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Steven Mitchell
Sack

The Employee’s Lawyer®

Welcome to The Law Offices of Steven Mitchell Sack

Enforcing the workplace rights of thousands of employees, executives and sales reps for more than 44 years.

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The Silver Lining of Being Fired….Maybe.

In today’s harsh economy, the possibility of getting fired is cruel reality. But there is something that can dull the pain, and that’s severance pay. Although there is generally no obligation for an employer to offer or pay severance pay there is however, a legal obligation in some instances.

If you were and believe you qualify for severance pay, you may have a legal claim. Here’s a section of my book “The Employee Rights Handbook” that deals with just that. Read now and get informed!

Offers of Severance Pay

Although there is generally no legal obligation to pay severance monies, most employers in the United States do offer such payments when a firing is due to a group layoff, business conditions outside the employee’s control (such as reorganization), or reasons other than employee misconduct. However, there may be a legal obligation to pay severance when:

  • You have a written contract stating that severance will be paid
  • Oral promises are given regarding severance pay
  • The employer voluntarily promises to pay severance
  • The employer has a policy of paying severance and this is documented in a company manual or employee handbook
  • The employer has paid severance to other employees in similar firings and thereby has created a precedent

If you are fired and are not offered severance, it is advisable to request a meeting with a qualified representative of the employer to discuss clarification regarding severance and available wage equivalents.

Many employers are fearful of the increasing amount of employee-related litigation and are flexible in easing the departure of terminated individuals. Thus, you should begin the discussion by appealing to corporate decency and fair play. For example, it might be stated that severance pay is needed because you anticipate it will take longer to find a suitable job than the amount of severance currently offered. Always be polite and act professionally; being vindictive or making threats won’t solve anything.

Most employers have different policies regarding severance depending on the industry and company. However, it is recommended that you attempt to receive one month of severance for every year worked as a starting point. If this can be achieved, you can leave the company knowing that you have received a fair severance offer.

Although severance pay is a common problem for individual employees whose employment has been terminated, the extensive merger and acquisition activity in recent years has caused the issue of severance pay to become one of large-scale financial and legal significance. If your company is sold and you continue to work for the new employer, you may be able to assert rights under ERISA and welfare benefit plans in the event the new employer denies severance to a group of workers at a later date.

Additionally, you may have grounds for a valid lawsuit in the event you have a vested pension but are fired just weeks short of becoming entitled to greater severance, larger monthly pension payments, and improved medical and insurance benefits.

Cases demonstrate the responsibility of employers to comply with all pension laws and ERISA regarding severance when a business is sold or when company policy has created an expectation that the purchasing company will continue an established severance policy crediting employees with prior years of service from the selling company.

If you begin working for a new employer who ceases business operations (i.e., declares bankruptcy) within a relatively short period of time after the hiring, you may have a valid claim of severance from the selling company under certain conditions.

Courts are beginning to recognize the rights of employees to severance in many situations, particularly when there is a massive layoff or group sale of assets due to a merger or acquisition.

STRATEGY: You should not automatically acquiesce to a denial of benefits if you are fired and not offered severance, whatever your particular situation. Most workers are now receiving severance when they are fired; others are negotiating and receiving greater severance than the company’s first offer. Statistics from the author’s law practice support this.

Always Ask for More

Do not accept the company’s first offer of severance if possible. Always request a negotiating session to obtain more benefits. If you’re pressed to accept the package offered or to sign any type of form, refuse. Tell the employer that you need time to consider without specifying whom you’ll be discussing it with. Make an appointment for another meeting several days later. This will give you time to speak to your lawyer or advisor and formulate a response to the initial severance offer.

After contacting employers to negotiate more generous severance packages on behalf of fired workers, not once has an employer revoked the initial offer made to a client. In a minority of instances, they will say, “Mr. Sack, it’s the best we can do, take it or leave it (by X date).” But employers or their counsel have never revoked the offer in spite because they were contacted. This is probably due to the fact that since there is generally no legal obligation to offer severance, the fact that an offer was made can be viewed as an employer’s attempt to buy peace and avoid litigation.

