Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law governing minimum wage, overtime pay, record-keeping requirements, and child labor restrictions. Essential for establishing basic compensation structure in employment contracts.

Civil Rights Act Title VII: Federal anti-discrimination law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Must be reflected in equal opportunity and anti-discrimination provisions.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law requiring reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and prohibiting disability-based discrimination. Important for workplace accommodation provisions.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Federal law providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually. Must be incorporated into leave policies.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA): Federal law governing employee benefits plans, including pension and health benefits. Relevant for benefits administration sections.

Immigration Reform and Control Act: Federal law requiring employers to verify employment eligibility. Necessary for employment verification clauses.

State Labor Laws: State-specific regulations governing minimum wage, break periods, overtime, and paid sick leave. Must comply with state-specific requirements that exceed federal standards.

State Non-Compete Laws: State-specific regulations governing the enforceability of non-compete agreements, including duration and geographic scope restrictions.

State Leave Laws: State-specific regulations for paid family leave, vacation time, and sick leave that may provide additional benefits beyond federal requirements.

State Employment Protection: State-specific employment protections that may include additional protected classes and specific termination requirements beyond federal law.

At-Will Employment Provisions: State-specific regulations regarding at-will employment status and any exceptions to the at-will doctrine.

Compensation and Benefits Structure: Legal requirements for structuring compensation, including base salary, bonuses, benefits, and equity compensation in compliance with federal and state laws.

Confidentiality and IP Rights: Legal framework for protecting company intellectual property and trade secrets, including state-specific requirements for enforceable confidentiality provisions.

Dispute Resolution: Federal and state requirements for dispute resolution procedures, including arbitration agreements and choice of law provisions.

Severability Clause: Legal requirements for ensuring contract provisions remain enforceable even if certain sections are invalidated, including state-specific considerations.