For Companies and HR Leaders with Businesses or Employees in Oregon
Employers
Counsel and defense for employers in Oregon on breach of contract issues
For Workers and Executives
Employees
Representation for Oregon workers in breach of 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 contract negotiation, restrictive covenant agreements, employment contracts, and workplace disputes. We represent clients in state and federal courts across Oregon and before administrative agencies for employment-related claims.
Our years of representing both employees and employers have given us a unique understanding of employment agreements and other contracts in the employment context, including the drafting, negotiation, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts. It is this understanding that enables us to anticipate issues that each side may face and the best ways to provide practical, strategic advice that is tailored to each client’s specific goals.
We encourage our clients to seek legal guidance early. Our experience has proven that by addressing potential issues proactively, before an agreement is signed or before a disagreement escalates, we can often achieve better outcomes and help avoid costly disputes down the line.
Meet Our Portland Team Handling Breach of Contract Cases
What Is a Breach of
Contract?
The area of breach of contract in employment law focuses on disputes alleging an employer or an employee has broken a legally binding term or promise outlined in their employment agreement.
Breach may involve any contract term. Some examples are:
- Failure to pay
- Wrongful termination
- Unilateral changes without proper consent
- Failing to pay a contractual severance
- Quitting without contractually required notice
- Non-compete violations
- Sharing company secrets
How Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP Helps Employees With Breach of Contract Issues
Employees commonly reach out to us for:
- Unpaid wages or business
- Withheld benefits
- Severance disputes
- Wrongful termination
- An employer’s failure to adhere to its own procedures
- Major job alteration
- Accusations of breaching a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
We also provide counsel for these other types of Oregon and federal employment contract law.
Non-Compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements can place limitations on where an employee may work after leaving a company. In Oregon, the law imposes specific requirements on the timing and circumstances of when these agreements may be enforced. Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP helps employees understand their obligations, determine whether their non-compete agreement aligns with Oregon law, negotiate any appropriate modifications, evaluate risks, and represent clients in enforcement disputes.
Non-Solicitation Agreements
Once employment ends, many employment agreements prohibit former employees from soliciting clients, customers, or coworkers, which can significantly affect future employment opportunities or business activities. Our team regularly advises employees on the nuances and enforceability of these clauses and helps resolve disputes that may arise.
Severance Agreements
Employees are frequently presented with a severance agreement when their employment ends. These agreements typically include confidentiality provisions, releases of legal claims, restrictive covenants, and deadlines for agreement acceptance. Before signing any agreement, an employee must understand the scope of its legal and financial implications. Our legal experts will review the severance package, explain the terms, negotiate improved provisions when applicable, and help employees make the best decision.
Our Approach for Employees
In most cases, it's easier and less costly to address employment contract issues before an agreement is signed or a dispute escalates. Our team provides practical advice that’s tailored to client goals, whether that points to evaluating legal rights, negotiating improved contract terms, or resolving an employee/employer disagreement.
Intake & Consultation
At our initial meeting, we’ll discuss your employment situation, review the agreement in question, and learn about your goals, concerns, and timeline.
Contract Review & Legal Assessment
Our law professionals will analyze the language of your agreement, explain Oregon and federal legal issues that may impact its enforceability, discuss any potential risks, and walk you through your legal options.
Strategy and Recommendation
With your objectives at the forefront, we’ll discuss practical next steps, which can include responding to proposed revisions, contract negotiation, seeking informal resolution, or preparing for litigation when necessary.
Representation
Whether our team is negotiating directly with your employer or representing you in court, arbitration, or another proceeding, we’re committed to advocating for your best interests.
We Also Offer Breach of Contract and Negotiation Counsel for
Employers
When a company is proactive in drafting employment agreements, it can reduce ambiguity, protect the confidentiality of your business information, and establish clear expectations for both employers and employees. The professionals at Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP advise employers across the state, helping them develop, negotiate, review, and enforce employment contracts that work with their business while complying with legal requirements.
Breach of Contract Issues We Help Employers Navigate
Common breach of contract issues that may arise include:
Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation
Employee joins a competitor or contacts existing clients in violation of a written contract.
Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
Employee reveals secret company data, formulas, or trade secrets to outsiders
Failure to Comply with Notice Period or Termination Provisions
Employee quits before a fixed-term contract ends without providing contractually required notice
Failure To Return Assets
Former employee retains company information or property in violation of their contract.
Our Approach for Employers
Employment contracts are most effective when carefully drafted and evaluated from the outset, before problems arise. Our team works with employers to formulate practical agreements, respond appropriately to disputes, protect and enforce employers’ contractual rights, and reduce legal risk while supporting their long-term business goals.
Business and Contract Evaluation
We learn about your team, business goals and objectives, and the employer/employee relationship to determine the appropriate contractual protections.
Risk Analysis
After identifying potential legal risks and evaluating enforceability under Oregon law, we recommend strategies that balance your business needs with practical considerations.
Drafting and Negotiation
Our team creates customized employment agreements, reviews revision proposals, negotiates contract terms when needed, and helps you clearly document agreements.
Enforcement and Resolution
When contract disputes arise, we help you navigate negotiation, enforcement, litigation, arbitration, or other appropriate strategies that best protect the interests of your organization.
Schedule an Intake with Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP
Are you an Oregon employer who’s in the process of drafting or negotiating contracts or responding to a contract dispute, or an employee who’s suddenly found yourself having to negotiate contract terms or determine your rights under an existing agreement? Whatever the situation, speaking with experienced counsel can give you the tools and insights you need to make informed decisions.