Are non-compete clauses enforceable everywhere?

No. Enforceability varies by jurisdiction and by clause scope.

What does IP assignment in an employment contract mean?

It can assign ownership of work-related creations, and sometimes broader categories, to the employer.

Is arbitration always required in employment contracts?

Not always, but many agreements include it. Terms and carve-outs matter.

Can I negotiate employment clauses after receiving an offer?

Often yes, especially around restrictive covenants, severance language, and side-project carve-outs.

What should I ask HR before signing?

Ask about termination terms, severance policy, IP carve-outs, dispute process, and any post-employment restrictions.

Should I get legal advice for an employment contract?

If restrictions are broad or compensation is significant, attorney review is recommended.

employment contract red flags

Employment Contract Red Flags To Review

Employment contracts can include clauses that affect your role long after your start date. Review restrictions, termination terms, and ownership language carefully.

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Fast, plain-English contract red-flag checks

Speed

Scan key clauses quickly before signing.

Clarity

Plain-English summaries, not dense legalese.

Action

Get negotiation questions before you commit.

Common red flags in this document type

Non-compete duration and geography are unusually broad.

IP assignment covers all side projects.

At-will wording conflicts with other job-security promises.

Mandatory arbitration with employee-unfriendly terms.

Repayment clauses for training or bonuses.

Confidentiality scope extending beyond reasonable limits.

No clarity on severance triggers or amounts.

Restrictive moonlighting or outside-work policy.

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Non-compete duration and geography are unusually broad.

May create hidden negotiation, compliance, or enforcement risk after signing.

What Don't Sign Yet checks

Think of this as your pre-sign safety scan: fast, practical, and built for real contracts.

✅ Non-compete

✅ IP assignment

✅ Arbitration

✅ Termination

✅ Severance

✅ Confidentiality

✅ Outside work

What you'll get

Risk snapshot

Risk summary in plain English so you can scan the contract fast.

Clause spotlight

Severity labels for each issue so you can prioritize negotiation points.

Plain-English summary

Clause snippets so you can see the exact text that triggered a flag.

What to ask next

Why it matters notes focused on practical risk, timeline, and cost.

Negotiation prep

Questions to ask before signing so you can pressure-test unclear terms.

Decision confidence

A quick confidence check before sharing with your attorney for legal advice.

Why this helps: You get clarity fast, then decide whether to negotiate, pause, or bring in an attorney with better context.

How it works

1Upload the contract

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PDF or DOCX upload with no long setup.

2Review flagged clauses

See red flags, snippets, and severity labels in plain English.

We surface the exact text that deserves attention.

3Ask better questions

Use the summary to negotiate confidently before signing.

Walk into the conversation with clear follow-ups.

What you see

Clear flags, clause snippets, and plain-English explanations.

What you do next

Ask better questions, negotiate faster, and sign with more confidence.

No legal jargon maze. No long wait. Just a fast confidence check before you sign.

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FAQ

💡 Quick answers for panic searches before signing

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Educational information only. Do not rely on this as legal advice. Don't Sign Yet is not a law firm. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.