When you are employed in at "at-will" position, your employer is permitted to dismiss you without specific grounds or warning. If you sign such a contract, it’s important to know your rights; employment law will protect you from an overnight firing in certain cases. Get the facts with these frequently asked questions.

What You Need to Know About At-Will Employment

What are the benefits and drawbacks of at-will employment? 

Both employer and employee have a shared pro and con in that no notice or reason is required for ending the working relationship. If you get another job offer for a better gig tomorrow, you can quit on the spot. That said, if your employer decides they no longer need you, you may find yourself without a job. 

What if you're fired for illegal reasons? 

There are exceptions to the thinking that you can be let go for any reason when in an at-will contract. You can't be fired on the basis of your gender, race, religion, or sexual preference, for instance. This would go against United States anti-discrimination laws. 

Does employment law offer any other protections? 

Another loophole may be found in employee handbooks or manuals. If you were provided with such job materials that can be construed to suggest a certain level of job security—or if they specify alternate termination procedures, like saying you will be given at least two weeks' notice—these may override typical at-will rules and must be adhered to.

What if your employer made verbal promises? 

Say you take a job at will and your employer says that they plan to keep you on board for at least one year. Then, they fire you after only three months. If value-based promises were made and then broken, especially if you turned down another job or relocated as a result, this could be seen as inducement and the verbal promise considered a legally binding contract.

If you are dealing with an employment law issue, whether it’s a question of discrimination or an unjust firing, call Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. in Wisconsin. These lawyers are known for building lasting relationships with their clients because they get to know them personally. Expect a boutique law firm feel with the clout and resources of a major firm. Get a full overview of their comprehensive service offering, from bankruptcy to family law, on their website. Call (608) 269-1200 for their Sparta office or (608) 486-2324 for their Bangor location to schedule an appointment.