New Job Offer: The Importance of Having a Lawyer Review Your Contract Agreement

Receiving a new job offer is an exciting milestone. It represents professional growth, financial opportunity, and a fresh start. Along with the offer, however, comes an employment contract that will govern your working relationship, sometimes for years to come.

Many employees focus on salary and start date and assume the rest of the contract is standard. In reality, employment agreements often contain terms that significantly affect compensation, job security, post-employment restrictions, and legal rights.

Once signed, these terms can be difficult to change.

Having a lawyer review your contract before you accept a job offer helps ensure the agreement reflects what you were promised and protects your interests over the long term.

Employment Contracts Are Not Standard Documents

Despite common assumptions, employment contracts are rarely one size fits all. Employers often use templates that are designed to protect the organization, not the employee.

Contracts can vary significantly depending on role, seniority, industry, and risk profile. Two employees with similar titles may have very different contractual rights.

A lawyer reviews the agreement with your specific circumstances in mind, rather than assuming the terms are routine or unavoidable.

Key Terms That Deserve Careful Legal Review

An employment contract contains far more than salary information. Several clauses can have lasting consequences if not properly understood.

Compensation and Bonus Structures

Base salary is only one component of compensation. Contracts often include provisions relating to bonuses, commissions, incentives, and equity.

Legal review helps clarify:

• Whether bonuses are discretionary or guaranteed

• How and when commissions are earned

• What happens to unpaid compensation on termination

• Whether targets or clawbacks are clearly defined

Unclear compensation language frequently leads to disputes later.

Termination and Severance Rights

Termination clauses are among the most important parts of any employment agreement.

These clauses determine:

• How much notice or severance you receive if terminated

• Whether statutory minimums apply or are limited

• How benefits are treated during notice periods

• Whether termination can occur without cause

Poorly drafted termination clauses can significantly reduce your entitlement compared to what the law might otherwise provide.

Probation and Performance Clauses

Probationary provisions may limit termination rights during the early stages of employment.

A lawyer can assess:

• Whether the probation clause is enforceable

• How long probation lasts

• What standards apply during probation

• Whether termination rights are restricted unfairly

These clauses often receive little attention but can materially affect job security.

Restrictive Covenants After Employment

Many contracts include non-competition, non-solicitation, or confidentiality obligations that continue after employment ends.

Legal review is critical to determine:

• Whether restrictions are enforceable

• How long they apply

• What geographic scope is covered

• How they affect future employment opportunities

Overly broad restrictions can limit career mobility if not properly negotiated or clarified.

Job Duties and Role Expectations

Employment agreements often describe duties broadly, allowing employers flexibility to change roles over time.

A lawyer helps assess whether:

• The role aligns with what was discussed verbally

• Duties can be changed unilaterally

• Reporting structures are clear

• Expectations are reasonable for the position

Clarity reduces the risk of disputes over performance or scope.

Why Verbal Promises Are Not Enough

Candidates are often reassured verbally during negotiations. Promises about flexibility, bonuses, promotions, or job security may never appear in the written contract.

Once signed, the written agreement generally prevails over prior discussions. Courts rely on the contract, not informal assurances.

Legal review ensures that important promises are reflected in enforceable language.

Negotiation Is Often Possible Before You Sign

Many employees believe contracts are non-negotiable. In reality, employers frequently expect some negotiation, especially for professional or senior roles.

A lawyer can:

• Identify negotiable provisions

• Suggest reasonable revisions

• Help frame requests professionally

• Protect leverage before acceptance

Even small changes can have a significant long-term impact.

The Risk of Signing Without Legal Advice

Signing an employment contract without review can result in:

• Reduced severance entitlement

• Loss of bonus or commission rights

• Enforceable post-employment restrictions

• Limited remedies if the role changes

• Unexpected obligations after termination

These risks often surface only when employment ends, at which point options are limited.

How a Lawyer Adds Value to Contract Review

A lawyer reviewing an employment agreement provides more than a summary of terms.

Legal assistance includes:

• Explaining rights and obligations in plain language

• Identifying clauses that deviate from legal norms

• Assessing enforceability under applicable law

• Highlighting long-term risks and trade-offs

• Advising on negotiation strategy

This guidance allows you to make an informed decision before committing.

Employment Contracts as a Long-Term Decision

Accepting a job offer is not just about starting a new role. It is about entering a legal relationship that affects your income, career trajectory, and future opportunities.

Taking the time to review the contract carefully is a practical investment in your professional security.

Book a Consultation

If you have received a new job offer and want clarity on your employment contract before signing, you can Book a Consultation to review the agreement and understand how it affects your rights.

A consultation provides an opportunity to identify risk, clarify obligations, and ensure the contract aligns with what you were offered and what the law allows.