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 offer letter.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Federal anti-discrimination law ensuring equal employment opportunities. Offer letter language must avoid any discriminatory terms or implications.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law protecting rights of individuals with disabilities. Offer letter should account for reasonable accommodations if applicable.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law protecting workers 40 and older from age discrimination. Offer letter must avoid age-discriminatory terms.
Equal Pay Act: Federal law requiring equal pay for equal work regardless of gender. Compensation terms must comply with equal pay requirements.
Immigration Reform and Control Act: Federal law requiring employment eligibility verification. Offer letter should include contingency for I-9 verification and work authorization.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA): Federal law governing employee benefits plans. Relevant when including benefit details in offer letter.
State-Specific Employment Laws: Various state laws covering minimum wage, overtime, at-will employment, paid leave, and non-compete agreements. Offer letter must comply with specific state requirements.
At-Will Employment Doctrine: Legal doctrine allowing employment termination by either party at any time. Should be clearly stated in offer letter where applicable.
Contingent Employment Terms: Legal requirements for conditional employment terms such as background checks, drug tests, and probationary periods. Should be explicitly stated in offer letter.