Although there is generally no legal obligation to pay severance monies, employers in the United States do offer such payments when a firing is due to a group layoff, business conditions outside the employee’s control (such as a reorganization, downsizing, job elimination, or other “neutral” factors), or for reasons other than employee misconduct. However, there may be a legal obligation to pay severance when:

  • You have a written contract stating that severance will be paid
  • Oral promises are given regarding severance pay
  • The employer voluntarily promises to pay severance
  • The employer has a policy of paying severance, and this is documented in a company manual or employee handbook
  • The employer has paid severance to other employees in similar firings and has thereby created a precedent

If you are fired and are not offered severance, it is advisable to request a meeting with a qualified representative of the employer to discuss clarification regarding severance and available wage equivalents. As you will learn, there is generally nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

The amount of severance pay offered is typically derived from a formula based on a person’s length of service (e.g., two weeks for every year of work), but each company and industry is different. People who work in publicity-conscious industries, such as advertising, often receive greater severance packages than those working for heavy manufacturing concerns, especially when they worked many years or made significant

The ability to request a better severance package is greatest when you alone have been singled out for firing. When a job elimination affects a large group of workers, each will have a tougher time getting a better package. In such a case, a company’s standard response is often: “We would like to offer you more, but then we have to offer the same benefits to everyone fired in your department to be fair and consistent, and we can’t afford it.”

Even if you are fired as part of a group, you should still request an appointment to ask for a better package. Go for it, since you have nothing to lose. The goal is to try to demonstrate that you are different from the pack, that your special achievements warrant a better package, or that your personal situation (e.g., caring for an infirm parent) requires that you be treated differently. Your efforts can work if the company believes giving you more is fair or decent and you will keep your mouth shut and not reveal the more favorable terms to others. If applicable, tell the company that you will sign a gag order clause in a separation agreement, with hefty penalties if you ever reveal the terms of the settlement to anyone other than your lawyers, accountant, or spouse. The company may be willing to accommodate you provided you sign a release, especially if you are over forty, a female, a minority, or in a protected class. It may view giving you additional benefits worth it when you sign a release agreeing not to sue and agreeing to keep quiet.

STRATEGY: Ask for more severance and other perks when you are fired, regardless of the circumstances. This is so even when you are told the company never deviates from its established policy. Bosses who do the actual firing are not typically the ones who negotiate the package. This is done by someone from human resources or a company lawyer. If your proposal is presented early and professionally, it may be viewed as an honest attempt to reach an agreement, regardless of how much more you’re asking for and even if you were fired along with others in your department. You’ve already been terminated: what more harm can an employer do to you?

For a full depth analysis on this topic and many more, visit http://legalstrategiespublishing.com/ to purchase “The Employee Rights Handbook” today!

 

    If you have experienced any of the below, fill out the form to the right to set up your FREE PHONE CONSULTATION:























    What’s Happening at The Law Offices of Steven Mitchell Sack

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    Our Reviews and Client Feedback

