SEVERANCE & TRANSITIONS FOR C-SUITE EXECUTIVES AND SENIOR-LEVEL EMPLOYEES 

Move Forward from a Position of Strength 

Executives come to us when they are leaving a role—sometimes by choice, sometimes not—at a moment when the terms of their exit will shape what comes next. 

Whether you are being terminated, laid off, asked to transition out, or considering an early retirement offer, we help you assess your options and move forward from a position of strength. 

At the point of transition, there is pressure to make important decisions quickly—often with limited information. 

The terms of a severance package or departure agreement can affect your finances, reputation, and professional opportunities.  These agreements can encompass: 

• Your immediate compensation 
• Your long-term financial position 
• How your departure is characterized 
• Your ability to move into your next role 

We help you understand what those terms mean—and what can still be negotiated. 

Situtations We Handle For Executives Exiting An Organization

Executives typically engage us when:

• Reviewing a severance agreement after being terminated or laid off 
• Negotiating severance terms tied to an existing employment agreement 
• Being asked to accept an early retirement or transition package 
• Evaluating whether to resign, negotiate, or remain in position 
• Navigating departures from complex organizations 

What We Do For C-Suite Executives and Senior Level Employees

Evaluate Severance Offers and Agreements

We assess the terms of severance and separation agreements to identify: 

• What compensation is being offered—and what may be missing 
• How ’cause’ and termination provisions affect your position 
• Whether existing agreement terms are being applied correctly 

Strengthen Your Position at Exit

Even at the point of departure, there is often room to improve outcomes. 

We help executives: 

• Negotiate for additional compensation or benefits 
• Address bonus and incentive payouts 
• Analyze equity treatment or vesting outcomes 
• Clarify the circumstances of departure 

Address Restrictive Covenants at Transition

We can: 

• Evaluate the enforceability and scope of restrictions 
• Negotiate modifications or waivers where possible 
• Ensure restrictions do not unnecessarily limit future opportunities 

Evaluate Early Retirement and Transition Offers

Executives are sometimes presented with early retirement or voluntary separation packages. 

We help assess whether an offered package improves your position—or whether other options should be considered. 

 Navigate Transitions From Complex Organizations 

We can: 

• Assess how exit terms align with ownership and governance structures 
• Coordinate with specialized co-counsel where needed 
• Ensure outcomes reflect contractual rights  

When Should You Engage An Employment Attorney?

Executives often reach out: 

• Before responding to a severance offer 
• When exit discussions begin but terms are not yet finalized, even before you see something in writing
• When considering whether to accept an early retirement package 
• When negotiating the terms of departure 

How We Work

Our confidential, in-depth legal consultation is cost and time transparent. 

We provide clear, actionable advice you can use immediately. 

Our process is efficient and focused, helping you move forward without unnecessary delay. 

Executives come to us at critical moment – when agreements are being signed, renegotiated, or unwound. 

In high-stakes executive employment negotiations, where the terms will shape the career you’ve built and what comes next, we help executives strengthen their position and increase their value. 

We review employment agreements, including compensation structures, severance terms, and restrictive covenants for Illinois executives.

We identify risks and opportunities within employment agreements to strengthen your negotiating position, including: 

WHAT WE DO FOR EXECUTIVES – NEGOTIATIONS, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, REPUTATION PROTECTION

HOW WE DO IT