Navigating a physician employment agreement is rarely straightforward, which is why many medical professionals turn to specialized counsel to get clarity and protection. When you seek professional legal services for physicians, you’re choosing to partner with experts who know the unique terms, pressures, and business dynamics of physician contracts. At Michael Johnson Legal LLC, the focus is on supporting doctors at every career stage—residents, fellows, attending physicians—through contract review, negotiation and execution. Here are five of the most common questions physicians ask when evaluating or negotiating their employment agreements, and how the firm responds.
1. What are the key components I should evaluate in my contract?
Physicians often concentrate on base salary, but a well-crafted employment agreement includes much more. Compensation metrics (such as wRVUs and bonuses), work obligations (call schedules, administrative duties, moonlighting rights), exit strategy (termination for cause, without cause, non-compete restrictions), and contract duration should all be reviewed carefully. The team at Michael Johnson Legal advises physicians to understand how their obligations align with compensation and how changes might affect future mobility. A contract that prioritizes quantity of work over quality of life, or locks you into unfavorable non-competes, may limit your career long term.
2. Can I negotiate the contract, or is it “take it or leave it”?
Yes—you can negotiate. Many physicians assume they must accept the initial offer, but a physician contract lawyer will tell you otherwise. Whether you’re signing your first attending job or renegotiating a contract, the firm emphasizes your ability to set terms around compensation structure, call duties, exit rights, and non-compete scope. Review the firm’s process: they provide tailored contract evaluations, benchmark compensation data by specialty and geography, and draft negotiation language so you’re not left facing opaque clauses alone. The goal is to improve outcomes for physicians by leveraging market data and personalized strategy.
3. What hidden pitfalls should I watch out for?
Contracts often include qualifiers and ambiguous language that can disadvantage physicians. Common problem areas: productivity expectations without clear definitions, non-compete clauses with overly broad geographic or specialty restrictions, termination provisions that impose penalties if you leave early, and compensation formulas that change after a guarantee period ends. Michael Johnson Legal guides clients to dissect these terms, identify risks, and negotiate protections—so you avoid issues later when your practice, lifestyle, or location needs shift.
4. How much will this review or negotiation cost me?
Understanding cost is crucial. The firm offers flat-fee packages tailored to physicians, ensuring clarity and no surprise billing. Packages vary by early-career (resident/fellow) or attending physician status, with consultations and written analyses included. For example, physicians can opt for a stand-alone compensation consultation or a full contract review and negotiation service. The transparent fee model helps doctors focus on the contract work, not worrying about escalating legal bills. With the right lawyer, the upfront cost is an investment in your long-term career and financial health.
5. What happens after the contract is signed? Can I expect more support?
Yes—your relationship with your attorney doesn’t end when you sign. The firm stresses ongoing support: monitoring start-date obligations, potential renegotiations, partnership tracks, or practice-sale contingencies. As the physician’s career evolves, obligations like non-competes or ownership options may activate, and your lawyer helps you navigate those milestones. In this way, engaging an experienced contract advisor is not just about the initial agreement—it’s about lifelong advocacy in your professional journey.
Final Thoughts
Your employment contract as a physician is not just a document—it’s the foundation of your career, your income, and often, your life’s work. By working with a firm that specializes in physician employment agreements, you gain the insights, negotiation leverage, and protection you need to practise medicine on your terms. If you’re receiving a new offer, renegotiating your current contract, or simply want to understand your rights, taking this step early can save you years of lost opportunity or restricted mobility. A thoughtful review and well-negotiated agreement can align your practice with your goals—and help you focus on what matters most: patient care and professional satisfaction.
