Severance agreements can be a powerful tool for employers—not only to support smoother employee transitions but also to reduce the risk of post-termination legal disputes. But these agreements are only as strong as their legal foundation. If not drafted correctly, they may fail to offer the protection employers expect.
In this practical and informative session, Ralph R. Smith, 3rd, Esq. will guide you through how to create severance agreements that are both fair and legally enforceable. You’ll learn about the critical legal elements every agreement should include, what types of claims can be waived, and the special rules that apply in specific situations. You’ll also walk away with proven strategies for negotiating and enforcing these agreements—helping you safeguard your organization and avoid costly legal missteps.
This session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to draft legally enforceable severance agreements that reduce the risk of post-termination litigation.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the key components, legal requirements, and best practices necessary to create agreements that stand up to scrutiny, while also supporting smooth employee transitions and protecting the employer’s interests.
This program is designed for attorneys, HR professionals, accountants, and paralegals may also benefit.
Ralph R. Smith, 3rd, Esq. is a Shareholder and Co-Chair of Capehart Scatchard’s Labor & Employment Group. Mr. Smith focuses his practice in employment litigation and preventative employment practices, including counseling employers on the creation of employment policies, non-compete and trade secret agreements, and training employers to avoid employment-related litigation. He represents both companies and individuals in related complex commercial litigation before federal state courts and administrative agencies in labor and employment cases including race, gender, age, national origin, disability and workplace harassment and discrimination matters, wage-and-hour disputes, restrictive covenants, grievances, arbitrations, drug testing, and employment-related contract issues. Mr. Smith earned his B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from Temple University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Temple University School of Law.
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