    Gabriela Miller
    Gabriela Miller
    1730063248
    Highly professional and a wonderful attorney. Thank you.
    Chris MacMurray
    Chris MacMurray
    1724781629
    Steve was amazing to work with. He is always available and follows up on email or phone calls immediately The process was fast and painless, and he helped me understand a number of things that I did not. I would recommend him highly, and he will be my sole source for employment law going forward. Thank You Steve!
    Sandy James
    Sandy James
    1724127215
    Steven was reliable, straightforward, empathetic, honest, dependable and pushed for what I asked for in my agreement with my employer. I thought his prices were reasonable. I felt like I was in good hands throughout a terrible work situation. Highly recommend his services!
    Abraham Truzman
    Abraham Truzman
    1723166991
    My experience with Steven Sack was similar to those that many others have had with him before. Honest, caring, communicative, and exceedingly knowledgeable. My legal troubles caused me a few sleepless nights and he was a Godsend in resolving my legal matter. He was my advocate through and through. If you are dealing with any issues regarding employment law, go to Steven!
    Dani Rodriguez
    Dani Rodriguez
    1722986542
    Amazing lawyer, an even better person. He is straight and to the point, looking for the best for his clients. If you don't hire him, you're making a mistake
    O M
    O M
    1719409663
    Steven and Andrew Sack are incredible people. They went above and beyond what anyone would expect to get an equitable solution on my behalf. I cannot recommend them more highly. The result in my case would not have been possible without their work. Andrew was responsive, clear, and immensely helpful. Also, Steven's book is a great reference for general employment questions.
    Casey Drummond
    Casey Drummond
    1719359618
    As someone who is an avid fan of the TV show Suits, Steven Sack is nothing short of a real life Harvey Spector. He is honest, communicative, does exactly what he says he is going to do and keeps you in the loop every step of the way. I cannot recommend Steven highly enough and will certainly use him again in the future. Thank you Steven!
    You couldn't be in better hands than Steven Sack's for any employment issue. He is simply the best at what he does.As forthright and caring an individual as you will ever meet.A mensch.
    Dave Capodanno
    Dave Capodanno
    1715956144
    Steven Mitchell Sack is the best at what he does and comes with a lifetime of experience in his area of expertise in employment related legal issues. Extremely professional and to the point, he has the ability to cut to the chase and avoid delays and red tape. His goal is to seek justice and make things correct for his client. Steven's mission is to help people that come to him. We highly recommend Steven M. Sack. Dave & Ann Marie C.
    I’ve hired Steven a few times and he was so helpful! He is very honest, professional and personable, and his billing was very reasonable. In a pinch, he is who I call for help.
    Jaime Reyes
    Jaime Reyes
    1713877417
    I had the pleasure of working with Steven. He was able to find an amicable solution to my employment issues. He called me on a regular basis to keep me informed on the progress of my case. He was able to settle my case quickly.
    Robert
    Robert
    1711669190
    Steven is an incredible professional! When you call him he, alone, picks up the phone. He is honest, prompt, courteous and extremely attentive to his clients. He restored my faith that the customer-service ethic is alive and well in the legal profession.I cannot say enough about this fine gentleman; look no further!I am proud to call him my attorney.
    Yeoni Heggem
    Yeoni Heggem
    1710248522
    I appreciate his legal counsel. I went through series of abuse at work but it was not something that I could prove easily. I wish I knew him while I was getting abused but I came to find him after I got laid off. Due to the size of the company being one of the largest corp and have extensive legal team and having let go of many other people with me didn't help my case much. I needed to speak to someone who has realistic approaches and can tell me what I can expect. If you speak on the outcome wise, it wasn't any different before and after I paid $300 so some people might see it as waste of $300. For me, Steven's consultancy made me move on and helped me let go of things that I went through. He encouraged me in a very realistic way and I think I will sign my release and move on as company gave me 2 months to find a job plus more severance. I know most people would have moved on but I wanted answer. Steven's answer was very realistic and in fact was sad but that's not his problem to resolve. American corporations can bully an individual and find a way to make it legal. Steven felt bad about what happened but he gave me what the outcome would be like and essentially said it isn't illegal to bully someone and proving it is due to my autism is not something that can be proved easily. I thank Steven for being my therapist on legal part and I believe that was worth $300 for me. Thank you.
    Latasha Forbes
    Latasha Forbes
    1709836467
