The Employment Contract With Equity is designed for use when companies wish to offer employees share-based compensation as part of their overall remuneration package. This document type is particularly common in high-growth companies, startups, and scale-ups operating in Ireland who want to attract and retain key talent. The agreement ensures compliance with Irish employment law while incorporating sophisticated equity provisions that detail the terms of share-based compensation, including vesting schedules, exercise conditions, and implications of various exit scenarios. It's typically used for senior positions, key technical roles, or other strategic hires where equity participation is deemed appropriate as part of the overall compensation strategy. The document must comply with both Irish employment legislation and corporate law requirements regarding share schemes, making it more complex than standard employment contracts.

1. Parties: Identification of the employer company and the employee

2. Background: Brief context about the employment relationship and equity offering

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Appointment and Term: Position title, commencement date, and nature of employment (permanent/fixed-term)

5. Duties and Responsibilities: Main responsibilities, reporting lines, and performance expectations

6. Place of Work: Primary workplace location and any mobility requirements

7. Hours of Work: Working hours, overtime provisions, and rest periods as per Working Time Act

8. Probationary Period: Duration and terms of the probationary period

9. Remuneration: Base salary, payment intervals, and review process

10. Equity Participation: Details of share/option grant, vesting schedule, and conditions

11. Benefits: Healthcare, pension, and other benefits

12. Annual Leave and Public Holidays: Holiday entitlement and booking procedures

13. Sick Leave: Sick pay entitlement and notification requirements

14. Confidentiality: Protection of company confidential information

15. Intellectual Property: Ownership and protection of IP created during employment

16. Data Protection: GDPR compliance and data processing provisions

17. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation: Post-employment restrictions

18. Termination: Notice periods and grounds for termination

19. Governing Law: Confirmation of Irish law governance