10/03/2026
What should you look for in an employment contract before signing?
A few provisions cause the most disputes down the road, so they are worth the closest look:
👉 Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses – restrictions on where you can work, or who you can contact, after you leave. These must meet specific requirements under Texas law to hold up.
👉 Arbitration clauses – require disputes to go to a private arbitrator instead of a courtroom, which can affect your options if something goes wrong later.
👉 Confidentiality provisions – often paired with a non-compete and must be tied to something of real value the employer is providing you.
👉 Compensation structure – especially bonus formulas, commission terms, or productivity-based pay, where the details determine what you actually take home.
👉 Termination language – what qualifies as "for cause," and what you are entitled to if the relationship ends.
👉 Governing law and venue – which state's courts or laws would apply to a dispute, which matters if you work remotely or across state lines.
An attorney review before you sign catches problems in these clauses while they are still negotiable.
Physicians face additional layers on top of this list – such as productivity-based bonus formulas, tail insurance responsibility, and non-compete rules specific to healthcare practitioners.
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