    I have worked with Mr Sack twice now and he is fantastic. He is quick to respond, extremely knowledgeable and beyond helpful. He is honest in his opinion and clear in his methods. I appreciate him so much and I would recommend him to anyone in need of clear, sound advice and help.
    Doug Geddes
    Doug Geddes
    1709750851
    Steven did an excellent job handling my case. He is very responsive, intelligent and knowledgably. The results were great, and I'm very grateful to have had him representing me.
    Steven Sack is the best attorney I have ever met. As a non resident alien in New York he provided clear advice and was always available for a discussion or strategic decision. My case was complex and had little changes, but he dit it! Without him I would have been completely lost. Never go without him. would be advice. He is the best of the best.
    Working with Mr Steven Sack was very positive. He set clear expections, was punctual and negotiated a positive outcome on my behalf. Thank you
    Ariel Weiss
    Ariel Weiss
    1703427720
    Steven was super easy to work with and got the job done a lot faster than I expected. Was a really painless process and I am super happy with my experience! I highly recommend using him!
    Marlene Romero
    Marlene Romero
    1703196533
    I am grateful that I was referred to Steven Sack by another law firm. I felt my options were limited and that perhaps a satisfactory resolution was impossible. Then I met Steven Sack. Professional, no-nonsense, and extremely empathetic is what I found within 5 minutes of speaking with Steven. His guidance and support in navigating the process was invaluable. His expertise led to a quick and positive outcome - a severance much more than I had imagined. I am grateful for his hard work and dedication to my case. I highly recommend Steven Sack without reservation.
    Omar F
    Omar F
    1702055241
    Steven Sack is an extraordinary attorney and I am fortunate that I was referred to him by another firm. I can't thank him enough for the help he provided during a very difficult time.During my first conversation with Steven I immediately felt protected. He was empathetic, understood what I was going through, listened to me and asked great questions.After gathering all of my information, he immediately jumped into action and handled everything. Throughout the process, he gave me great advice, was incredibly responsive, provided crystal clear information, always kept me updated, and was super transparent about every single detail throughout the entire process.The result was better than I ever imagined it could be and I credit Mr. Sack's expertise and negotiating acumen with making it happen. Thank you, Mr. Sack!
    Katrina Palen
    Katrina Palen
    1696942561
    I highly recommend Steven Sack. You'll get efficiency, experience, and respect.I was a part of a structured layoff and was referred to Steven Sack. I'm really glad I was able to have him look over my contract and termination and give me the peace of mind that I was treated fairly and walked away with the best possible terms. When you're suddenly let go, emotions and stress can run hotter than normal, but Steven is a sensible, realistic, and pragmatic person who respects your situation and helps you understand what's going on. He brings his experience so that you can breathe a little easier in letting him handle the negotiations and what would be stressful conversations to handle yourself. He's communicative and will let you know the status as things progress, so you're not worrying about updates. Again, I highly recommend you reach out no matter your situation as the consultation process is very easy and Steven is very responsive.
    Cody Ciura
    Cody Ciura
    1691612617
    Steven was fantastic in all areas of his representation. He really cares about his clients. Steven is a great communicator and works hard to obtain the best result.
    Andrew Chung
    Andrew Chung
    1690817138
    Steven was very knowledgeable and personable. I was referred through a good friend, and I was impressed immediately. Steven helped me through my process and I was very pleased with the final result. I will continue to ask for his counsel through my career, thank you!
    Woody Curry
    Woody Curry
    1689257235
    From our first interaction I knew that Mr. Sack was the right lawyer for me. He is a man of strong character who truly believes in fighting for what is right. He has a deep passion for the law & his clients. Mr. Sack doesn’t just talk a good game he stands behinds his convictions. He is direct & to the point when speaking with you. He said from the start that he would be honest & straight forward with me & he was, even when I did not necessarily want to hear the truth. He is compassionate & truly listens to his clients, but he will always tell them the hard truths about their case.Mr. Sacks years of experience speak for itself. Within a matter of several phone calls & emails to myself, my employer & their council he negotiated for me a much-improved severance package. A package that reflected my years of dedicated service, & the value I brought to my former employer. I was as a 23-year veteran employee with an impeccable personnel file & a strong reputation both inside the company & within my field.Bottom line, Mr. Sack is a seasoned professional with a direct, no-nonsense, take-charge approach towards working with his clients & negotiating for them. I would highly recommend him & would not hesitate to use his services again.-Christine TenEyck
