Employment Agreement Lawyer in Chicago
Employment agreements define the relationship between employer and employee, establishing rights, obligations, and expectations for both parties. At Liberum Law, our employment agreement lawyers in Chicago draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts that protect our clients’ interests.
For employees, we review proposed employment agreements with a focus on compensation terms including base salary, bonuses, and equity, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, intellectual property assignment provisions, termination clauses and severance entitlements, benefits and perks, dispute resolution mechanisms, and confidentiality obligations.
For employers, we draft employment agreements that clearly establish the terms of the working relationship, protect proprietary information and trade secrets, include enforceable restrictive covenants, comply with Illinois employment law, and minimize future litigation risk.
Non-compete agreements in Illinois are subject to specific legal requirements under the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. To be enforceable, a non-compete must be supported by adequate consideration, be reasonable in time, geography, and scope of activity, and protect a legitimate business interest. Our attorneys ensure that non-compete provisions meet these standards.
Executive employment agreements require particular attention given the significant financial stakes involved. We negotiate compensation packages, golden parachute provisions, change-of-control protections, equity vesting schedules, and performance-based incentives for C-suite and senior leadership positions.
Whether you need an employment contract reviewed before signing or want to draft agreements for your workforce, our employment attorneys at Liberum Law provide the legal expertise you need. Schedule a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an employment agreement reviewed?
Employment agreements often contain provisions that significantly impact your future: non-compete and non-solicit clauses, IP assignment, confidentiality, severance terms, equity vesting, dispute resolution, choice of law. A review identifies traps and negotiating opportunities before you sign.
What non-compete provisions are enforceable in Illinois?
Under the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (2022): no non-competes for employees earning under $75,000/year, no non-solicits under $45,000. For higher earners, courts evaluate reasonableness of scope (geography, duration, activities) and protectable interests. Many overbroad clauses are unenforceable.
What is an IP assignment clause and should I sign it?
IP assignment transfers ownership of inventions, copyrights, and trade secrets you create during employment to the employer. Broad clauses may also capture pre-existing IP or off-duty creations. Illinois law (765 ILCS 1060) limits assignment to work using employer resources or time. We negotiate carve-outs for personal projects.
Can I negotiate equity terms in my offer?
Often yes — especially at startups. Key terms to evaluate: option type (ISO vs NSO), vesting schedule and cliff, acceleration on change of control or termination, exercise price, tax implications (83(b) election), repurchase rights, and information rights. We review and negotiate offers with significant equity components.
What is mandatory arbitration in an employment agreement?
A clause requiring disputes to be resolved through private arbitration rather than court. Often paired with class-action waivers. Generally enforceable post-2018 Supreme Court decisions, though Illinois and federal carve-outs exist for some claims (sexual harassment under federal law). We evaluate whether to push back.
