Employment Law Basics: 50-State Guide

## Employment Law Basics: 50-State Guide ### At-Will Employment Most U.S. states follow the at-will employment doctrine, meaning employers can terminate employees for any lawful reason. Exceptions include: - **Public Policy Exception**: 43 states - **Implied Contract Exception**: 38 states - **Good Faith & Fair Dealing**: 11 states ### Minimum Wage (2026) - **Federal Minimum**: $7.25/hour (Fair Labor Standards Act) - **State Minimums**: 30+ states exceed the federal minimum - **Highest**: Washington, California, New York, Massachusetts ($15-17+/hour) - **Tipped Employees**: Federal tipped...