Contract can limit where lawsuit is filed

Employers with employees who work from home or far from the main office sometimes find themselves facing litigation in a state far from the main office. Making clear up front that lawsuits can’t be filed elsewhere may help.

Recent case: When he took a senior job, Glenn signed an employment agreement that specified he would sue in California rather than in New York, where he would be working. After he was fired, he sued in federal court in New York for alleged sexual harassment.

But the company successfully argued that because Glenn had agreed to sue only in California, the case would be moved. (Debello v. Volumecocomo Apparel, No. 17-554, 2nd Cir., 2017)

Final note: Get expert help drafting a binding contract setting where the employee can file suit.