Severance Counter Letter Guide

Summary

Drafting a severance counter letter involves highlighting key points such as the timeline of retaliation, evidence of pretext, and documented harassment. Emphasize the swift termination following protected acts and discrepancies between performance reviews and termination rationale. Ensure the focus remains on professional conduct rather than personal political beliefs. Clearly link any medical conditions to work-related stress and the companys awareness of it. Consider consulting with a local attorney for personalized advice and to strengthen your case.

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Yes, I have been gathering as much evidence as I can. I was cut off from all work related accounts immediately, but do have screenshots of slack conversations with coworkers who had unpleasant experiences with Artem (the CTO that started in May), I have evidence of performance recognition prior to his arrival at the company including raises and promotions. I have the proximity and relevant calendar invites, there are hundreds of propaganda reposts and twitter and facebook from Artem that reinforce is strong opposition to a political view I expressed at a private dinner with Maryli (our product manager, Artem, and myself, I have my wife’s testimony who has overheard many of our meetings where I was berated, and more.
It sounds like you have a solid collection of evidence, which is great for supporting your claims.
Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with drafting the severance counter letter and addressing the wrongful termination?
I am hoping you can help me to draft one.
Sure, Ryan! Here's a draft for your severance counter letter:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Company's Name]
[Company's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer's Name],
I am writing in response to the severance offer presented to me on [Date]. While I appreciate the offer of two weeks' severance, I must respectfully counter this offer with a request for a more appropriate package considering the circumstances surrounding my termination.
As you are aware, I have been a dedicated employee of [Company's Name] for [number] years, during which I consistently demonstrated strong performance, as evidenced by multiple promotions and performance recognitions. However, my recent termination, less than one week after participating in two protected acts—filing an HR complaint and taking legitimate sick days—raises serious concerns about potential retaliation and wrongful termination.
Additionally, I have documented evidence of ongoing harassment and retaliation, including:
- Screenshots of Slack conversations with coworkers detailing similar experiences with Artem (the CTO).
- Performance recognitions and promotions received prior to Artem's arrival.
- Calendar invites and proximity evidence supporting the timeline of events.
- Hundreds of social media posts by Artem that oppose a political view I expressed privately.
- Testimony from my wife, who has overheard numerous meetings where I was unfairly berated.
Given these circumstances, I am requesting the following as part of my severance package:
- One year of severance pay.
- Three months of COBRA extended health coverage.
- A non-disparagement clause to protect my professional reputation.
I believe this revised severance package is a fair and just resolution, considering the substantial evidence supporting my claims. I am hopeful we can resolve this matter amicably and without the need for further escalation.
Please respond to this counteroffer within [reasonable time frame, e.g., *-10 days]. I am open to discussing this matter further if needed.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Feel free to adjust any details to better fit your situation. If you need further assistance or have any questions, let me know!
Can you review the document for any details that may help my case and should be emphasise or any areas you think might leave me vulnerable?
Case Rating: *
Key points to emphasize:
*. Timeline of Retaliation: Highlight the swift termination following protected acts (HR complaint and sick days).
*. Evidence of Pretext: Stress the discrepancies between performance reviews and termination rationale.
*. Documented Harassment: Emphasize the evidence (screenshots, social media posts, wife’s testimony).
Vulnerable areas:
*. Political Views: Ensure the focus remains on professional conduct, not personal political beliefs.
*. Medical Condition: Clearly link sleep deprivation to work-related stress and the company’s awareness of it.
Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case?