Chicago Severance & Non-Compete Review & Negotiation Attorney

Employees are often asked to sign severance agreements or restrictive covenants at moments of transition, termination, or reorganization. These agreements can have significant financial and career consequences, affecting severance pay, benefits, confidentiality obligations, and future employment opportunities. Federal and Illinois law impose limits on what employers may lawfully require, and employees are not obligated to accept unfair or overreaching terms without review.

Severance and non-compete agreements frequently include provisions that waive legal claims, restrict future employment, or impose ongoing obligations on former employees. Non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality clauses may be unenforceable or subject to negotiation under Illinois law, particularly when they are overly broad, lack adequate consideration, or unreasonably limit an employee’s ability to work. Severance terms are often negotiable, including compensation, continuation of benefits, neutral references, and the scope of post-employment restrictions.

Sadelski Law represents employees in the review and negotiation of severance agreements and non-compete provisions, advising clients on their rights, identifying unlawful or unfair terms, and negotiating improved outcomes before an agreement is signed. When necessary, Sadelski Law also represents employees in enforcing their rights in state or federal court to ensure that severance and restrictive covenants comply with the law and do not unfairly limit future employment opportunities.