I have an agreement and need independent advice
If you are broadly happy with the terms, we can explain the agreement, check the important clauses and help with the legal advice certificate.
Request a callback Springhouse Solicitors · Oxford
Settlement Agreement Solicitors for Oxford
Received a settlement agreement while living or working in Oxford? Speak to an employment solicitor by phone or video before you sign, whether your role is in education, healthcare, research, technology, professional services or another part of the local economy.
If your employer has given you a deadline, tell our client care team when you first get in touch.
Choose your situation
Straightforward sign-off
Check the offer
Negotiation
What do you need help with?
You do not need to know the legal answer before contacting us. Choose the situation closest to yours and our client care team can explain the next step.
I am not sure whether the offer is fair
We can help you understand the payments, notice, bonus, holiday, reference, restrictions and any issues that may need further consideration.
Call 0800 915-7777I think the terms should be improved
If the offer or wording does not reflect your circumstances, we can advise on possible negotiation points and the practical options available.
Request a callback How it works
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How settlement agreement advice works
You do not need to prepare a bundle of paperwork before making first contact. Start by calling us or requesting a callback. Our client care team can take the initial details and ask about any deadline when they speak to you.
Contact our client care team
Call us or request a callback. Our client care team will take the initial details and ask about any deadline when they speak to you.
Speak to an employment solicitor
Your solicitor can explain the legal effect of the agreement, what you are giving up and any clauses or figures that need attention.
Sign-off or consider negotiation
If the terms are acceptable, the legal advice certificate can be completed. If something needs changing, we can advise on the points that may be worth raising.
Before you sign
Money
Rights
Future work
Reputation
What should be checked in your settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement can affect your money, legal rights and future employment. Our solicitors can explain the clauses in plain English and highlight anything that needs particular attention.
Payments and benefits
Compensation, notice pay, holiday pay, bonus, commission, pension and other benefits.
Claims being settled
The employment claims covered by the agreement and the effect of giving up those rights.
Restrictions after leaving
Restrictive covenants, confidentiality, non-compete wording and terms that could affect your next role.
References and announcements
Agreed references, internal or external announcements and confidentiality around your departure.
Fees and employer contribution
Will your employer pay for the legal advice?
Your settlement agreement may include an employer contribution towards the cost of independent legal advice. Where a contribution is offered, the amount is usually set out in the agreement.
Employment law team
Meet our employment solicitors
Meet four members of the Springhouse employment law team whose work includes settlement agreements, workplace exits and negotiated terms.
Partner
Yeing-Lang Chong
Yeing advises on employment law matters including settlement agreements and exit packages for individuals, senior managers and directors.
Partner
Louise Maynard
Louise advises employees on workplace issues and settlement agreements, including the legal terms and practical steps involved.
Senior Associate
Marianne Wright
Marianne advises employees on employment law matters, including settlement agreements and negotiated exit terms.
Senior Associate
Sally Eastwood
Sally advises on settlement agreements, redundancies, dismissals and workplace disputes.
Settlement agreement advice for Oxford
Settlement agreement advice for employees in Oxford
Oxford has a distinctive employment market shaped by universities, healthcare, research institutions, science and technology businesses, professional services and other major employers. Many people also commute into the city from elsewhere in Oxfordshire or work across several sites.
Depending on the role, a settlement agreement may need to address salary and benefits alongside confidentiality, intellectual property, references or restrictions after leaving. Springhouse can provide advice by telephone or video where appropriate.
Received an agreement today or working to a deadline?
If your employer has set a deadline, contact our client care team and tell us the date so we can explain appointment availability, likely fees and the next step.
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about settlement agreements in Oxford
Do I need a solicitor for a settlement agreement?
For a settlement agreement to be legally valid, you must receive advice from a relevant independent adviser about the terms and their effect on your rights. Springhouse provides this advice through employment solicitors.
I work for a university, healthcare, research or technology employer in Oxford. Can Springhouse advise me?
You can contact Springhouse about the agreement. Subject to conflict and onboarding checks, a solicitor can explain the terms and their effect, including provisions dealing with payments, confidentiality, intellectual property, references or restrictions.
How quickly can Springhouse review my settlement agreement?
Timescales depend on appointment availability, the agreement, your deadline and whether negotiation is required. If you have a deadline, tell our client care team when you contact us.
Will my employer pay my legal fees?
Your agreement may include a contribution towards the cost of independent advice. The amount, if any, is usually stated in the agreement. An employer is not legally required to make this contribution. Springhouse can explain the likely costs and any contribution shown in your agreement before you decide how to proceed.
What if my Oxford settlement agreement includes intellectual property, confidentiality or restrictions after leaving?
Those clauses can be important in research, technology and other knowledge-based roles. A solicitor can review the settlement wording alongside relevant contractual terms and explain how the provisions apply to your circumstances.
Can a settlement agreement be negotiated?
Settlement agreements are voluntary and proposed terms can be discussed and negotiated. Whether negotiation is sensible in your case will depend on the facts, the legal position and what your employer has offered.
How long should I be given to consider a settlement agreement?
As a general rule, the Acas Code recommends allowing at least 10 calendar days to consider the proposed written terms and receive independent advice, unless the parties agree otherwise. If your employer has set a shorter deadline, tell us when you contact us.
I live outside Oxford but commute into the city. Do I need to travel to a solicitor for advice?
Not necessarily. Springhouse offers telephone and video appointments where appropriate, so your home address outside Oxford does not by itself require an office visit.
Ready to take the next step?
Speak to our settlement agreement team
Call Springhouse on 0800 915-7777 or request a callback. Our client care team will take some initial details and explain how Springhouse may be able to help.
- Start with a short call or callback request.
- Tell us if your employer has given you a deadline.
- You can explain briefly whether you are happy with the offer or have concerns.
- Submitting an enquiry does not mean Springhouse has agreed to act for you.
Springhouse Solicitors is a trading name of Kilgannon & Partners LLP, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 655674.
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