agreements. We ensure your contracts comply with California law.
No Fees Unless We Win on Contingency Cases
For breach of contract claims, we offer contingency fee arrangements where appropriate. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions:
Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in California?
Generally, no. California Business and Professions Code section 16600 voids non-compete agreements that restrain anyone from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business. Recent legislation (SB 699 and AB 1076) further strengthened this ban. If your employer is trying to enforce a non-compete, you may have legal options.
What Happens If My Employer Breaches My Employment Contract?
If your employer breaches your employment contract, you may sue for damages — including lost wages, benefits, bonuses, and other compensation you would have received. You may also seek specific performance (requiring the employer to fulfill the contract) in certain circumstances.
Can My Employer Change the Terms of My Employment Contract?
Generally, employers cannot unilaterally change the material terms of an employment contract without your consent. If your employer imposes changes you did not agree to, it may constitute a breach of contract.
Do I Need a Written Contract to Have an Employment Agreement?
No. California recognizes oral employment contracts and implied contracts created through employer handbooks, policies, practices, and conduct. However, written contracts are easier to enforce and provide clearer protections.
What Should I Look for Before Signing an Employment Contract?
Key provisions to review include compensation terms, job duties and title, termination provisions (at-will vs. for-cause), severance terms, bonus and commission structure, restrictive covenants, intellectual property assignment, dispute resolution (arbitration clauses), and choice of law.
How Long Do I Have to File a Breach of Contract Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations is four years for written contracts and two years for oral contracts. Do not delay — contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Employment Contract Dispute? We Protect Your Interests.
Our Los Angeles employment contract attorneys review, negotiate, and litigate employment agreements. Contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation today.
CALL: