Employment Severance Agreement Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia
Negotiate Your Severance the Right Way—With a Lawyer Who Knows What’s Fair
If you’ve been offered a severance agreement, it’s not just a “take it or leave it” situation. That document is a legally binding contract that can affect your career, finances, and reputation long after your last paycheck clears.
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At Edmonds Law, we help Georgia employees and healthcare professionals—including doctors, executives, and mid-level managers—review, negotiate, and strengthen severance agreements so you walk away protected and positioned for what’s next.
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Your employer has legal counsel. You should too.
Why You Should Never Sign a Severance Agreement Without a Georgia Lawyer
Most severance agreements are written to protect the employer, not the employee.
That means you could unknowingly:
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Waive your right to future claims (like discrimination, retaliation, or unpaid wages).
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Accept restrictive non-compete or non-solicitation clauses that limit your next career move.
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Lose out on months of compensation, bonuses, or benefits you’ve already earned.​
We’ve reviewed hundreds of severance agreements in Georgia and know how to spot hidden traps—and how to negotiate them out. Whether your goal is to secure more pay, limit restrictions, or protect your professional license, we’ll help you do it with confidence.
How We Help With Georgia Severance Agreement Negotiations
1. Contract Review & Risk Analysis
We read between the lines of your agreement—identifying key risks, missing protections, and clauses that could hurt you later (like broad non-disparagement or confidentiality terms).
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2. Strategy Consultation via an Understand My Physician Contract session
We explain, in plain English, what each clause means—and how to strengthen your position.
You’ll walk away knowing your best options before you sign.
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3. Employer Negotiation via SeveranceShield
If you’d like, we’ll step in and negotiate directly with your employer’s attorney to ensure you’re treated fairly.
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4. Peace of Mind
We handle the details so you can move forward confidently—without second-guessing what you just signed.
Why Going It Alone (or Using AI) Can Cost You Thousands — and Your Career Momentum
Here’s the truth: a severance agreement isn’t just about money—it’s about protecting your livelihood, reputation, and future opportunities.
And while AI templates or generic online reviews can summarize what’s in your agreement, they can’t tell you what’s missing or what’s likely to hold up under Georgia law. Let’s talk specifics.
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Georgia’s employment laws—especially under the Georgia Restrictive Covenants Act (GRCA)—are constantly evolving through new court decisions.
For example, under the GRCA, only employees who meet one of four specific criteria can have a non-compete enforced against them.
Even if your role technically qualifies, the restriction must still be reasonable in both time and geography.
Here’s where experience matters:
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In one recent Georgia case, a nationwide non-compete was upheld because it included carveouts for specific competitors.
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In another case, the court “blue penciled” a 25-mile restriction down to just three miles—because the original scope was overly broad.
Both employers and employees in those cases relied on the same statute—but ended up with drastically different results based on nuanced facts and smart lawyering. That’s what an AI template can’t tell you—how a Georgia court might view your job title, your company’s market, or even the way your duties were described in the agreement.
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At Edmonds Law, we analyze every clause of your severance agreement through the lens of recent Georgia cases and real-world experience. We don’t just spot risks—we tell you whether those risks are enforceable, negotiable, or flat-out unlawful. And we take it one step further. Many employees who come to us after being let go wonder if they might have potential discrimination or retaliation claims.
In the 11th Circuit (which governs Georgia), these cases follow a complex burden-shifting framework—meaning it’s not always clear whether your situation meets the legal threshold for discrimination or retaliation. We’ve successfully negotiated six-figure settlements in discrimination and retaliation cases because we know how to evaluate the true strength of your claims—before you waive them in a severance deal. Without that analysis, you could unknowingly sign away your right to pursue compensation for unlawful treatment.
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Bottom line?
A generic template or AI “review” won’t catch that your non-compete could cripple your career, or that your severance offer might be undervaluing a strong legal claim. An experienced Atlanta employment attorney will.
That’s the difference between a quick review and a strategic negotiation that protects your future.
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Next Step: Book a Understand My Physician Contract Session to get a Georgia-specific severance review that tells you what’s fair, what’s risky, and what’s negotiable—so you can make confident decisions about your next move.
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One recent client said: “You caught things I didn’t even know to ask about. You saved me from signing away rights I didn’t know I had.”
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Experienced Severance Contract Lawyer Serving Professionals Across Atlanta and Georgia
We proudly represent employees, physicians, executives, and healthcare professionals in:
Atlanta • Decatur • Alpharetta • Sandy Springs • Marietta • Roswell • Lawrenceville • Athens • Macon • Savannah
Whether you’re parting ways with a hospital system, private practice, or corporate employer, we know Georgia’s employment laws—and what’s reasonable in your industry.
Common Questions About Severance Agreements in Georgia
1. Do I really need a lawyer to review my severance agreement?
Yes, absolutely. Severance agreements are legal contracts drafted primarily by your employer’s attorneys to protect their interests—not yours. In Georgia, employment law is evolving rapidly, especially around restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses, making it crucial to have an experienced Atlanta severance lawyer review your agreement before you sign.
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Most lawyers bill hourly for contract reviews, often between $500 to $1,000 per hour. At Edmonds Law, we are different. Our team has direct experience litigating employment disputes against federal and state agencies as well as private employers in Georgia. This hands-on litigation background informs our ability to interpret and negotiate severance agreements strategically—ensuring clauses are reasonable and legally compliant under Georgia law.
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When you hire us, you’ll benefit from flat-fee pricing through our Negotiation Severance Suite, so you know exactly what you’ll pay upfront, without worrying about unpredictable hourly fees ballooning during negotiations.
