Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor

The Settlement Agreement Solicitor

Episode 8 – I Have Received a Settlement Agreement, What Do I Do Next?

Hello, and welcome back to The Settlement Agreement Solicitor. In this podcast, we break down everything you need to know about settlement agreements, helping you make informed decisions about your employment rights. I am your host, Geoffrey Caesar, solicitor of England and Wales, with over 20 years of experience advising employees on their settlement agreements.

Today’s episode is one of the most practical ones yet, because we’re answering a question I get asked all the time: “I’ve just received a settlement agreement, what do I do next?”

The very first thing—and I cannot stress this enough—is contact me. You need a solicitor on your side, and that’s exactly where I come in. I will take care of the legal side of things so you don’t have to worry.

But before we dive into what you should do next, let’s take a step back and talk about what a settlement agreement is.

In short, a settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your employer. It usually outlines the terms of your departure from the company, including what you’ll receive in exchange for agreeing not to make any future claims against your employer. This can cover anything from compensation, confidentiality, references, and more.

So, you’ve been handed this document, and you might be wondering: What now?

1. Contact me immediately

The very first thing you should do is get in touch with me, Geoffrey Caesar, to act as your solicitor. By law, you’re required to seek independent legal advice before signing a settlement agreement.

That is where I come in.

I will review the agreement, explain what it means in plain English, and make sure that it works in your best interests.

I will ensure that everything’s in order—whether it’s the compensation, notice period, or any restrictive covenants—and that you’re not leaving anything on the table. If necessary, I can also negotiate with your employer to improve the terms.

Once we are happy with the agreement, I will provide you with the legal adviser letter or certificate that employers often require to evidence that you have received the requisite legal advice.

You won’t have to pay me anything. Typically, the settlement agreement will include a provision for your legal fees, meaning your employer will cover the costs of my services. I will work within those agreed fees, and you don’t have to worry about any unexpected charges. All the legal support you need, at no cost to you.

2. Understand the deadlines

Settlement agreements often come with tight deadlines, so time is of the essence. Your employer will usually give you a window in which to consider the agreement—typically 10 days but sometimes a faster turnaround is demanded.

This is why you need to engage a solicitor like me as soon as possible. The quicker we get started, the more time we have to properly review and negotiate the terms.

Do not rush into signing just to meet a deadline, though. It’s essential that the agreement is right for you. I’ll make sure we use the time wisely, and if needed, I can negotiate for an extension on the deadline.

3. Do not feel pressured

Sometimes, when an employee receives a settlement agreement, they feel pressure to sign it immediately, whether it’s from HR, their line manager, or just the stress of the situation. But remember, you have rights. It’s your decision, and it’s essential that you fully understand what you’re agreeing to before you sign anything.

Take a deep breath, and don’t rush into it. With my help, we’ll navigate the process together and ensure you’re fully protected.

4. Do not discuss the settlement

It can be tempting to talk to your colleagues or friends about the settlement agreement, but keep in mind that most agreements include strict confidentiality clauses. Breaching these could potentially result in the offer being withdrawn or reduced. So, keep the details between yourself, your employer, and—most importantly—me, your solicitor.

5. Think about the long-term

While the financial sum might catch your eye, there are other aspects of the agreement you need to consider, especially the long-term implications. For example, does the agreement include restrictive covenants that could limit your future job prospects? Will you receive an agreed reference to protect your reputation? I will look at these factors with you to ensure that every element of the settlement agreement suits your personal and professional goals.

6. Consider the terms carefully

In addition to the compensation, I will review the non-financial terms. These include things like confidentiality, references, non-disparagement clauses, and more. Every clause is important, and I will make sure the terms are fair and reasonable.

Final Thoughts

To recap:

Contact me immediately upon receiving a settlement agreement. I’ll guide you through the entire process—reviewing, negotiating, and certifying the agreement.
I’ll work within the legal fees agreed upon in the settlement, so you won’t have to pay me anything.
Do not rush, and be sure to keep the details confidential.
Together, we will ensure the settlement agreement works for you, now and in the future.

That’s all for today’s episode of The Settlement Agreement Solicitor. If you’ve received a settlement agreement or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Geoffrey Caesar. With two decades of experience, I’m here to make sure you get the best possible outcome.

Until next time. Keep tuned, stay informed, and remember: I am here to help.