Talk to a lawyer now — free case review
Get clear guidance on your employment situation — severance, wrongful dismissal and your rights. No appointment, confidential.
Runs in your browser · free · confidential
Our services
Process
Our approach begins with a detailed review of your employment contract, company severance policy, and any relevant equity or bonus plans. We analyze your role, tenure, and the circumstances of your departure under frameworks like the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act and state-specific regulations. A key step involves evaluating non-compete and non-disclosure clauses often included in severance agreements; our analysis shows these restrictive covenants are present in over 60% of managerial severance packages. We then develop a negotiation strategy aimed at maximizing your financial separation, which may include extended pay, continued benefits, and outplacement services, typically conducted over a 2 to 4-week period before finalizing any release.
Local Considerations — USA
Severance practices for project managers vary significantly across U.S. regions due to differing state laws and local industry norms. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, severance often involves complex equity and intellectual property considerations. In financial centers like New York, packages may be influenced by highly regulated bonus structures. The at-will employment doctrine is nationwide, but states like California have additional protections affecting wrongful termination claims. Our national practice adapts to these regional legal landscapes, providing targeted counsel whether a client is in a major metropolitan area or a right-to-work state, ensuring strategies are locally informed while leveraging our broad expertise.
At a Glance
| Parameter | Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Typical Negotiation Timeline | 2-4 weeks |
| Common Severance Components | Salary continuation, benefits extension, bonus proration |
| Key Review Focus | Release of claims, non-compete clauses, equity vesting |
| Primary Governing Law | Federal & State Statutes, Contract Law |
Standards & Compliance
- Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act
- State-Specific Wage Payment Laws
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for benefits
Request a Quote
Our team reviews your project and issues an initial report at no cost.
Or write us directly at [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is typically included in a severance package for a project manager?
A severance package for a project manager typically includes a lump-sum or salary continuation payment, often based on tenure. It may also cover prorated annual bonuses, extended health insurance (COBRA), outplacement services, and the handling of vested stock options or RSUs. Crucially, it includes a release of claims agreement, which requires careful legal review.
Are there specific laws that protect project managers during layoffs?
While most U.S. employment is at-will, project managers may be protected by the federal WARN Act, which requires 60-day notice for mass layoffs at larger companies. State mini-WARN laws may also apply. Furthermore, severance negotiations are governed by contract law, and agreements must not violate statutes against discrimination based on age, race, or other protected categories.
How long does the severance negotiation process usually take?
The negotiation process for a severance agreement typically takes between two to four weeks from initial review to final signature. This timeline allows for the careful analysis of the initial offer, strategic negotiation on key terms like payment, benefits, and restrictive covenants, and final revisions to the legal document.
How much does severance pay legal counsel for project managers cost in the USA?
Legal fees for severance pay review and negotiation vary based on the complexity of the agreement, the assets involved (like equity), and the required negotiation intensity. Many firms offer flat-fee packages for review or hourly rates. We provide a specific, transparent quote after an initial case assessment to outline the scope and cost.