An employment contract is the foundation of your professional relationship. Whether you are a C-level executive negotiating a compensation package or a business owner drafting agreements to protect your trade secrets, the specific terms of the document define your future liability and earnings.
At Baird Quinn LLC, we provide strategic review, negotiation, and drafting services. We ensure that your agreements are not only favorable but also compliant with Colorado’s strictly evolving labor laws.
Contract Review & Negotiation for Executives
Don’t sign away your future rights.
High-level employment agreements often contain complex clauses that benefit the employer at your expense. We review and negotiate terms to maximize your security.
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Executive Compensation: We analyze base salary, STIP/LTIP bonus structures, and equity grants (RSUs, Stock Options) to ensure they are “vested and determinable.”
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“For Cause” Definitions: We narrow the definition of “Cause” to prevent the company from firing you without severance for minor infractions.
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Severance Triggers: We negotiate “Good Reason” clauses, ensuring you get paid if the company materially changes your role or reduces your pay.
Non-Compete Agreements in Colorado
Are you restricted from working?
Colorado has some of the strictest non-compete laws in the country. Under C.R.S. § 8-2-113, simply signing a non-compete does not make it legal.
The “Highly Compensated” Rule: Non-compete covenants are void and unenforceable in Colorado unless the employee is “highly compensated” (earning above the statutory threshold, approx. $123,750 in 2024/25) and the covenant is necessary to protect trade secrets.
If you are being asked to sign a restrictive covenant—or if your former employer is threatening to enforce one—our attorneys can determine if the contract violates state statute.
Severance & Separation Agreements
Maximize your exit package.
When an employment relationship ends, companies often offer a severance payment in exchange for a “General Release” of claims. Do not sign this release without legal counsel.
Once you sign, you waive your right to sue for wrongful termination, discrimination, or unpaid commissions. Our Denver employment lawyers evaluate the strength of your potential legal claims to leverage a higher severance payment and better exit terms.
For Employers: Drafting Enforceable Contracts
Avoid criminal penalties and void contracts.
Using “template” contracts can be dangerous in Colorado. Recent changes to the law impose fines and penalties on employers who present void non-competes to employees.
We draft tailored agreements that withstand judicial scrutiny:
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Confidentiality & NDAs: Protecting your proprietary data without overstepping legal bounds.
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Non-Solicitation Clauses: Preventing former employees from poaching your clients or staff (subject to specific salary thresholds).
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Commission Plans: Drafting clear “earned and vested” language to prevent wage disputes under the Colorado Wage Act.
Secure Your Professional Future
A well-negotiated contract provides peace of mind; a poorly drafted one invites litigation. Whether you are hiring or being hired, ensure your documentation is legally sound.
Contact Baird Quinn LLC online or at 303-813-4500 for a comprehensive contract review.
Frequently Asked Questions: Employment Agreements & Contracts
Is my non-compete agreement enforceable in Colorado?
Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 8-2-113), most non-compete agreements are void. However, they can be enforced if you earn above the “highly compensated” threshold (currently over $123,750 annually) and the restriction is narrowly tailored to protect trade secrets. Different income thresholds apply for non-solicitation of customer agreements.
Can I negotiate my severance package in Colorado?
Yes. Severance agreements are rarely “take it or leave it” propositions. If you have potential legal claims, such as unpaid commissions or wrongful termination, you have significant leverage to negotiate for a higher payout, extended health benefits, or more favorable non-disparagement terms before signing a general release.
What is a “Good Reason” clause in an executive contract?
A “Good Reason” clause allows an executive to resign and still collect severance benefits if the employer materially breaches the contract. Common triggers include a significant reduction in base salary, a material change in geographic location, or a substantial reduction in the executive’s authority or responsibilities.
How much does a professional employment contract review cost?
Baird Quinn LLC offers efficient, flat-fee or hourly contract review services depending on the complexity of the document. For a standard consultation fee, we can identify “red flags,” explain potential liabilities, and advise you on a negotiation strategy to protect your professional future.
What happens if I sign a contract with an illegal non-compete?
In Colorado, if an employer presents a void non-compete to a current or prospective worker, the employer may be liable for statutory penalties of $5,000 per worker. An attorney can help you determine if your contract is legally void and whether you are entitled to damages for the attempt to enforce it.