Target structure
Review of how targets, weighting, and the bonus mechanism are structured contractually.
Target agreement and bonus
Berlin and across Germany
Target Agreement and Bonus Disputes - Employment Lawyer
Targets, bonus entitlement, and separation context in Germany
If bonus or variable compensation depends on target agreements, the key issues are often missing targets, unclear objectives, garden leave, dismissal, and whether claims still survive the separation.
These are usually the points that matter most in employment disputes:
- ›Review of the target agreement, target setting, and bonus mechanism
- ›Assessment of what applies where targets were missing or set too late
- ›Evaluation of how dismissal, garden leave, or contract end affects the claim
- ›Clear lawyer guidance on enforcing open bonus claims
You receive clear guidance on whether the bonus claim appears viable and how it should be pursued.
Important: With target-based bonuses, a close review of the contractual and target structure often makes a real difference.
Full service in English language
What a target-bonus review usually covers
Missing or late target setting
Assessment of the consequences of incomplete or delayed target setting.
Garden leave and separation
Evaluation of how garden leave or contract end influences the bonus claim.
Enforcement strategy
Clear guidance on how to enforce the bonus claim in an economically sensible way.
Frequently asked questions
What if targets were never set or were set too late?
That is often exactly when the question arises whether the claim still exists in whole or in part.
Can bonus still be owed despite dismissal or garden leave?
Yes. That depends heavily on the contract, the target structure, and the separation situation.
Is this different from an ordinary commission claim?
Yes. With target bonuses, target setting and evaluation are often more central.
Can this become part of an exit negotiation?
Yes. Bonus issues are often an important component of separation-agreement negotiations.
Is this part of general employment law?
Yes. Variable compensation and bonus claims are classic financially important employment-law issues.
Lara Kruse
2 months ago
Thank you so much for your prompt assistance in my rather complex case. I can highly recommend you – reliable, friendly, and straightforward!
Luisa Kr
3 months ago
Fast case processing, very friendly contact, would gladly use their services again (not the accident itself, but the handling of the case by Dr. Lerch...)
Dénes B.
2 weeks ago
Mr. Lerch provided me with highly professional, calm, and dedicated support throughout my legal proceedings. I particularly appreciated his honest assessment of my case and the clear communication he maintained throughout the entire process. Thanks to his strategy and preparation, we achieved a significantly better outcome than originally anticipated in the penalty order. I felt well-advised and taken seriously at all times. I can therefore wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Lerch and thank him again for his support. B. Paal
How it works
Step 1
Send the documents and situation
You send the key documents and briefly explain the situation and any immediate time pressure.
Step 2
Have it legally reviewed
I review deadlines, legal challenge points, economic risks, and your negotiating position.
Step 3
Receive clear guidance
You receive clear guidance on which response or strategy makes sense.
Step 4
Implement the next steps
If further action makes sense, negotiation, correspondence, or court steps are implemented in a structured way.
About Dr. Lerch
Dr. Philipp Lerch advises clients with a focus on clear legal assessments, precise communication, and economically sensible outcomes. In target-bonus disputes, it is often crucial to analyse the target structure, the bonus mechanism, and the separation context very closely.
Related topics
Bonus and commission
The broader page for variable compensation and unpaid bonus claims.
Garden leave
If the bonus issue is embedded in a garden-leave or dismissal scenario.
Separation agreement
If the bonus becomes part of an exit negotiation.