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2. How much time do I have to review a severance agreement in Georgia?
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Employers typically give Georgia employees 7 to 21 days to review severance agreements. The exact time frame often depends on your role within the company and the specific circumstances of your separation. Because Georgia courts may uphold restrictive covenants in severance agreements, it’s critical not to wait until the last minute. Early legal review allows you to:
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Understand complex clauses like non-competes, confidentiality, and waiver of claims
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Assess enforceability under Georgia law, including the Georgia Restrictive Covenants Act
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Gain leverage to negotiate better terms for severance pay, continued benefits, and references
If you’re a Georgia physician, advanced practice provider, or executive, this review is even more crucial given the potential impact on your future employment opportunities.
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3. What can I negotiate in a severance package?
In Georgia, you can negotiate various terms beyond just the severance pay amount. Common negotiable elements include:
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Severance pay: Lump sum or installments
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Health insurance continuation: Coverage duration under COBRA or employer plans
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References and recommendations: Language describing your departure that can affect future job prospects
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Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
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Restrictive covenants: Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, which Georgia courts scrutinize closely under evolving case law and the Georgia Restrictive Covenants Act
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Release of claims: The scope of rights you waive against your employer
Our Negotiation Severance Suite is designed to help Georgia employees like you prioritize these key areas and secure the most favorable outcome for your next career chapter.
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4. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to review a severance agreement?
Legal fees for severance agreement reviews vary widely in Georgia:
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Many lawyers bill by the hour, with rates ranging from $500–$1,000 per hour for lawyers with 8–10 years of relevant experience.
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Some charge by the page, typically $75-$100 per page, which can add up quickly with long agreements.
At Edmonds Law, we offer a flat-fee option to eliminate uncertainty. Our Understand My Physician Contract session provides a comprehensive review of your severance agreement tailored to your unique situation for a one-time flat fee of $1,000. This includes:
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Detailed clause-by-clause analysis based on current Georgia law
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Identification of potentially unreasonable or unenforceable terms
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Practical advice on negotiation strategy or post-signing options
You’ll never face surprise bills or unpredictable hourly charges with our transparent pricing model.
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5. What are my options if I want to hire an experienced Atlanta severance lawyer at Edmonds Law?
We offer two primary pathways depending on your needs:
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Understand My Physician Contract Session (flat fee of $1,000): Ideal for those seeking a detailed, personalized review of their severance or employment contract. This session is tailored to Georgia healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced practice providers (PA, NP), chiropractors, and other clinical or executive roles. While the name of the service includes "Physician" in the name. This service includes review of employment agreements and severance agreements for Georgia employees including advanced practice providers (like Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners), Georgia doctors (like Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, etc.), nurses, and other non-clinical roles like C-Suite executives.
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What's included: Review of your severance agreement (up to 50 pages)​
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1-page recommendation cheat sheet including most problematic provisions and ways to fix them
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45-minute one-on-one session to answer all your questions
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Negotiation Severance Suite (flat fee of $5,500): A comprehensive flat-fee service that includes contract review plus direct negotiation with your employer or their counsel. This option provides proactive advocacy to improve your severance terms, especially useful if you want to maximize severance pay, modify restrictive covenants, or secure better post-employment benefits.
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What's included: Review of your severance agreement (up to 50 pages)​
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Negotiation Representation: We'll handle the back-and-forth on your behalf with your employer's attorney
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Severance Agreement: We'll recommend and negotiate the most important severance agreement provisions to protect your future job prospects
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Severance Payout Maximization: After analyzing your potential claims and employment rights, we'll determine a reasonable payout and negotiate to get the highest available payout
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Both services leverage our unique litigation experience in Georgia employment law, ensuring you receive expert advice grounded in real-world courtroom knowledge.
6. Can I book an Understand My Physician Contract session if I'm not a physician?
Yes! Despite the name, this service is open to all Georgia employees seeking expert review of severance or employment agreements. We work extensively with:
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Georgia physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers (like Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners)
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Chiropractors, physical therapists, and other licensed healthcare professionals
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C-suite executives and non-clinical roles
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Other professionals employed under contracts subject to Georgia law
Our legal expertise adapts to your role and industry, ensuring relevant insights that protect your rights and future career.
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7. What if I already signed the severance agreement?
If you’ve already signed, your options are more limited but not necessarily exhausted. Under Georgia law, severance agreements are generally enforceable unless:
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You signed under duress, coercion, or undue influence
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You lacked legal capacity due to medical or mental incapacitation at signing
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The agreement violates specific provisions of Georgia law or public policy
Typical defenses to enforcement focus on whether you voluntarily consented and understood the terms. Even if the contract is enforceable, severance agreements often contain restrictive covenants, like non-competes, which can affect your eligibility for future employment and must be reviewed carefully.
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If you’re unsure about the implications or enforceability of your signed agreement, contact us immediately for an evaluation of your severance agreement via the Understand My Physician Contract session. We’ll analyze your contract and advise on possible next steps.
Your Next Step: Protect What You’ve Worked For with an Experienced Atlanta Severance Lawyer
Your job may be ending—but your career isn’t. Let’s make sure your severance agreement sets you up for success, not setbacks.
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Book an Understand My Physician Contract Session — for employees and physicians who want a full review and tailored strategy for a flat fee of $1,000.
Book a Severance Suite — if you know you want us to handle all the negotiations on your behalf.
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Both take just two clicks to schedule—and could save you thousands.
​Get Expert Severance Agreement Help in Atlanta, Georgia
Book a free fit call with an Atlanta Employment Lawyer to discuss your needs and learn how we can help you.