    I had the privilege of working with Steven Sack as my employment attorney, and it is with utmost pleasure and gratitude that I write this review. Mr. Sack is a true champion who fought diligently on my behalf, ensuring that my rights were protected and interests were served. His unwavering dedication, exceptional responsiveness, and unparalleled professionalism set him apart as a remarkable advocate.From the moment I reached out to Steven Sack, I was impressed by his promptness in addressing my concerns. His responsiveness was nothing short of exceptional. He consistently made himself available to discuss my case, answer my questions, and provide me with the guidance I needed. I always felt valued as a client, as he took the time to listen attentively to my story and understand the intricate details of my situation.Throughout the entire legal process, Mr. Sack exhibited the highest level of professionalism. He approached my case with meticulous attention to detail, leaving no stone unturned. His expertise and experience in employment law were evident as he skillfully navigated the complexities of my situation. With each interaction, he displayed a deep understanding of the law and an ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that I was well-informed and able to make sound decisions.What truly sets Steven Sack apart is his unwavering commitment to his clients' best interests. He consistently prioritized my well-being and fought vigorously to achieve the best possible outcome for me. Throughout the process, Mr. Sack provided invaluable guidance, ensuring that I had a comprehensive understanding of my options and the potential consequences of each decision. His astute judgment and strategic approach allowed me to make informed choices that ultimately led to a more favorable resolution than I had initially anticipated.One aspect of working with Steven Sack that left a lasting impression was his integrity and reliability. He consistently followed through on his commitments, which provided me with a sense of trust and confidence. I was never left in the dark, wondering about the progress of my case, as he provided regular updates and promptly communicated any developments. Mr. Sack's professionalism and reliability instilled in me a sense of comfort and security during what could have been an overwhelming and stressful experience.In conclusion, Steven Sack is simply the best at his craft. His unwavering commitment to his clients, his exceptional responsiveness, his unmatched professionalism, and his ability to provide the best possible guidance are qualities that make him stand head and shoulders above the rest. I am eternally grateful for his outstanding representation, as it resulted in a better outcome than I could have ever imagined. If you find yourself in need of an employment attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Steven Sack. With him by your side, you can rest assured that you will receive top-notch legal counsel and an advocate who will fight fiercely for your rights.
    Katrina Murray
    Katrina Murray
    1687950829
    This review comes less than 1 week of meeting Steven. From the first telephone call he was confident, professional and honest. He comes with experience that equal results. I was referred to Steven by another law firm for his expertise with my employment situation. I’m so happy the connection was made. I was given an appointment for the same evening for a consultation, though I opted for another day. In less than 72 hours..Huge progress was made. I have a ways to go but I’m convinced that I’m in good hands with Steven. I also received a FREE signed hardcover copy of Steven’s best selling book “FIRED!”. Thank you Steven you are THE BEST.. hands down.
    Christian Clare
    Christian Clare
    1685403495
    Steven Stack helped me with an unfair severance package.I had one session with him and he helped me get triple my severance and additional bonuses by taking his advice and reading his book. If you have an unfair severance, his time and advice is worth it.Steven does good work. He's the real deal. I'm so grateful for his generosity with his time, and helping people in cases big and small.
    I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Steven Mitchell Sack, Esq. this year.Steven is honest with his clients, sets realistic expectations about a case, and always follows through on his promises.I was referred to Steven by a friend of mine, his former client, and now I myself can highly recommend Steven to anyone seeking legal help in labor relations.
    Steven was straight to the point, thorough and extremely respectful regarding all matters surrounding my employment termination. As a young person who had never hired a lawyer before, I am very thankful that I found Steven and that he was on my side. Steven valued my concerns and was a pillar of education and support for me. Steven Sack is the attorney you want to represent you, I cannot thank him enough for all of his help.
    Marissa Alaniz
    Marissa Alaniz
    1682088068
    Steven was so helpful and patient. I had never been terminated from a job or worked with a lawyer before, so I had a lot of questions and anxieties. He not only explained my rights and helped ease my concerns around the situation, but he was even able to negotiate a better severance contract for me. He is incredibly responsive and I look forward to reading his book.
