Employment & Executive Compensation Dispute Attorneys 

Fair employment agreements and well-structured executive compensation packages are essential for both businesses and professionals. When disputes arise over wages, contracts, or benefits, they can create financial strain and disrupt operations. Without proper legal guidance, these conflicts may escalate, leading to costly litigation and reputational harm. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our commercial litigation attorneys help businesses, executives, and employees resolve employment disputes efficiently. Whether you're facing a contract breach, wage dispute, or executive compensation disagreement, our team is equipped to protect your rights and interests. 

The Most Heated Employment & Compensation Battles 

Employment and compensation conflicts take many forms, often involving complex contractual obligations and legal regulations. These disputes can be emotionally charged and financially damaging, making it critical to address them swiftly and effectively. Some of the most frequent disputes include: 

• Broken Promises & Breached Contracts – Employers or employees failing to uphold terms related to salary, benefits, or incentives. 
• Fired for the Wrong Reasons – Allegations of unfair dismissal due to retaliation or discrimination. 
• Wage Theft & Overtime Injustice – Issues such as unpaid wages, overtime violations, and misclassification of employees. 
• Executive Compensation Showdowns – Disputes over bonuses, stock options, and severance agreements. 
• Non-Compete Agreements That Go Too Far – Legal battles over post-employment restrictions on competition and solicitation. 

Without decisive action, these disputes can spiral out of control, leading to costly legal battles and lasting professional damage. The attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, are here to make sure you understand your rights and obligations early on to prevent unnecessary escalation. 

When Employers Break Their Word: Breach of Contract Lawsuits 

Employment contracts establish key expectations between employers and employees. They are meant to ensure transparency, fairness, and protection for both parties. However, when one party fails to fulfill their obligations, litigation may be necessary. Our employment attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, are ready to aggressively fight to protect your rights the moment your contract has been violated. 

Breach of contract cases often involve: 

• Employers failing to pay agreed salaries, benefits, or incentive-based compensation. 
• Disputes over wrongful termination and severance obligations. 
• Conflicts regarding contract terms related to job duties or length of employment. 

A breached contract can leave employees feeling betrayed and employers vulnerable to legal repercussions. Whether enforcing or disputing an employment contract, our experienced attorneys will make sure your rights are upheld while seeking the most favorable resolution.  

Wage & Hour Violations: Fighting Back Against Unfair Pay 

The High Cost of Wage Violations 

New York has strict wage and hour laws that require employers to pay workers fairly. When companies fail to comply, employees suffer financial hardship, and businesses risk severe legal penalties. Violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state laws can lead to lawsuits, regulatory fines, and class actions. Common issues include: 

• Unpaid wages and overtime violations. 
• Misclassification of employees as independent contractors. 
• Failure to provide meal breaks or paid sick leave as required under state law. 

For employees, missing paychecks or overtime wages can be devastating. For businesses, wage disputes can result in legal exposure and damaged reputations. Employees who have been shortchanged should take immediate action by contacting an experienced attorney at Horn Wright, LLP. 

Executive Pay Disputes: When High-Stakes Compensation Turns Ugly 

The Risks of Compensation Disputes 

High-level executives often have complex compensation agreements involving salaries, bonuses, equity awards, and severance terms. These arrangements can be incredibly lucrative, but they also open the door for major conflicts. Disputes can arise over: 

• Bonus structures and performance-based incentives. 
• Equity awards such as stock options and restricted stock units. 
• Deferred compensation and severance package disagreements. 

When compensation expectations don’t align with contractual agreements, tensions rise quickly. Because these disputes involve large financial stakes, taking the time to get a consultation with the commercial litigation lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, is worth its weight in gold. 

Non-Compete Agreements: Career Killers or Business Protectors? 

Non-compete agreements and restrictive covenants are common in executive contracts, aiming to protect a company's competitive edge. While they can be essential for businesses, they also have the potential to unfairly limit career opportunities. However, enforcing or challenging these agreements requires careful legal considerations that the attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, can guide you through. 

Key issues include: 

• Employers seeking to enforce non-compete clauses against former executives or employees. 
• Employees fighting against overly broad restrictions that hinder future employment. 
• Determining whether restrictions comply with New York law, which limits enforceability in certain cases. 

Whistleblower Claims: Protecting Truth-Tellers or Exploiting Loopholes? 

Whistleblower protections under laws such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and Dodd-Frank shield employees who report workplace misconduct. These laws aim to encourage ethical reporting, but they can also create contentious disputes. However, these claims can lead to disputes over: 

• Allegations of retaliation by employers against whistleblowers. 
• Baseless whistleblower claims that damage businesses. 
• Compliance investigations following internal complaints. 

The Consequences of Whistleblower Allegations 

For employees, standing up against unethical practices can feel daunting. Having one of the best law firms in America at your side can help provide the clarity and confidence you need to protect your rights. 

Avoiding the Courtroom: Smart Ways to Resolve Employment Disputes 

While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, many employment disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Taking the right approach can save time, money, and stress. At Horn Wright, LLP, we take all different types of approaches to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve. 

• Negotiation & mediation – Facilitating discussions to reach mutually beneficial solutions. 
• Arbitration – A faster and more cost-effective alternative to court litigation. 
• Drafting clear contracts – Preventing future disputes by ensuring agreements are legally sound and clearly defined. 

Legal battles can be expensive and emotionally exhausting. The skilled attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, are here to help you navigate the legal hurdles without stress and fear, so you can get back to living your life and getting the justice you deserve. 

Why Horn Wright, LLP, Is the Ally You Need in an Employment Fight 

 Having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. At Horn Wright, LLP, we have a deep understanding of employment laws and a strong record of success in handling complex disputes. 

We represent executives, employees, and businesses in high-stakes cases, offering strategic and aggressive advocacy tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need to enforce a contract, fight back against wrongful termination, or negotiate a fair resolution, we are here to help.  

Contact our offices today and lets us fight for the outcome you deserve.