I am in "negotiations" with a former employer. There are written (text message: "You will be paid on X and Y when/if they close) agreements in place for 2 of my deals. One just closed, the other in-process. The employer is being very difficult. His lawyer negotiates with me one day then claims I am owed nothing the next. I have confirmed that one deal has closed and I would like to get paid.
Can he/lawyer try to use the payment to me as leverage, for example, offer to give me that payment only if I agree to sign a non-compete or other document? I'd like to know the legal standing of such a move on their part. Thanks.