Settlement Agreement Solicitors for Employees
Specialist settlement agreement solicitors in London and the South East – supporting employees and senior executives through exits and negotiations.
Know your rights before you sign a settlement agreement.
If your employer has offered you a settlement agreement, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what to do next. Whether it arrives unexpectedly or follows a difficult period at work, it’s natural to wonder if the offer is fair, whether you could negotiate better terms or what signing might mean for your future.
Our settlement agreement solicitors help employees and senior professionals make informed decisions – protecting your rights, improving your terms and supporting a clean, fair exit.
We help you understand, negotiate and protect your position.
Our settlement agreement solicitors will guide you through the offer, explain what the terms really mean, and help you protect your position – now and in the future. It’s important to be aware that settlement agreements can often be improved through negotiation.
We’ll review every clause, highlight the risks and flag what’s missing, such as:
- Restrictive covenants – Are they too broad or likely to limit your next role?
- Compensation – Does the offer fairly reflect your legal entitlements?
- Bonus, benefits & references – Are these clearly dealt with, or left open to interpretation?
- Tax exposure – Could any part of the payment attract unexpected tax liabilities?
- Vague or one-sided clauses – Are you giving up more than you realise?
Where appropriate, we’ll help you negotiate a better deal – whether that means more compensation, cleaner terms or a faster resolution. With a strong track record in securing fair outcomes for employees and executives, our advice is always strategic, clear and tailored to your goals.
Senior executive or director?
If you’re in a senior role, your agreement is likely to include more complex issues – from long-term incentives and equity to regulatory disclosures and reputational clauses. You may be subject to restrictive covenants or involved in shareholder arrangements.
We provide strategic legal advice on senior exits, with discretion, insight and an understanding of the commercial context. Where appropriate, your settlement agreement solicitor will coordinate with tax and financial advisers to make sure every aspect of your settlement supports your wider goals.
Call our employment law team on 0204 571 1443 or
What is a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding document that ends your employment on agreed terms – usually involving a financial payment in return for waiving your right to bring legal claims. It often includes clauses around:
- Termination date and final payments.
- Bonuses, benefits and share options.
- Notice or pay in lieu.
- Confidentiality and non-derogatory statements.
- Post-employment restrictions (such as non-competes).
- Agreed references.
You are required by law to take independent legal advice before signing. That’s where we come in.
Meet our employment law partners
Why choose Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
- Experts in employment law – We are specialist settlement agreement solicitors for employees and executives. Recognised in The Legal 500, Lexcel accredited and members of the Employment Lawyers Association.
- Easy to work with – Offices in London and the South East, plus remote consultations for fast, flexible support wherever you are.
- On your side – Whether you’re ready to sign, want better terms or feel unsure, we’ll explain your rights and protect your position.
- Highly rated by clients – Known for clear advice, strong results and a supportive approach during stressful moments.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
Offered a settlement agreement? Here’s how we help.
Don’t feel pressured to sign straight away. We’ll explain where you stand, flag any risks and help you get the best deal possible.
- Clear advice, fast – We’ll review the agreement, explain your rights and highlight anything that’s missing, unclear or one-sided.
- A better outcome – If the terms aren’t right, we’ll help you negotiate improvements – whether that’s more compensation, clearer clauses or a smoother exit.
Talk to us – call or complete our short form to speak to a specialist settlement agreement solicitor today.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don’t sign the settlement agreement?
If you choose not to sign, your employment will usually continue or end through the usual legal process. You may still be entitled to notice pay, redundancy pay or bring a legal claim if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly. The settlement agreement is designed to finalise matters cleanly for both sides, but it’s not always in your best interests to accept. We’ll explain the alternatives and help you weigh up the risks and options.
Can I negotiate better terms in a settlement agreement?
Yes - settlement agreements are often negotiable, particularly if you have grounds for a legal claim or your employer is keen to reach a swift resolution. We frequently help clients increase compensation, extend benefits, tighten confidentiality or adjust restrictive covenants. Even where an offer seems final, there may be scope to improve the terms. We’ll help you understand your leverage, suggest changes and handle the negotiation directly if needed - always with your long-term interests in mind.
Is my employer required to pay for my legal advice?
There’s no legal obligation for your employer to pay for your legal advice, but in most cases, they will offer a financial contribution towards the cost. That’s because independent legal advice is required for the agreement to be legally binding. The contribution may not always cover everything, particularly if negotiation is needed - but we’ll confirm this upfront. We make the process straightforward, efficient and focused on securing the right outcome for you.
I’m a director or shareholder – do I need a more detailed review?
Yes - senior exits often involve additional considerations such as share schemes, bonus deferrals, regulatory issues, confidentiality and restrictive covenants. There may also be reputational or fiduciary implications. Our settlement agreement solicitors provide tailored advice for directors and shareholders, ensuring that your departure is managed with discretion and that your agreement reflects both your contractual rights and wider interests. We can also coordinate with your accountant or financial adviser where appropriate.
Do I have to accept the settlement agreement I’ve been given?
No - a settlement agreement is a voluntary contract. You’re not legally required to accept it, especially if the terms are unclear, unfair or don’t reflect your entitlements. Your settlement agreement solicitor will review the offer with you, advise whether it’s reasonable, and help you decide whether to accept, reject or negotiate. In many cases, we’re able to secure improvements that better protect your position and future prospects. You only get one chance to sign - so it’s worth making sure the deal is right.
Can I still bring a claim if I’ve signed a settlement agreement?
In most cases, no. A properly drafted settlement agreement will waive your right to bring most employment-related claims - including unfair dismissal, redundancy and discrimination. However, certain claims (such as personal injury or future breaches of the agreement) may be excluded. The solicitor reviewing your settlement agreement will review the waiver clause carefully, make sure it’s drafted appropriately, and advise if anything should be carved out or clarified before you sign.
What should a settlement agreement include?
A typical agreement will set out the terms of your exit - including payments for notice, redundancy, holiday, and any compensation. It may also cover confidentiality, post-employment restrictions, agreed references, return of property, and non-derogatory comments. In senior roles, it can also include bonus treatment, share schemes or director resignation clauses. Our settlement agreement solicitors check the full detail, ensure your rights are covered and flag anything that’s missing or one-sided.
What if I’ve already signed but feel pressured or misled?
In rare cases, a settlement agreement might be challenged after signing-particularly if you were misled, pressured, or didn’t receive valid legal advice. However, these claims can be difficult to pursue and are assessed case by case. If you have concerns about how the agreement was handled, speak to us quickly. A settlement agreement solicitor will assess whether there’s any legal basis to challenge the agreement and advise you on your options.
Contact us
Contacting the right person couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced employment solicitor in confidence.
Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.