“At will” employment means an employer (or an employee) may end an employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, or for no reason at all.
Despite the general “at will” employment rule, an employer may not end an employment relationship in violation of public policy. A wrongful termination in violation of public policy may occur if an employee is discharged for one of the following reasons:
- Refusing to commit an illegal or unethical act
- Fulfilling a duty imposed by law
- Exercising an employment-related right or privilege
- Reporting unlawful or unethical conduct or participating in an investigation of such conduct
- Engaging in lawful activities outside of work
Wrongful termination law is continuing to evolve. Our attorneys regularly represent employees with wrongful termination claims.
