Severance & Non-Compete Agreements
Understanding Your Rights in Mississippi
Employees are often asked to sign severance agreements or non-compete agreements either when they start a job or when they are let go. These agreements can have a serious impact on your future — limiting where you can work, what kind of job you can take, and what claims you can bring against your former employer.
At Watson & Norris, PLLC, we help employees understand these agreements before they sign them and challenge them when necessary.
Non-Compete Agreements May Be Invalid
Non-compete agreements are contracts that attempt to prevent employees from working for a competitor or starting a competing business for a period of time after leaving a job.
However, recent guidance from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) makes clear that most non-compete agreements violate federal law. The NLRB has found that overly broad non-competes unlawfully restrict employees' rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) — including the right to seek new employment and improve working conditions.
If you are asked to sign a non-compete, or if your employer is trying to enforce one against you, you may have the right to refuse or challenge it. Employers cannot stop you from seeking better opportunities or punish you for exercising your rights under the law.
Severance Agreements — What You Need to Know
Severance agreements often include:
- Waivers of legal claims (like wrongful termination, discrimination, or unpaid wages)
- Confidentiality clauses
- Non-disparagement clauses
- Sometimes, non-compete or non-solicitation provisions
Before you sign a severance agreement, it's critical to know what rights you may be giving up. Some agreements try to take away more rights than the law allows — and you don't have to accept that.
How We Can Help
We regularly review severance and non-compete agreements for employees across Mississippi. We can:
- Explain what the agreement means and how it could affect your future
- Negotiate better terms or help you reject unfair provisions
- Fight to invalidate non-compete agreements, especially in light of the NLRB's position that these agreements often violate the NLRA
- Advise you on severance pay and benefits, making sure you get what you deserve
Contact Us
Before you sign anything — or if you're being threatened with a non-compete — contact Watson & Norris, PLLC. We'll help you protect your rights and move forward with confidence.
📞 Call us today at (601) 968-0000 for a confidential consultation.