Employment Contract Attorney in St. Louis
Protect Your Career Before You Sign
If you have been handed an offer letter, non-compete, or severance agreement and told to sign quickly, you are not alone. An employment contract can shape your income, your mobility, and your legal rights for years. Working with an experienced employment contract attorney in St. Louis can help you understand what is really in front of you before you commit.
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we represent employees and executives who want clarity about what they are signing and leverage when terms are unfair. Our attorneys focus on employment law for individuals, so we understand how contracts interact with discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, and other workplace issues. We review agreements, explain your options, and help you plan your next steps.
Our firm brings more than 40 years of experience standing up to employers and corporations. We only represent individuals, never companies or insurers, and we offer a free initial consultation to review your situation and discuss how we can help.
Let our St. Louis employment contract attorney review your agreement and help you make informed decisions. Call (314) 819-0963 or contact Sedey Harper Westhoff online today.
Why Employees Turn to Our Firm
When a contract could affect your livelihood, you need lawyers who are firmly on your side. Our firm is dedicated to representing individuals in employment and personal injury matters, and we do not take cases for employers, insurance companies, or large corporations.
Employees turn to Sedey Harper Westhoff because of our:
- Exclusive focus on representing employees and individuals, never employers, insurance companies, or large corporations
- Recognition as Best Law Firm in Missouri by U.S. News & World Report in the Employment Law, Individuals category
- Nationally recognized employment attorneys, including lawyers named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers and Best Lawyers
- History of securing substantial results in complex employment disputes, including multimillion-dollar verdicts and judgments
- Extensive litigation experience in Missouri state courts, federal courts, and even before the U.S. Supreme Court
- Willingness to pursue courtroom litigation when employers refuse to negotiate fairly
- Client-focused representation built on clear communication, personalized strategy, and practical guidance
We combine extensive legal experience with a client-centered approach. Our employment contract attorney in St. Louis takes the time to understand your career goals, evaluate the issues affecting your employment, and explain your options in straightforward language so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Common Employment Contract Issues We Handle
Employees and executives come to us with a wide range of contract-related questions and problems. Examples of contract-related matters we address include:
- Reviewing and explaining employment agreements, offer letters, and promotion letters
- Evaluating non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality clauses
- Assessing severance packages and releases of claims after termination
- Addressing disputes over bonuses, commissions, and incentive compensation
- Advising on alleged breaches of contract and potential enforcement actions
We also handle disputes that arise under existing contracts. These may involve unpaid bonuses or commissions, contested stock or equity awards, clawback demands, or disagreement over whether a non-compete has been violated. We have litigated workplace contract disputes for employees across Missouri and are familiar with the contract practices used by many large employers based in downtown St. Louis and the surrounding area.
How Our Employment Contract Attorney in St. Louis Protects Your Career
When you contact our firm, we start by listening. During the free initial consultation, we ask you to share the agreement at issue, any related emails or messages, and important dates such as termination or signing deadlines. We want to understand your goals, whether that means improving terms, preserving claims, moving to a new employer, or resolving an ongoing dispute.
Our employment contract attorney in St. Louis helps by:
- Reviewing employment contracts and related documents to identify key obligations, restrictions, and potential risks
- Analyzing provisions involving severance agreements, non-compete clauses, arbitration requirements, compensation, benefits, equity, and termination rights
- Identifying contract terms that may create unusual risks, including broad waivers, one-sided dispute procedures, or restrictive covenants
- Explaining contract language in clear, practical terms so you understand how the agreement may affect your career
- Evaluating available options, including signing the agreement, requesting revisions, or declining proposed terms
- Negotiating contract revisions designed to better protect your interests and professional goals
- Assisting with issues involving severance pay, bonuses, equity compensation, and post-employment restrictions
- Representing employees in contract disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation when necessary
- Providing ongoing guidance, communication, and strategic advice throughout the process
Steps to Take Before You Sign a Contract
Facing a deadline to sign an employment contract or severance agreement can feel overwhelming. Employers sometimes present documents as standard or non-negotiable, and it can be tempting to sign just to move forward. Taking a few careful steps before you sign can help protect your rights and give you time to make thoughtful decisions.
