Know What You're
Signing Away.
A 20-minute self-guided course by NYC employment attorney Janelle J. Romero-Batra, Esq. — who has negotiated over 100 severance agreements. Understand your rights, identify key clauses, and negotiate confidently — even without retaining an attorney.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Early-access pricing available at launch.
_cc2b8b15.jpg)
Layoffs are surging.
Most employees don't know their rights.
The highest January total since the 2009 financial crisis — up 118% from the same period a year ago.
Up nearly 25% year-over-year — yet most employees accept the first offer without question.
While executives receive 30–50+ weeks, most employees receive far less — and rarely push back.
Without a written policy, employers have maximum flexibility — which means you have maximum room to negotiate.
January 2026 marked the worst month for US job cuts since the 2009 financial crisis — with 108,435 layoffs announced in a single month. If you're one of them, or fear you might be next, you deserve to know exactly what you're entitled to.
As Featured In
You have the power to take control of what happens next.
I built this course for you.
You just received a severance agreement
Your employer handed you a document and gave you a deadline. You don't fully understand what you're signing — and you're not sure if you should sign it at all.
Layoffs are happening at your company
You've heard rumblings. Restructuring is underway. You want to understand your rights before you're in the room — so you're not caught off guard when the moment comes.
You suspect you're leaving money on the table
You've heard that severance is negotiable — but you don't know where to start, what to ask for, or how to push back without risking the offer entirely.
Built by an attorney
who's been in the room.
Janelle J. Romero-Batra, Esq. is a New York City employment attorney who has personally negotiated and reviewed over 100 severance agreements and packages. She knows exactly what employers try to slip past employees — and how to push back.
This 20-minute course distills years of real-world negotiation experience into a concise, self-guided format. No legal jargon. No fluff. Just the knowledge you need to walk into that conversation with confidence.
- Concise, digestible explanations — no law degree required
- Learn at your own pace, on any device
- Identify the important clauses in most severance agreements
- Guidance in drafting your own negotiation letter
_3ef7e15f.jpg)
Everything you need to negotiate from a position of knowledge.
Decode the Legal Language
Severance agreements are written by the employer's lawyers — for the employer. This course teaches you to identify the clauses that matter most: non-disparagement, release of claims, non-compete provisions, and more.
Know Your Leverage
Most employees don't realize they can negotiate. Learn what's typically negotiable — from the dollar amount to the timeline — and how to approach the conversation without burning bridges.
Draft Your Own Counteroffer
Walk away with a step-by-step framework for drafting your own negotiation letter. Guided templates, real-world language, and attorney-backed strategy — all in under 20 minutes.
_3c65fc6c.jpg)
Download the Free
Starter Guide
Before the course launches, get our free Severance Negotiation Starter Guide — a quick-reference PDF covering the most important things to know when you're handed a severance agreement. No purchase required.
Free. No credit card required. We'll also add you to the course waitlist.
Don't take our word for it —
take theirs.
I really appreciate Janelle Romero-Batra's help. She helped me negotiate a severance agreement, and thankfully I was able to receive more than the initial offer. She gave excellent legal advice and helped me see my situation in a better light. I am so glad I came across her TikTok — it was really great timing.
Common questions
employees ask when facing severance.
No. Signing a severance agreement is voluntary. Your employer cannot legally force you to sign. However, if you don't sign, you typically won't receive the severance pay or benefits being offered. You also generally have the right to take time to review it — often 21 days for standard agreements, and 45 days if you're part of a group layoff.
Yes — and you should. Most employees don't realize that severance is negotiable. You can often negotiate the dollar amount, the payment timeline, continuation of health benefits, outplacement services, a positive reference letter, and the language of non-disparagement and non-compete clauses. The key is knowing what to ask for and how to ask for it without jeopardizing the offer.
Under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), employees over 40 must be given at least 21 days to consider a severance agreement that includes a waiver of age discrimination claims, and 45 days if the layoff involves a group. Employees under 40 are not entitled to the same statutory period, but many employers still provide a reasonable review window. You also typically have 7 days to revoke your signature after signing.
When you're laid off, your employer-sponsored health insurance typically ends on your last day of employment or at the end of the month. You may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, which allows you to keep your current plan — but you'll pay the full premium yourself, which can be expensive. You can also negotiate for your employer to cover COBRA premiums as part of your severance package.
In most cases, yes — receiving severance does not automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. However, the rules vary by state. In New York, for example, lump-sum severance generally does not affect unemployment eligibility, but salary continuation payments may delay or reduce your benefits. It's important to understand the distinction between how your severance is structured.
It depends on the complexity of your situation and the amount at stake. For straightforward agreements, this course gives you the foundational knowledge to understand what you're signing and negotiate with confidence. For more complex situations — such as claims of discrimination, harassment, or significant equity compensation — consulting an employment attorney directly may be worth the investment.
Be the first to know
when we launch.
Join the waitlist for early-access pricing and be notified the moment the course goes live. Early-access members receive exclusive launch pricing.
No Attorney-Client Relationship. This website and all content herein — including the Severance Agreement Review & Negotiation Course and any free downloadable guides or resources — are provided for informational purposes only and constitute legal information, not legal advice. Accessing this website, purchasing the course, downloading any free resource, or submitting your email address does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Janelle J. Romero-Batra, Esq., or Gen Esq Law, PLLC.
No Legal Advice. The information provided through this course and any associated materials is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice from a licensed attorney. Employment law varies by jurisdiction, and the application of any legal principle to your specific situation depends on facts and circumstances unique to you. You should not act or refrain from acting based solely on the information in this course without first consulting a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
New York Compliance. Janelle J. Romero-Batra, Esq. is licensed to practice law in the State of New York. This communication may constitute attorney advertising under the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. Prior results described on this website do not guarantee a similar outcome in your matter. Testimonials and client experiences reflected herein are individual results and may not reflect the results achieved for all clients.
Federal Notice. Nothing on this website creates a fiduciary duty, establishes a confidential relationship, or constitutes legal representation. If you have a legal matter requiring representation, please consult a licensed attorney directly. For emergencies or time-sensitive legal matters, do not rely on this website — contact a licensed attorney immediately.
If you have questions about whether an attorney-client relationship has been formed, or if you wish to retain Janelle J. Romero-Batra, Esq. for legal representation, please contact Gen Esq Law, PLLC directly at janelleesq.com/inquire.