Deed of Release | McDonald Murholme

A deed of release is a signed agreement between an employer and employee which creates legally enforceable terms of a termination. The basis of the agreement is that the employer offers financial compensation in exchange for legal obligations.

Common terms within a deed of release include: a payment offered to the employee, confidentiality surrounding the termination, restrictions on the employee’s ability to sue the employer for unfair dismissal purposes and control on the use of the employer’s confidential information. A deed of release usually favours the employer as they restrict an employee from commencing legal proceedings.

An employee has the right to seek legal advice before signing the deed of release, and the ability to negotiate terms within the deed. If negotiated properly, a deed of release is more convenient for both parties and bypasses any further need for mediation or litigation. However, once the deed is freely signed, it becomes legally enforceable and both parties are bound by the terms within.

We Listen To You

Get in touch with the employment lawyer who has acted for thousands of employees like you.

We offer a fast,
efficient and affordable service which is highly personalised.

The McDonald Murholme team is headed by Mr Alan McDonald.

Frequently asked deed of release advice questions

I was forced to sign a deed of release before reading the terms.

Usually, once a deed of release is signed, it is accepted to have been agreed by both parties and legally enforceable. However, you may be able to have your deed of release set aside depending on all of the facts and circumstances surrounding your matter; specifically, whether there was any duress, undue influence and unconscionable bargaining involved.

I signed a deed of release and my employer is making disparaging comments about me. What can I do?

If there is a favourable non-disparagement clause and your former employer has made disparaging comments following your departure, you should seek legal advice as to how you may be able to bring a claim against your former employer.

If your former employer is not caught under a breach of a non-disparagement clause, you should consult a lawyer to review the content of the DOR to assess if there are any alternative avenues available.

My employer has provided me with a deed of release. What are my rights?

You have the right to seek legal advice before signing the deed of release. You may also refuse to sign the deed and negotiate terms of the settlement.

My previous employer sent me a deed of release after I made a claim for unfair dismissal. Can I accept the financial compensation within the deed and continue with my unfair dismissal claim?

If the deed of release includes a term which requires the ex-employee to discontinue the ongoing claim, you will need to discontinue the claim to receive the compensation. However, if there is no express clause requiring the employee to discontinue, you should seek legal advice regarding the ability to continue the ongoing claim.

Deed Of Release?

Speak to an employment lawyer who has acted for thousands of employees like you.

Our clients' satisfaction is pivotal to our own success.

The staff at McDonald Murholme are exemplary! From the moment you walk into their beautiful office, to the warm, friendly, courteous receptionists, you get the… more

The staff at McDonald Murholme are exemplary! From the moment you walk into their beautiful office, to the warm, friendly, courteous receptionists, you get the feeling that you will be given exemplary and outstanding legal service and representation. Stephanie was amazing and provided me with outstanding legal advice and direction. Stephanie's professional and calming demeanour allowed me to feel confident that my legal matter would be resolved in the most professional manner! She ensured communication was clear, concise and was always available when needed. I highly recommend McDonald Murholme, and especially Stephanie!

Jerome Conway

Jerome Conway
If you’re made redundant reach out to McDonald Murholme for advice, you have 21 days to seek help. I have been very happy to have… more

If you’re made redundant reach out to McDonald Murholme for advice, you have 21 days to seek help. I have been very happy to have them on my side and it helps enormously to right any wrong doing in the workplace and give you support through what is a tough experience for anyone. Thank you to the team at Mc Donald Murholme, I have greatly appreciated your professional legal advice & support. I highly recommend their services to anyone who finds themselves redundant, unfortunately all to common in the current workplace.

Deb Hallmark

Deb Hallmark
The people I dealt with at McDonald Murholme were all top-notch professionals who were knowledgeable, prompt, courteous, and supportive through what could have been a… more

The people I dealt with at McDonald Murholme were all top-notch professionals who were knowledgeable, prompt, courteous, and supportive through what could have been a harrowing experience. I have nothing but praise for Alan, Alisha, and Amanda - and Natasha who patiently took copious notes about my situation! I have no hesitation in recommending this firm for legal matters around employment. I am particularly thankful to Amanda Greig who explained my options fully, and negotiated skillfully on my behalf. Thanks team.

Ingrid Beasley

Ingrid Beasley
I was very impressed with the high level of service that was provided by the team at McDonald Murholme Solicitors. A high level of professionalism… more

I was very impressed with the high level of service that was provided by the team at McDonald Murholme Solicitors. A high level of professionalism was shown at all times whilst dealing with the team. Thanks to the hard work of Stephanie Hallas I was able to reach a very good outcome with my redundancy, and I'd highly recommend using their services.

Brendon Atkinson

Brendon Atkinson
I have been very impressed by the professional services I have received from McDonald Murholme. They came highly recommended to me for a practice that… more

I have been very impressed by the professional services I have received from McDonald Murholme. They came highly recommended to me for a practice that gets outcomes to go in the favour of the employee and they delivered. I also received practical advice with relation to options and associated fees. Hopefully I don’t have to use them again but wouldn’t hesitate if I needed to. thanks you Alan and Zac.

