Severance and Contracts Attorneys Serving Inglewood
Protecting Inglewood workers' rights. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.
Do I need a lawyer for a severance agreement in Inglewood?
Yes, you should always have an attorney review a severance agreement before you sign it. An experienced lawyer can explain the terms of your contract, make sure your rights are protected, and advise you if you are giving up important claims. Many severance agreements contain complex legal language and restrict your future options, so understanding what you sign is vital.
What kinds of employment contract issues do we handle in Inglewood?
Our firm helps employees in Inglewood with a range of employment contract matters, including reviewing severance packages. We also assist with negotiating the terms of an employment contract, ensuring it aligns with California labor laws. This includes examining non-compete clauses, confidentiality agreements, and provisions related to bonuses or stock options. We also advise on agreements for executives and professionals. If you have questions about your employment contract or need assistance with an offer letter, we can help.
What should you do if your employer offers a severance package?
Do not sign anything immediately. Employers often present severance agreements with a deadline to sign. California law provides employees a minimum of five days to review a severance agreement if they are 40 years old or older, to allow time for legal review.
Gather all relevant documents. Collect your employment contract, performance reviews, any disciplinary notices, and the proposed severance agreement.
Write down your questions and concerns. This helps you organize your thoughts before speaking with an attorney.
Contact an employment attorney. An attorney can review the agreement, negotiate better terms, and determine if you have other legal claims, like wrongful termination or discrimination, that you would waive by signing. This step is crucial before making any final decisions.
Where would an employment contract claim from Inglewood be filed?
An employment contract claim or other employment dispute originating in Inglewood would generally be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. For cases filed in Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). Employment claims do not follow the same filing rules and will be handled by the court’s general civil departments. The courthouse most likely to hear these types of cases is the Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503.
How long do you have to pursue an employment contract claim, and what can you recover?
The deadline to file an employment contract claim depends heavily on the specific nature of the claim. For a breach of a written contract, you generally have four years to file your lawsuit from the date of the breach (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337). However, for verbal agreements, the deadline is two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 339). Other types of employment claims, such as wrongful termination or wage disputes, have different deadlines, sometimes as short as one year or even less for administrative complaints. A claim against a city, county, or public agency must be presented within six months under Gov. Code § 911.2 before you can file a lawsuit. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
When you pursue an employment contract claim, you can seek to recover various forms of compensation. This can include lost wages, benefits, and potentially damages for emotional distress, depending on the claim. If your employer acted maliciously, you might also be able to recover punitive damages, which punish the employer for their conduct.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, you get a team dedicated to understanding your situation and fighting for your rights as an employee. We begin with a thorough review of your employment documents and listen to your concerns. Our goal is to provide clear advice about your legal options and the best path forward. We handle all communications with your employer or their legal team, preparing all necessary paperwork and representing you in negotiations or court. We are committed to pursuing the full compensation available under California law for our clients. We have assisted many employees in Inglewood and surrounding areas, including clients seeking assistance in Carson and Alhambra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-compete clause, and can my employer enforce one in Inglewood?
A non-compete clause is a provision in an employment contract that attempts to restrict an employee's ability to work for a competitor or start a competing business after leaving their current employer. In California, these clauses are generally unenforceable under Business and Professions Code § 16600, which states that "every contract by which anyone is restrained from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind is to that extent void." There are very narrow exceptions, primarily for the sale of a business or dissolution of a partnership.
How do I know if my severance package is fair?
Determining if a severance package is fair requires an evaluation of several factors, including your length of service, your salary and benefits, the reason for your termination, and any potential legal claims you might have against your employer. A lawyer can compare the offered terms against what is typical in your industry and identify any hidden clauses that might disadvantage you. They can also assess if the amount offered truly compensates you for giving up your rights to sue for claims like discrimination or retaliation, which our firm handles for employees in Inglewood.
What if my employer pressured me to sign a severance agreement?
If your employer pressured you to sign a severance agreement, especially if they did not give you enough time to review it or consult with an attorney, the agreement might not be legally binding. Duress or undue influence can invalidate a contract. An attorney can examine the circumstances surrounding your signing of the agreement and advise you on whether you have grounds to challenge its enforceability.
How long do I have to review a severance agreement in California?
If you are under 40 years old, California law does not mandate a minimum review period, but a reasonable time should be given. If you are 40 years old or older, federal law (the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act) requires employers to give you at least 21 days to review a severance agreement, and 7 days to revoke it after signing. This is particularly important for executive employment issues where the stakes are often higher.
If you have questions about a severance package or any other employment contract matter, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for assistance. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving Inglewood
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Inglewood and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Inglewood claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Inglewood is filed in Torrance Courthouse, Southwest District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in Inglewood
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Inglewood (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).