Before you sign, consider taking these steps:
- Read the entire agreement slowly, including any attachments or policy references
- Write down questions or terms that seem unclear or unfair
- Note any deadlines your employer has given you to sign or respond
- Avoid making promises or statements about what you will do with the agreement
- Contact our firm to schedule a free consultation and review your options
We regularly help employees who feel rushed or unsure about what to do next. Even if a deadline is approaching, there may be ways to request more time or to respond in a way that preserves your position. Speaking with our attorneys can give you a clearer sense of your choices and how they may affect your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Really Need a Lawyer To Review My Employment Contract?
Having an attorney review your contract is often very helpful. Many agreements contain complex terms on non-compete restrictions, releases, and dispute procedures that are easy to overlook. We explain how key provisions could affect you and help you decide whether the terms are acceptable as written.
Can You Help If My Employer Gave Me a Short Deadline to Sign?
We regularly speak with employees facing tight signing deadlines. In many situations, we can review the agreement quickly, explain your options, and discuss whether to request more time or propose changes. The sooner you contact us, the more options we typically have to work with.
Will My Employer Know That I Talked to Your Firm?
Simply contacting us for a consultation is confidential. We do not notify your employer that you reached out. If you decide you want us to negotiate or communicate with your employer, we will discuss the timing and approach with you first so you can make an informed decision.
Can Your Team Negotiate Changes to My Severance Agreement?
We often work with clients who want to improve or clarify severance terms. Depending on the circumstances, we may recommend proposed revisions, additional compensation, or narrower release language. Our role is to help you identify priorities and, when appropriate, communicate with your former employer to seek fairer terms.
What Types of Employment Contract Disputes Do You Handle in Missouri?
We handle disputes involving unpaid bonuses or commissions, equity or stock awards, alleged breaches of non-compete or non-solicitation clauses, and disagreements over severance obligations. We also address contract issues that overlap with discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and whistleblowing claims for employees working for St. Louis-based employers.
Talk With Our Employment Contract Attorney in St. Louis About Your Agreement
If you are looking for an employment contract lawyer in St. Louis who will put your interests first, our firm is here to help. We review agreements, explain your rights, and work with you to protect your career and your future. You do not have to navigate complex contract language or employer pressure on your own.
Our attorneys bring decades of focused employment law experience, a record of significant results for employees, and a commitment to clear, direct communication. We offer a free initial consultation so you can ask questions and understand your options before you decide how to proceed.
Our St. Louis employment contract lawyer is ready to advocate for your rights. Call (314) 819-0963 or contact Sedey Harper Westhoff to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri
-
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Age Discrimination Claim in Missouri?
Determining whether you have a valid age discrimination claim requires a careful examination of the circumstances and facts surrounding your situation. Remember, age discrimination in the workplace can be extremely subtle and challenging to prove, so if you aren’t entirely certain whether you have a claim, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced employment lawyer.
Here are key elements to consider:
- Evidence of discriminatory behavior. First, identify any direct or indirect evidence that suggests age-related bias. This includes ageist remarks from supervisors or coworkers, patterns of exclusion from projects or promotions, and any unjustified adverse employment actions that seem tied to your age. It's important to gather documentation like emails, notes from meetings, or witness statements that support your claim.
- Comparative treatment. Evaluate whether younger employees are treated more favorably in similar situations. Examples include being consistently chosen for promotions, receiving better performance evaluations without substantial justification, or facing different standards for misconduct. These comparisons can help highlight potential discrimination.
- Adverse employment actions. Identify any specific actions that have negatively impacted your employment. This includes firing, demotion, salary cuts, or undesirable job reassignments directly linked to your age. Conversely, consider if you have faced less overt actions, such as being geographically relocated or deliberately given menial tasks, that reflect a pattern of discriminatory behavior.
- Employer's justification. Consider the reasons provided by your employer for the actions in question. If their explanations seem pretextual or inconsistent, this could serve as evidence of discriminatory intent. Look for contradictions in rationale or disparities in how policies are applied to younger versus older employees.
- Consistency with state law. The Missouri Human Rights Act specifically protects employees aged 40 and older and less than 70 years of age from discrimination. If you do not meet this age criteria, you likely do not have a case at the state level.