    cheryl klein
    cheryl klein
    1681421935
    I retained Steven Sack and he is a class act. His knowledge and advice was far beyond what I expected. I had learned so much. I am so happy to have found him. He is the real deal. You will be glad to have him on your side.
    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    1680819625
    Steven Sack is a an incredible Lawyer. Very professional, kept me updated thru the whole process. Can’t thank him enough. I recommend him. 5 stars are not enough.
    Lola
    Lola
    1679687265
    I had a great experience with Steven Mitchell Sack. He was very empathetic, detail oriented and extremely knowledgeable of employment law. He returned my calls and e-mails quite promptly, and was very clear and honest with what to expect. When it came to negotiating my severance package, this attorney came through for me. He’s tough, but knows how to talk to lawyers, particularly in my case as we were dealing with a huge company. Thank you Steve, I’m so appreciative of your help.
    hazal kork
    hazal kork
    1677624757
    Steven really knows what he is doing, and he helped me get justice, cared and understood about what really happened. Will recommend him to any friend who might need it in the future.
    Renee P
    Renee P
    1677531667
    Steven is an outstanding lawyer! He exceeded my expectations. He not only made me feel comfortable discussing my case from the start but was also very honest, attentive and does what he says! He is truly the BEST!!
    Rob Long
    Rob Long
    1677167052
    Steven pulled victory from the clutches of defeat. My situation was grim and I had no leverage in negotiating my severance. Steven stepped in, didn't over promise, and got me much better terms. He's great. An absolute miracle worker.
    Mr. Sack helped me get a severance when my employer had no intentions of providing me with one, after I was terminated. He tells you the truth; no bs, even though it might not be what you want to hear. He always answered my calls personally and exlpained next steps in details. He fought for my rights, and I'm very pleased with the outcome. Highly recommend!!
    Cenk Dölek
    Cenk Dölek
    1676157347
    Steven Sack is not only very knowledgeable in his profession, he is also a good person, someone who believes in and lives by certain values and principles. He was very professional, guided me as I needed, a true expert by all means. Looking forward to reading his latest book!
    Ricky Sharma
    Ricky Sharma
    1675876149
    Steven is an incredible person that also happens to practice his craft on a level that will impress you out the gate. Hiring him and talking to him will immediately give you peace of mind. One thing to be careful of is that after working with him you will start expecting more from every other lawyer you ever work with!
    David LaCombe
    David LaCombe
    1675382537
    Steven Sack exceeded my expectations when he represented me in negotiating the terms of my severance. Steven is incredibly competent, and what I appreciate most about him is that he is a gentleman.Steven is punctual, thorough and he always kept his word. If he says he is going to do something, he does it.I recommend Steven without exception. He earned my complete confidence.
    J Guttenplan
    J Guttenplan
    1675289769
    Steven is amazing. When working with him he is easy to understand, transparent, and does what he says he's going to do. He actually answers his phone when you call and gets back to you promptly -- a quality that's becoming quite rare these days!I'm very glad I was referred to him.
    Eddie Vargas
    Eddie Vargas
    1669919365
    I had the absolute pleasure of being represented by Steve and it was definitely more than a great partnership. He was with me throughout the entire process and the communication was absolutely stellar. Highly recommend Steve and his professional skill should you ever be in need of legal counsel or representation. Thank you Steve!
    J M
    J M
    1669067663
    Jeff R
    Jeff R
    1667326739
    Steven is a highly competent lawyer and extremely effective at what he does. Steven was referred to me and I will gladly refer him to others in the future.
    Steven is an incredible attorney and I highly recommend him!He always made himself available whenever I needed him, and he did exactly what he said he was going to do. He also stayed on top of my case with diligence, and consistently followed up with me regarding updates. I found him to be straightforward, honest and very knowledgeable. He is also a very nice guy and made me feel like someone was on my side and was going to help, and he gave great advice on how to move forward. I will certainly reach out to him if I ever need him again. Thanks greatly Steven!Vanessa S.
    A E
    A E
    1664895308
    Steven is fantastic. Efficient, concise and caring. Would 100% recommend.
    Bravheart
    Bravheart
    1664296141
    Steven Sack was very Professional, Sympathetic and truly cares about people he was very vital in helping me in resolving my issue Steve Sack truly loves his job & stress free. He was extremely responsive worked quickly, negotiating on my behalf. And it was worth it! I would definitely use him again with no hesitation!
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