Settlement Agreement Solicitors

At Fraser Dawbarns, our experienced settlement agreement solicitors can provide clear, practical advice to ensure your agreement is legally sound and meets your best interests. Regardless of whether you’re changing your role or leaving the company entirely, our experts will guide you through the process with professionalism and care.

Our employment disputes solicitors have substantial experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating settlement agreements for employees across various industries, securing our clients the most favourable terms, regardless of their circumstances. Rest assured, our specialists will ensure that every detail is fair, compliant and carefully aligned with your objectives.

Get in touch with our settlement agreement solicitors in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire today

To discuss your settlement agreement with our expert solicitors, please get in touch with the team today. We have branches in King’s Lynn, Ely, Wisbech, March and Downham Market.

Alternatively, please complete the enquiry form at the bottom of our contact page, and we will be in touch promptly.

Why choose our solicitors for settlement agreement advice in Cambridgeshire & Norfolk?

At Fraser Dawbarns, our solicitors have an excellent record of securing favourable terms in settlement agreements for our clients. We appreciate the complexities of each unique situation and are committed to explaining your rights and allowing you to understand your position clearly, so you feel confident about your future.

Fraser Dawbarns is the only law firm operating in our key locations to be recognised by leading directory the Legal 500, reflecting our commitment to superb client service and expertise across a range of legal areas. Whatever your settlement agreement needs may be, you can trust our team to handle them with the utmost respect for your circumstances.

We’re also firmly dedicated to providing straightforward, concise legal support, empowering you to leave your employment in the strongest possible position. Regardless of your employment situation, our specialist settlement agreement solicitors will put your interests first.

What is a settlement agreement?

A settlement agreement (previously referred to as a compromise agreement) is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee. It establishes mutually agreed-upon terms to deliver a clean break between parties, removing any opportunity for either party to take the other to court or tribunal.

The terms outlined in a settlement agreement usually include termination payments (such as notice pay), redundancy, holiday, a tax-free sum, shares, bonuses and other benefits. In exchange for receiving these payments, the employee must agree not to pursue statutory claims against their former employer.

Settlement agreements are typically offered in situations where an employment relationship is ending due to conduct or performance-related dismissals, redundancy or workplace disputes.They provide certainty and closure for both parties, ensuring that all financial and legal matters are resolved.

It is a legal requirement for the employee to receive independent advice before signing the agreement, to confirm they fully understand the implications of the terms and their rights. This helps ensure the agreement is fair, valid, and enforceable.

Why you need legal advice before signing a settlement agreement

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract that permanently waives your right to bring employment claims against your employer. Because of this, the law requires you to obtain independent  advice before signing.

Enlisting the help of an experienced solicitor ensures you understand exactly what you are agreeing to, from financial terms to confidentiality and future employment implications.

They will check that the compensation offered is fair, that your rights are properly protected, and that there are no hidden clauses that could cause problems later. At Fraser Dawbarns, we’re perfectly placed to offer this expert guidance.

Key terms to watch out for (notice, restrictive covenants, confidentiality, compensation)

Settlement agreements contain several important clauses that can have long-term consequences:

• Notice provisions determine whether you’ll receive full pay in lieu of notice.
• Restrictive covenants may limit where you can work next or which clients you can approach: these should always be reasonable and time-bound.
• Confidentiality clauses often prevent you from discussing the terms of your exit, so it’s important to understand their scope.
• The compensation amount should be clear, fair, and tax-efficient.

Rest assured – your solicitor will review each clause carefully, explain the implications, and negotiate amendments where needed to ensure the final agreement protects your position and allows a smooth transition to your next role.

How our solicitors help you negotiate better terms

Our specialist employment solicitors provide clear, strategic advice to help you achieve the best possible settlement terms. We review every aspect of your agreement, including compensation, references, bonuses, and post-employment restrictions, and strategically identify opportunities to improve your position.

Where appropriate, we negotiate directly with your employer or their legal team to secure fairer financial outcomes and more favourable conditions. We also ensure the language used in the agreement is balanced, legally compliant, and reflects your understanding of the arrangement. When you choose our services, you’re choosing a solicitor who truly cares.

The reasons for dismissal: how settlement agreements differ

Settlement Agreements are commonly used in all types of termination for example performance or conduct concerns, workplace disputes, redundancy or mutual separation.