For Companies and HR Leaders with Businesses or Employees in Oregon
Employers
Counsel and defense for employers in Oregon on employment contract issues
For Workers and Executives
Employees
Representation for Oregon workers in employment contract matters
Who We Are
Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP is a Portland-based employment law firm that advises and represents both employers and employees on employment law matters, including employment contracts, contract negotiation, restrictive covenant agreements, and workplace disputes. We represent clients throughout Oregon in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies when employment-related claims arise.
Representing both employers and employees gives us a well-rounded understanding of how employment agreements should be drafted, negotiated, interpreted, and enforced. That perspective allows us to anticipate the issues each side is likely to face and provide practical, strategic advice tailored to our clients' goals.
Whether we are reviewing an executive employment agreement, negotiating contract terms, drafting agreements for employers, or addressing a contract dispute, we encourage clients to seek legal guidance early. Addressing potential issues before an agreement is signed or before a disagreement escalates can often lead to better outcomes and help avoid costly disputes later.
Meet Our Portland Team Handling Contract Negotiation Cases
What Is an Employment
Contract?
Employment contracts are the agreements that define the relationship between employers and employees. While many employees work under "at-will" employment, which may not require a written contract, others have written contracts that establish important terms such as compensation, bonuses, equity, job duties, confidentiality obligations, severance rights, restrictive covenants, and the circumstances under which employment may end.
Employment contracts can have long-term financial and professional consequences. Whether you are negotiating a new position, reviewing a severance agreement, or drafting contracts for your workforce, experienced legal counsel can help identify risks, protect your interests, and ensure the agreement reflects your objectives.
How Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP Helps Employees With Employment Contract Issues
Employment agreements often contain complex legal language that can significantly affect your compensation, career opportunities, and rights during employment and after leaving an employer. Before signing a new agreement, responding to a proposed change, or deciding whether to challenge a contract provision, it is important to understand exactly what your contract requires and what options may be available.
Our employment contract attorneys in Portland advise executives, professionals, and employees in various positions on a wide range of employment contract matters, including:
Breach of Contract
Employment contracts create legally enforceable obligations for both employers and employees. When one party fails to meet those obligations, questions may arise regarding compensation, job duties, termination rights, bonuses, equity awards, commissions, or other contractual benefits. We evaluate whether a breach has occurred, explain the available legal remedies, and help clients pursue practical resolutions through negotiation or litigation when necessary.
Non-Compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements can restrict where an employee may work after leaving a company. Oregon law imposes specific requirements regarding when these agreements may be enforceable and under what circumstances. We represent clients involved in disputes over enforcement and help employees understand the scope of their obligations, assess whether a non-compete complies with Oregon law, and negotiate modifications when appropriate..
Non-Solicitation Agreements
Many employment agreements prohibit former employees from soliciting customers, clients, or coworkers after their employment ends. These provisions can significantly affect future employment opportunities or business activities. We advise employees on the terms and enforceability of non-solicitation clauses and help address disputes when questions arise regarding their application.
Severance Agreements
Employers sometimes offer severance agreements when an employment relationship ends. These agreements often include releases of legal claims, confidentiality provisions, restrictive covenants, and deadlines for acceptance. Before signing, employees should understand the legal and financial implications of the agreement. We review severance packages, explain their terms, advise on negotiating the terms when appropriate, and help clients make informed decisions.
Our Approach for Employees
Employment contract issues are often easier and less expensive to address before an agreement is signed or a dispute escalates. We provide practical advice tailored to each client's goals, whether that means negotiating better contract terms, evaluating legal rights, or resolving a disagreement with an employer.
Intake & Consultation
We begin by learning about your employment situation, reviewing the agreement at issue, and understanding your goals, concerns, and timeline.
Risk Analysis Contract Review & Legal Assessment
We analyze the language of the agreement, explain how Oregon and federal law may affect its enforceability, identify potential risks, and evaluate your legal options.
Strategy and Recommendation
Based on your objectives, we discuss practical next steps, which may include contract negotiation, responding to proposed revisions, pursuing informal resolution, or preparing for litigation if necessary.
Representation
Whether negotiating directly with an employer or representing you in court, arbitration, or other proceedings, we advocate for solutions that protect your professional and financial interests.
We Also Offer Employment Contract and Negotiation Counsel for
Employers
Thoughtfully drafted employment agreements can reduce uncertainty, protect confidential business information, and establish clear expectations for both employers and employees. Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP advises employers throughout Oregon on developing, negotiating, reviewing, and enforcing employment contracts that support their business objectives while complying with applicable law.
Employment Contract Issues We Help Employers Navigate
Our attorneys regularly advise employers on a wide range of employment contract matters, including:
Employment Contract Drafting and Review
Preparing employment agreements that clearly address compensation, duties, benefits, termination provisions, dispute resolution, and other important employment terms
Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenant Agreements
Drafting and evaluating non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and other restrictive covenant provisions to maximize enforceability under Oregon law
Employment Contract Negotiation
Advising employers during contract negotiations with executives and highly compensated employees while balancing business objectives and legal compliance
Severance and Separation Agreements
Preparing separation agreements that address releases of claims, confidentiality obligations, post-employment restrictions, and severance benefits while helping minimize future disputes
Contract Enforcement and Disputes
Representing employers when disputes arise regarding employment agreements, restrictive covenants, compensation provisions, or alleged breaches of contract
Our Approach for Employers
Employment contracts are most effective when they are carefully drafted before problems arise. We work with employers to create practical agreements, respond to disputes efficiently, and reduce legal risk while supporting short-term and long-term business goals.
Business and Contract Evaluation
We learn about your workforce, business objectives, and the employment relationship to determine what contractual protections are appropriate.
Risk Analysis
We identify potential legal risks, evaluate enforceability under Oregon law, and recommend strategies that balance business needs with practical considerations.
Drafting and Negotiation
We prepare customized employment agreements, review proposed revisions, negotiate contract terms when appropriate, and help employers document agreements clearly.
Enforcement and Resolution
When contract disputes arise, we advise employers regarding negotiation, enforcement, litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution strategies that best protect the organization's interests.
Schedule an Intake with Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP
Whether you are an Oregon employer drafting or negotiating employment contracts or responding to a contract dispute, or an employee negotiating contract terms or evaluating your rights under an existing agreement, an early conversation with experienced counsel can help you make informed decisions. Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP provides practical, strategic guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and objectives.