Aaron Dixon

Aaron Dixon
I called for advice. I was told I would receive a follow up email where I could upload any info I had. Then I would… more

I called for advice. I was told I would receive a follow up email where I could upload any info I had. Then I would receive a call. I received a text reminder then the call promptly when it was scheduled. Stephanie was so kind and personable. So keen to help me. She even gave me a second phone call as she wanted to look into my issue further & make sure she was giving me the correct advice. Highly recommend this professional team. So glad I found them. Many thanks- Tania

Tania

Tania
Amanda and the team at McDonald Murholme were incredibly kind, patient and generous with their time regarding my situation. I am incredibly grateful for their… more

Amanda and the team at McDonald Murholme were incredibly kind, patient and generous with their time regarding my situation. I am incredibly grateful for their service and advice and would highly recommend them to anybody in need of workplace legal services. Amanda in particular is a certified legend!

Matthew Iozzi

Matthew Iozzi
Stephanie has been amazing to deal with! She was able to quickly get on top of the issues behind a fairly complicated Fair Work small… more

Stephanie has been amazing to deal with! She was able to quickly get on top of the issues behind a fairly complicated Fair Work small claims action, then patiently work with me whilst I prepared my claim and my response to the employer, offering guidance and suggestions along the way. Thanks to you Stephanie and the team at McDonald Murholme for your help and assistance!

Michael Barrett

Michael Barrett
My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both… more

My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both significant but unrelated. The support I received from Alan, Stephanie and the team was incredible - I felt supported at every step of the process and was 100% confident that the matter was being dealt with effectively whilst I addressed other things. Most importantly, however, the team were easy to talk to and kept me fully up to date with progress. Hopefully I'll not have a need to use them again but, if I do, I absolutely would NOT hesitate! Last thing for me to say - THANK YOU McDonald Murholme!

PJ Metcalf

PJ Metcalf
Outstanding lawyers! I contacted McDonald Murholme to review some legal documents. The team there were super supportive, explained everything, where fully upfront about pricing and… more

Outstanding lawyers! I contacted McDonald Murholme to review some legal documents. The team there were super supportive, explained everything, where fully upfront about pricing and different legal options that I had. Their team worked quickly and I was really blow away by their thoroughness, thoughtfulness, dedication, and professionalism. They helped me get a way better outcome than I would have had without seeking their help. Can't speak highly enough about my experience.

Marcos Caceres

Marcos Caceres
“The McDonald Murholme staff made me feel so comfortable, they provided me with great advice and helped me reach an outcome that I was very… more

“The McDonald Murholme staff made me feel so comfortable, they provided me with great advice and helped me reach an outcome that I was very happy with.”

Sophie Thomson

Sophie Thomson
“Thank you, Edward, Alan and the team. Your support throughout the journey was outstanding. I cannot recommend you enough. I could not be happier. Thank… more

“Thank you, Edward, Alan and the team. Your support throughout the journey was outstanding. I cannot recommend you enough. I could not be happier. Thank you again.”

Joanne Ferretto

Joanne Ferretto
“Alan and Stephanie were able to turn my workplace nightmare into a financially rewarding experience that I would never have been able to achieve without… more

“Alan and Stephanie were able to turn my workplace nightmare into a financially rewarding experience that I would never have been able to achieve without their knowledge and assistance. I am so grateful for the exit strategy they managed to negotiate for me to enable me to move on to a much better opportunity. Huge thanks to all the team at McDonald Murholme for the great work you all do.”

Camden Brown

Camden Brown
“Alan, Ned and the team at McDonald Murholme took a genuine interest in my situation. Their advice and guidance helped me quickly achieve a fair… more

“Alan, Ned and the team at McDonald Murholme took a genuine interest in my situation. Their advice and guidance helped me quickly achieve a fair settlement from my employer.”

Anonymous

Anonymous
“My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both… more

“My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both significant but unrelated. The support I received from Alan, Stephanie and the team was incredible - I felt supported at every step of the process and was 100% confident that the matter was being dealt with effectively whilst I addressed other things. Most importantly, however, the team were easy to talk to and kept me fully up to date with progress. Hopefully I'll not have a need to use them again but, if I do, I absolutely would NOT hesitate! Last thing for me to say - THANK YOU McDonald Murholme!”

PJ Metcalf

PJ Metcalf
“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they… more

“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they kept me informed and supported me throughout the journey. They took away my stress, were patient with my many questions and most importantly they empowered me. Highly recommend.”

Tiffany Richards

Tiffany Richards
“Outstanding, clear and concise advice.”

Carl Pallier
“Deeply compassionate, understanding and supportive, Helped me through a very difficult decision with sage and timely advice.”

Ian Stokol

Employee Deed of Release Legal Advice