Negotiating A Comprehensive Employment Agreement

Follow these steps to ensure a solid employment contract.

The following is a checklist of points that must be covered in any employment contract.

1. The names of the parties.

2. The title and duties associated with the position.

3. That the officer shall engage in no other outside activities without permission from the board of directors.

4. The period of employment.

5. Compensation and other benefits.

6. Conditions under which employment will be terminated.

7. What the estate of the officer is to receive in case of death.

8. The rights of the parties in case of the officer's sickness or disability.

9. Retirement benefits.

10. The officer cannot disclose any trade secrets or confidential information learned by reason of her association either during or after ceasing to be associated with the corporation.

11. For a certain period of time after the officer ceases to be associated with the corporation, she will not manage, operate, or join any business entity such as a partnership or corporation that competes with her current employer.

12. Any inventions, designs, etc. conceived during the employment of the officer shall belong to the corporation.

13. Should a breach of contract occur, all parties shall agree to submit to personal jurisdiction before a proper court in the state where the principal office of the corporation is located.

14. That the agreement shall be governed by the laws of a particular state.

15. That this agreement supersedes all previous employment agreements (if any) entered into between the parties.

16. The agreement must be signed by both parties.