Employment Law

In at-will employment (the default in most states) either you or the employer can end the job at any time, for any reason that isn't illegal, or no reason at all. Exceptions include firings that violate anti-discrimination laws, retaliate for protected activity, or breach a contract.

A termination is generally "wrongful" only if it breaks the law or a contract — for example, firing based on race, sex, age, disability, or religion, retaliation for whistleblowing or filing a complaint, or violating an employment agreement. Being fired unfairly isn't always illegal in an at-will state.

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees are generally owed 1.5x their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Whether you're "exempt" depends on your duties and salary, not just your job title, and some states have additional overtime rules.

Illegal discrimination is adverse treatment based on a protected characteristic such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (40+), disability, or genetic information. It can include hiring, firing, pay, promotions, or harassment that creates a hostile environment.

Start by documenting hours and pay and raising it with your employer in writing. If that fails, you can file a claim with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor, and unpaid-wage claims sometimes allow recovery of penalties or double damages.