-
What Is the Process for Filing an Age Discrimination Lawsuit in Missouri?
You cannot immediately file an age discrimination lawsuit against your employer, even if you have substantial evidence demonstrating egregious misconduct. Initially, you must file a complaint with the MCHR or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (Note that our firm generally prefers to handle age discrimination claims at the state level.) This is a mandatory step before any lawsuit can be pursued, as it initiates an investigation into your claim. The charge must be filed with the MCHR within 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to preserve the validity of your case.
Once the charge is filed with the MCHR, they will review the complaint and may offer mediation as a means of resolving the issue. Mediation can allow both parties to negotiate a settlement without undergoing lengthy legal proceedings. If mediation is unsuccessful or not pursued, the agency will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and assessing whether there has been a violation of anti-discrimination laws.
Once 180 days have passed from the date you filed your complaint, you can ask for a “right to sue” letter. The MCHR will stop its investigation if you request this letter and will take no further action on your behalf.
If you don’t request this letter, they’ll complete their investigation and determine whether they have evidence that supports probable age discrimination. If they do think there’s probable cause, they will work to settle your case with your employer. If these negotiations are unsuccessful, they will proceed to a hearing, where a hearing examiner will make a final decision. If the MCHR doesn’t think they have enough evidence to pursue their own case, they will issue a letter saying so, and you’ll have a right to appeal.
Filing your own lawsuit involves drafting and submitting a formal complaint that outlines the discriminatory acts, the applicable laws, and the relief sought. Our St. Louis age discrimination lawyers can assist you with this process and aggressively fight for you in and out of the courtroom.
-
How Long Does a Missouri Age Discrimination Lawsuit Usually Take?
The duration of a Missouri age discrimination lawsuit can vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and the workload of the court system.
Again, you cannot sue until you have received a “right to sue” letter from the MCHR or EEOC. You can request this letter from the MCHR after waiting 180 days from the date you submitted your initial complaint.
Moving forward with a lawsuit may involve prolonged pre-trial proceedings, including discovery, where both parties gather evidence. The discovery phase itself can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the scope of the evidence and any challenges that arise. Additionally, seeking resolution through mediation or settlement discussions can either shorten or lengthen the timeline based on the outcomes. If your case proceeds to trial, additional delays may occur due to scheduling and other procedural requirements.
We understand that the lengthy process of pursuing an age discrimination lawsuit can be incredibly frustrating. Our attorneys can keep you informed throughout each stage of the legal process and are prepared to work efficiently to get you justice.
-
What Are the Potential Outcomes of a Missouri Age Discrimination Lawsuit?
An age discrimination lawsuit can result in one of several outcomes. One possibility is a settlement, which can occur at any stage of the litigation process. In a settlement, the parties agree on a resolution without proceeding to trial, often involving compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, or other agreed-upon remedies. Settlements provide a quicker resolution and reduce the uncertainty and costs associated with a trial. However, not all employers are willing to settle, and some may make woefully inadequate offers.
If the lawsuit proceeds to trial, the court may rule in your favor, resulting in a judgment. This can lead to various forms of legal relief, including compensation for lost earnings and benefits, reinstatement to a previous job position, changes in workplace policies, or punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct by your employer. Your employer will also likely be responsible for covering your attorney’s fees and other court costs if you win your case.
If the court sides with your employer, they may dismiss your case. Should this occur, you will not receive any compensation or relief unless you successfully appeal the decision.
-
Can I Represent Myself in a Breach of Contract Lawsuit?
While you can represent yourself in a breach of contract lawsuit, doing so comes with significant risks and challenges. The complexities of contract law require a nuanced understanding of legal principles, procedures, and the intricacies involved in presenting a case effectively in court. Without professional legal training, you may struggle to accurately interpret contract language, gather relevant evidence, or comply with procedural requirements, potentially undermining your case.
Your employer will likely be represented by experienced legal professionals, placing you at a disadvantage in legal arguments and negotiations. Missteps in any part of the process can have detrimental consequences, including the possibility of an unfavorable verdict. An experienced employment law attorney who handles breach of contract cases can help you avoid common mistakes, build a strong claim, and effectively combat your employer’s arguments.
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
-
"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
Saint Louis, MO 63139 Map & Directions