Losing a job can be a stressful and financially devastating experience, especially if you suspect that your employer is planning to terminate you. While many employees believe that severance pay is only available if explicitly offered by their employer, Levine & Blit take a different approach. Our unique and highly effective method enables employees to secure severance packages they may not otherwise be entitled to receive. We have developed a strategy that has consistently produced exceptional results for our clients facing imminent termination. No other law firm does anything like what we do!
What is Severance Package New York?
NYS severance pay laws do not mandate severance pay unless it is outlined in an employment contract, company policy, or a specific New York severance agreement. Taking this into account, many employers offer severance packages as a way to mitigate risks, protect their reputation, and avoid potential legal claims. Employers may be more willing to negotiate severance when they recognize the possibility of legal exposure or reputational damage.
Levine & Blit maximize these factors to achieve a favorable separation agreement, even for employees who were initially offered little to nothing.
👉Also Read: Your NYC Severance Agreement: How to Secure the Compensation You Deserve
How Levine & Blit Approaches Severance Negotiations
Proactive Legal Assessment
- Before entering negotiations, we conduct an in-depth legal analysis of your employment situation. This includes reviewing severance agreements, employee handbook, performance evaluations, company policies, and any correspondence that could impact your severance claim.
- Our NYC severance agreement lawyer will identify any legal vulnerabilities your employer may have, such as inconsistencies in company policy enforcement, prior instances of wrongful termination, or potential employment law violations.
- If we uncover evidence of employer misconduct—such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or labor law infractions—we strategically use this information as leverage to strengthen your position in severance discussions.
- By proactively assessing your legal standing, we ensure that your severance package, whether as a lump sum payment or others, reflects the full extent of your rights and entitlements, rather than being dictated solely by your employer’s terms.
Strategic Positioning Before Termination
- If you suspect that termination is imminent, securing legal counsel as early as possible is critical. Our attorneys provide tailored strategies to help you take preemptive action that strengthens your negotiating position.
- Our New York employment law attorney will guide you on how to handle discussions with your employer and HR department to avoid inadvertently making statements that could undermine your claim.
- Our team assists in documenting any suspicious or unfair treatment in the workplace, such as sudden negative performance reviews, exclusion from meetings, or changes in responsibilities—each of which could signal a planned termination.
- If necessary, our New York employment lawyers will help you prepare for a constructive discharge claim by demonstrating that your employer has created intolerable working conditions in an attempt to force your resignation.
- By positioning you proactively before termination occurs, our experienced employment lawyer in New York will create a stronger case for a more substantial severance package as a part of your legally binding contract.
Putting Legal Pressure Without Litigation
- Most employers want to avoid the risks, costs, and negative publicity associated with employment litigation. We strategically leverage this to your advantage.
- Our attorneys draft compelling demand letters that detail potential legal claims against your employer, making it clear that a severance settlement is in their best interest.
- We emphasize the risks both the employer and their business face, including possible damages for wrongful termination, discrimination, or labor law violations, increasing the likelihood of a favorable settlement.
- Levine & Blit’s reputation for securing multi-million-dollar employment settlements adds significant weight to our negotiations, often prompting employers to offer better severance terms to avoid a drawn-out legal battle.
- While we’re fully prepared to take legal action if necessary, our goal is to obtain the maximum severance payment for you as part of your employment agreement without requiring a prolonged court process.
Maximizing Financial Compensation and Benefits
- Unlike other attorneys who simply negotiate for a standard severance pay offered, we go further, pushing for compensation that fully accounts for your lost income, financial setbacks, and professional impact.
- We fight for severance that covers more than just a few weeks of salary, ensuring you receive compensation that reflects your contributions to the company and the difficulties you may face in transitioning to a new role.
- Our legal team negotiates for extended health insurance benefits under COBRA, ensuring that you maintain coverage while searching for new employment.
- If you’re owed bonuses, commissions, stock options, or unused vacation time, we make sure these are included in your final payout.
- In cases involving potential employment law violations, we ensure that your severance agreement does not contain overly broad waivers that unfairly strip you of your right to pursue legal claims.
- We also push for favorable terms regarding pension plans, retirement accounts, and other long-term financial benefits or unemployment benefits that could be affected by your termination.
Protecting Your Professional Reputation
- Achieving severance isn’t just about money—it’s about ensuring your career remains intact. We take a comprehensive approach that safeguards your professional reputation and future employability.
- We negotiate favorable termination language in your severance agreement, ensuring that any documentation provided to future employers does not negatively impact your job prospects.
- If necessary, we insist on a neutral or positive reference policy, preventing your former employer from making damaging statements to prospective employers.
