Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law governing minimum wage, overtime pay, and employee classification (exempt vs. non-exempt). Must be considered when specifying compensation terms in the offer letter.
Equal Employment Opportunity Laws: Bundle of federal laws including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and Equal Pay Act that ensure non-discrimination in employment. Affects how terms and conditions of employment are stated.
Immigration Reform and Control Act: Federal law requiring verification of employment eligibility. Relevant for including work authorization requirements and I-9 verification in offer conditions.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA): Federal law governing employee benefits plans. Must be considered when including any benefits information in the offer letter.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Federal law providing eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave. Relevant if company is covered by FMLA and when mentioning leave policies.
State Employment Laws: Various state-specific regulations including minimum wage requirements, paid leave laws, and non-compete restrictions that must be reflected in the offer letter.
At-Will Employment Doctrine: Legal principle allowing employment termination by either party at any time without cause (where applicable). Should be clearly stated in the offer letter.
Conditional Employment Requirements: Legal considerations regarding background checks, drug tests, and other pre-employment screening requirements that need to be clearly stated in the offer.
Confidentiality Requirements: Legal framework for protecting company's confidential information and trade secrets. Should be referenced in the offer letter with appropriate confidentiality clauses.
