EXPLAIN MY SEVERANCE: WHAT IS IT?
The Non-admission clause is a statement by your former employer that, even though they are paying you a severance, they are not admitting to anything. In addition to non-admission, the company usually also expressly denies having done anything wrong.
EXPLAIN MY SEVERANCE: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
A non-admission clause is self-explanatory. The company is not admitting anything (this is what “non-admission” means). Even though the company is paying a severance, and even if the severance is substantial, there is no admission of any wrongdoing. These clauses are very common. In fact, even when there is a lawsuit, settlement agreements typically contain non-admission clauses.
EXPLAIN MY SEVERANCE: THE UPSHOT.
It is unclear how much value these clauses add because: (1) severance/settlement agreements typically contain confidentiality clauses which prohibit the employee from disseminating the terms of the agreement, (2) a severance/settlement agreement settles and resolves the dispute between the company and the employee, so even if it is an admission, the employee cannot bring a claim, and (3) even without the non-admission clause, there is usually nothing else contained in a settlement or severance agreement which could constitute an admission. Nevertheless, companies like these clauses because non-admission clauses preclude the possibility that a confidential settlement agreement will be used against the company in the future.
If you need help with your severance agreement, please feel free to contact us. We charge a reasonable flat fee to review your severance agreement and offer same-day service.
READ MORE:
Explain My Severance – Part 1: The Release