- We fight for non-disparagement clauses that legally prevent your employer from speaking negatively about you to colleagues, clients, or industry peers.
- In high-profile cases or sensitive industries, we collaborate with public relations professionals to help mitigate reputational risks and control the narrative surrounding your departure.
With Levine & Blit’s exclusive approach, we go far beyond standard severance negotiations. If you suspect termination is on the horizon, don’t wait until it is too late—contact us today to get the severance package that exceeds your expectations.
👉Also Read: New York Severance Agreement Lawyer Insights: When to Hold Off on Signing Your Severance Package
Why Choose Levine & Blit?
Exclusive and Unmatched Legal Strategy
Levine & Blit stands apart from other employment law firms in New York by utilizing an exclusive and highly strategic approach to severance negotiations and employee rights advocacy. Unlike firms that take a standardized approach, we develop customized legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation.
Our methodology is rooted in deep legal knowledge, years of courtroom experience, and a sharp understanding of employer tactics. We meticulously analyze employment contracts, company policies, and industry trends to identify pressure points that give our clients an advantage.
We don’t publicly disclose our proprietary negotiation tactics because they are part of our premium legal service. Our clients benefit from sophisticated legal maneuvering that’s unavailable elsewhere. This approach has allowed us to consistently secure high-value severance packages, favorable employment settlements, and justice for employees facing unfair treatment.
Over 30 Years of Employment Law Success
With more than three decades of experience in employment law, Levine & Blit has a proven track record of successfully advocating for employees against some of the largest corporations in the country. Our firm has handled thousands of cases involving wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and complex severance negotiations.
Our attorneys are recognized as leading authorities in employment law, frequently sought after for legal commentary on high-profile cases. Media outlets and legal organizations turn to us for expert opinions on groundbreaking employment disputes, reflecting our status as a go-to law firm for employees seeking justice.
Our history of success is backed by substantial settlements, landmark legal victories, and steadfast commitment to employee rights. When you choose Levine & Blit, you are choosing a firm with a reputation for winning.
👉Also Read: Severance Agreements: Should I Have a Lawyer Review My Severance Agreement?
Aggressive Advocacy with a Client-Centered Focus
Levine & Blit is known for aggressive legal advocacy, ensuring that employees are not bullied or taken advantage of by powerful corporations. Basically, our approach isn’t just about being tough—we prioritize our clients’ well-being and career aspirations throughout the legal process.
We recognize that severance negotiations, wrongful termination claims, and workplace disputes can be emotionally and financially challenging. That’s why we maintain constant communication, keeping our clients informed and empowered every step of the way.
Our legal strategies are not one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand your goals—whether it’s maximizing financial compensation, securing a positive reference for future employment, or holding an employer accountable for misconduct. We tailor our approach to align with your priorities, ensuring that you achieve the best possible outcome.
National Reputation, Local Knowledge
While Levine & Blit operates on a national level, representing employees across the country, our firm has deep roots in New York employment law. We have an in-depth understanding of state and city labor laws, including the nuances of New York City’s human rights protections, severance laws, and employer obligations.
New York has some of the most employee-friendly labor laws in the nation, and we leverage every available legal avenue to secure favorable results for our clients. Whether you’re facing termination, workplace discrimination, or a hostile work environment, our firm combines national strength with local expertise to protect your rights.
👉Also Read: Should You Accept a Severance Package or Stay? A Guide for New York Employees
Take Control of Your Future with Levine & Blit
If you suspect that your employer is preparing to terminate you, do not wait until it is too late. Contact Levine & Blit immediately to discuss your options. Our exclusive approach to severance negotiations has helped many employees in New York walk away with financial security and professional dignity intact. Call us at 646-461-6838 for a free phone evaluation or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Common Mistakes Employees Should Avoid When Negotiating or Signing a Separation Agreement in New York?
One common mistake is signing the agreement too quickly without fully understanding its terms and implications. Employees should carefully review all clauses, seek legal advice if necessary to ensure fairness, and negotiate changes that protect their interests. It’s crucial to consider the impact on future employment, benefits eligibility, and any non-compete restrictions. Additionally, employees should be cautious about waiving their rights to pursue legal claims against the employer without understanding the full scope of those rights.
How Does New York Law Regulate Severance Pay and Taxes, and What Should Employees Know?
New York law does not require severance pay, except in specific cases outlined by employment contracts, company policies, or collective bargaining agreements. However, severance pay is subject to federal and state taxes, including income tax and potentially FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. Employees should plan for tax implications and consider consulting with a tax advisor to understand their financial obligations. Additionally, ensuring that severance payments are structured correctly can help minimize tax liabilities.