Getting the right contracts in place to manage employee relationships effectively is crucial. Finding reliable, legally sound templates can however be time-consuming and costly. That’s where GitLaw steps in—an open repository for legal contracts designed to empower HR teams, startups, and legal professionals with access to essential legal documents, all free of charge.
At its core, GitLaw provides an open platform where contributors share and improve legal templates, creating a valuable resource that grows over time. The community of users up-rank documents based on their quality / usefulness. Many of the templates on GitLaw are existing market-standard templates published by a variety of teams across the word.
The GitLaw team have published a specific collection of vetted legal templates for HR professionals here.
The following are some example documents included:
1. Employment Agreement
This document is the foundation of the employer-employee relationship, outlining job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and the terms of employment. It’s a must-have for formalizing any new hire’s role and protecting both parties legally.
2. Job Offer template
The Job Offer Template formalizes the initial offer made to a candidate. This document outlines the key terms of employment, such as job title, start date, salary, benefits, and any special conditions. A well-structured job offer ensures clarity from the outset, preventing misunderstandings before the employment contract is signed.
3. Settlement agreement
A Settlement Agreement is used to amicably resolve disputes between an employer and an employee, typically related to the end of the employment relationship. This agreement sets out the terms under which the parties agree to settle potential claims, including compensation, confidentiality clauses, and the waiving of legal rights. It’s a critical tool for ensuring that both the employer and employee can part ways without lingering legal disputes, offering legal protection to both sides.
4. Reference request template
When an employee leaves your company, it’s common for future employers to request a reference. The Reference Request Template streamlines this process, ensuring consistency in how references are provided. This template can help HR teams quickly respond to requests, offering standardized information about the employee’s role, performance, and tenure, while ensuring compliance with company policy and legal regulations related to references.
5. Resignation acceptance letter template
When an employee submits their resignation, it’s important to formally acknowledge and accept it. The Resignation Acceptance Letter Template confirms receipt of the employee’s resignation and outlines any next steps, such as the final working day, the return of company property, and details about their final pay check. This letter ensures a professional and documented end to the employment relationship, setting clear expectations during the transition period.
6. Self Appraisal Form
The Self Appraisal Form allows employees to reflect on their performance over a defined period, providing a structured format for them to evaluate their achievements, challenges, and areas for growth. This form is a valuable tool in performance reviews, encouraging employees to take ownership of their development and providing managers with insight into how employees view their own contributions. It’s also an effective way to foster open, two-way communication during appraisals.
