Every new graduate will need an Associate Employment Agreement unless they are starting out on their own. Since only 5-10% of orthodontic graduates start a practice on their own, the vast majority will either need us to draft their Agreement or, in the alternative, have us review one that has been proposed by the Senior doctor.

In the event that a Seller does not desire to transition ownership of the practice, but merely wants to hire an Associate, an Associate Employment Agreement is required. We can draft the Associate Employment Agreement based on terms outlined in the negotiation process. If an eventual sale is part of the Associateship, then we prefer to outline those details and draft the necessary Purchase & Sale documents at the time the Associate Employment Agreement is drafted. Any fears or uncertainties with respect to the eventual transition will be detailed and consequences will be determined to alleviate those fears or uncertainties during this process. It is always best to have definitive documents in place that are flexible enough to permit a variety of end results. A handshake and “…don’t worry, I’ll sell the practice to you in a few years,” is by no means a transition plan.