An employment agreement does more than describe a position or compensation package. A carefully drafted agreement can protect confidential information, establish clear expectations, address ownership of work product, and reduce the likelihood of disputes if the employment relationship changes or ends. Generic templates often overlook issues that matter to New York employers. You need an employment agreement tailored to your business, your workforce, and New York’s detailed employment laws.
Helping New York Employers Protect Their Businesses
Every business has different priorities when hiring employees. A startup bringing on its first executive has different concerns than an established company expanding its sales team. We work with employers to prepare agreements that reflect those differences, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all forms.
When you work with Employment Attorney Orin Kurtz, you receive:
- Employment agreements tailored to your business and workforce
- Drafting designed to comply with New York and federal employment laws
- Practical guidance on provisions that may help reduce future disputes
- Ongoing review and updates as your business evolves
Our goal is to create agreements that are clear, practical, and aligned with your company’s needs.
What Should an Employment Agreement Include?
The right employment agreement depends on the employee’s position and responsibilities. While every contract is different, many agreements address topics such as:
- Job title and responsibilities
- Compensation, bonuses, and benefits
- At-will employment language
- Confidentiality obligations
- Ownership of intellectual property and work product
- Restrictive covenants where legally enforceable
- Dispute resolution procedures
- Grounds for termination and post-employment obligations
Each provision should work together as part of a complete agreement. Leaving out important terms or relying on outdated language can create uncertainty later.
When Should Employers Use Written Employment Agreements?
Not every employee requires the same type of agreement, but written contracts can be particularly valuable for employees whose roles involve increased responsibility or access to sensitive business information.
Employment agreements are commonly used for:
- Executives and senior management
- Sales professionals with customer relationships
- Employees with access to confidential business information
- Technical and software employees
- Professionals developing proprietary products or processes
- Highly compensated employees with unique responsibilities
A written agreement helps establish expectations from the beginning of the employment relationship. It also provides a reference point if questions arise later about compensation, duties, or other employment terms.
One Agreement Rarely Fits Every Employee
Many employers begin with a template they find online or reuse the same agreement for every new hire. While this may seem efficient, it often fails to account for meaningful differences between employees.
For example, an executive may require detailed provisions regarding incentive compensation, ownership interests, or separation benefits. A software developer may need stronger intellectual property language. A salesperson may require carefully drafted provisions addressing confidential information or customer relationships.
Using the same agreement for every position may result in unnecessary provisions for some employees while leaving important protections out for others. We help employers determine which provisions make sense for each role and prepare agreements that reflect those responsibilities.
Review and Update Existing Employment Agreements
Employment agreements should not remain unchanged simply because they were signed years ago. Businesses grow, employees assume new responsibilities, and employment laws continue to develop.
We assist employers with reviewing existing agreements to:
- Update outdated language
- Address changes in New York employment law
- Reflect promotions or expanded job responsibilities
- Improve consistency with employee handbooks and workplace policies
- Identify provisions that may be difficult to enforce
Periodic reviews can help ensure your agreements continue to support your business as it evolves.
Build Strong Employment Relationships From the Start
A well-drafted employment agreement establishes expectations before problems arise. Whether you are hiring a key employee, updating existing agreements, or developing employment documents for a growing business, thoughtful drafting can help protect your company while providing employees with clear terms from the outset.
Orin Kurtz works with New York employers to prepare employment agreements tailored to their businesses and workforce. Call today to discuss your employment agreement needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all employees need employment agreements?
No. The appropriate documentation depends on the employee’s role, responsibilities, and access to sensitive information.
Can employment agreements include non-compete provisions in New York?
Potentially, but they are closely scrutinized and should be narrowly drafted to protect legitimate business interests.
Can an employment agreement be updated after an employee is hired?
Yes. Employers often revise agreements when employees are promoted, assume new responsibilities, or when changes in the law warrant updates.