Legally Sound Employment Contracts for South Jersey Businesses

Whether you’re hiring your first employee or managing a growing team, every employment relationship should begin with a clear, enforceable agreement. A well-drafted employment contract protects your business, clarifies expectations, and reduces the risk of litigation.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we counsel employers and executives across Cherry Hill, Camden County, and South Jersey on the full lifecycle of employment agreements—from initial drafting to enforcement. Our attorneys ensure your contracts comply with New Jersey labor laws, align with your HR practices, and are tailored to your company’s specific goals and risk profile.

Why You Need a New Jersey Employment Agreement Lawyer

New Jersey is an at-will employment state, but that doesn’t mean every term can be left to chance. If your agreement is vague, unenforceable, or silent on key issues, you may be exposed to:

• Unpaid wage claims
• Wrongful termination lawsuits
• Breach of confidentiality or IP theft
• Disputes over commissions, bonuses, or benefits
• Liability for violating state or federal employment laws

We ensure that your employment contracts are legally compliant, strategically written, and enforceable under New Jersey statutes and case law.

What We Do

Our firm provides employment contract services to businesses, professionals, executives, and startups in Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Trenton, and throughout Camden and Burlington Counties.

Employment Contract Drafting

We draft clear, customized agreements for:

• Full-time and part-time employees
• C-level executives and directors
• Commission-based sales representatives
• Hourly workers with shift obligations
• Remote and hybrid workers
• Union and non-union staff

Each contract is designed to:

• Define job responsibilities and compensation
• Set termination procedures and notice periods
• Include enforceable non-disclosure and confidentiality terms
• Protect proprietary information and client relationships
• Clarify bonus, equity, and incentive plans
• Address remote work, intellectual property, and benefits

Employment Agreement Review

Before you sign—or offer—a contract, we review every clause to assess:

• Legal compliance with NJ Wage and Hour Law (J.S.A. 34:11-56a)
• At-will status and cause definitions
• Pay structures and equity grants
• Restrictive covenants and IP clauses
• Termination, severance, and dispute resolution terms
• Misclassification risks under NJ and federal law

Whether you’re an employer or executive, we explain your rights, risks, and options.

Restrictive Covenants: NDAs, Non-Competes, and Non-Solicitation Agreements

New Jersey courts closely scrutinize post-employment restrictions. We draft and review:

• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs): Protect confidential business info
• Non-compete agreements: Limit competition for a reasonable time, scope, and geography
• Non-solicitation clauses: Prevent poaching of clients or staff

Key Legal Standard: Restrictions must be reasonable, necessary to protect legitimate business interests, and not overly burdensome to the employee. (Solari Industries, Inc. v. Malady, 55 N.J. 571 (1970))

Executive Employment Agreements and Severance Packages

We represent executives in the negotiation of:

• Offer letters and signing bonuses
• Deferred compensation and stock options
• Change-in-control clauses
• Golden parachute agreements
• Non-disparagement and release terms
• Severance agreements and exit packages

Employers: We help you protect your business during key executive transitions.
Executives: We ensure you’re fairly compensated and protected during onboarding or departure.

Common Pitfalls We Help You Avoid

• Using outdated templates that don’t reflect NJ law
• Overbroad non-compete clauses that are unenforceable
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
• Failing to disclose or document commission structures
• Inadvertently waiving IP ownership through vague contract terms
• Relying on handshake or verbal agreements that create ambiguity

We prevent problems before they turn into lawsuits.

Employment Contract Disputes We Handle

Our attorneys represent clients in contract-related disputes before the:

• New Jersey Division of Labor and Workforce Development
• Camden County Superior Court
• District Court for the District of New Jersey

We handle:

• Breach of contract claims
• Wage and hour violations
• Non-compete and NDA enforcement
• Commission payment disputes
• Severance and termination disagreements

We aim to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting your long-term business interests.

Industries We Serve

We serve companies and executives in:

• Healthcare and private practices
• Law firms and accounting offices
• Construction and skilled trades
• Retail and hospitality
• Technology and SaaS
• Real estate and property management
• Manufacturing and logistics
• Nonprofit and educational sectors

Whether you’re hiring your first employee or managing a 50-person staff, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are employment contracts required in New Jersey?
A: No, but they are highly recommended—especially for executives, salespeople, and roles involving trade secrets or variable pay.

Q: Can I include a non-compete clause in NJ?
A: Yes, but courts will only enforce it if it’s reasonable in scope, time, and geography. Overly broad non-competes are usually invalid.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to review an employment offer?
A: Yes, especially for executive or commission-based roles. A lawyer can help you understand risks, negotiate terms, and protect future earnings.

Q: What happens if an employee violates a non-disclosure agreement?
A: You may have the right to pursue damages, injunctive relief, or both. We assess enforceability and act swiftly to protect your business.

Q: Can I update existing employment contracts?
A: Yes. We help employers audit and revise outdated agreements to reflect new laws or business needs.

Ready to Protect Your Workforce and Your Business?

Don’t rely on generic contracts or oral promises. Whether you need help drafting your first employment agreement or enforcing a non-compete, the attorneys at Ratliff Jackson LLP are here to help. We serve businesses and professionals across Cherry Hill, Trenton, and the broader South Jersey region with employment contracts that comply with New Jersey labor law and protect your business interests. To schedule a consultation, call us at (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected]. For official guidance on state employment regulations, visit the New Jersey Division of Labor and Workforce Development.