Dear valued clients and supporters: This month's newsletter will focus on: (1) The nation-wide increase in the usage of arbitration clauses in employment agreements; (2) Negotiating a more favorable employment offer/agreement; (3) The "Alter Ego" doctrine; and (4) New York City's Fair Chance Act.
In recent years, there has been a nation-wide spike in the usage of arbitration clauses by employers in their employment agreements. The motivation for employers to include such clauses is that they typically require employees to settle any grievances through arbitration, effectively preventing them from bringing an action in court. The clauses also usually require that all disputes be brought individually, which can have the effect of prohibiting employees from bringing class action suits. In the wake of United States Supreme Court decisions upholding the validity of arbitration clauses that prevent employees from bringing a collective suit, many employers are now requiring that all employees agree to arbitration as a term of employment. Employers and employees are advised to consider the implication of this trend, as employers may seek to include arbitration clauses while employees may seek to negotiate the removal of this term when possible.
Many employees may not be aware that when they are offered a new position, they often have significant leverage at their disposal to negotiate for better terms of employment. Prospective employees who bring years of experience or unique skills and knowledge should not sell themselves short at the bargaining table, especially prior to accepting an offer of employment. From increases in salary, stock options and other benefits, to more favorable terms of severance, grounds for termination, and restrictive covenants, employees should consider what they can gain through such negotiations. An in-depth article addressing terms that an employee should consider negotiating as well as how to negotiate effectively so that an employer is not "put-off" by your ask is now available here on our website.
The number one reason why business owners form corporate entities is to insulate their personal assets from the liabilities of the company--if the business has an issue that causes it to owe money, the owner's house, bank account, and other personal property cannot be used to pay the company's debt. However, when a business owner abuses this protection and primarily uses the entity for her own personal gain rather than to transact the corporation's business, a court may find that the business is actually the "alter ego" of the owner. Upon such a finding, the owner and the business are treated as one and the owner's personal assets become at risk. To find out more about the factors New York courts look at under an "alter ego" analysis and the consequences of a determination stripping a business owner of the protections of her corporation, please read a more in-depth article posted here on our website.
On October 27, 2015, the New York City Fair Chance Act went into effect. The law makes it illegal for employers to ask applicants about a criminal record before making a job offer. The Act bans reference to criminal histories or background checks in employment ads, job applications and during interviews. An in-depth article analyzing the Act and an employers obligations under the new law are now available here on our website.
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Disclaimer: Nothing on this website is or should be construed as legal advice. An attorney-client relationship does not exist with our firm unless a signed retainer agreement is executed, and we do not offer legal advice through this site or any of the content located on it. For legal advice for your particular circumstances, please contact us directly.
