Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Federal law prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Must be considered to ensure the termination decision is not discriminatory.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law protecting workers 40 and older from age discrimination in employment decisions, including termination.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law protecting qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodations.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law governing wage and hour standards, overtime pay, and final paycheck requirements.

WARN Act: Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requiring employers to provide advance notice of qualified plant closings and mass layoffs.

National Labor Relations Act (NLRA): Federal law protecting employees' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining, affecting termination procedures.

State-Specific Employment Laws: Various state laws governing termination notice periods, final paycheck timing, and additional employee protections specific to each state.

Employment Contract Obligations: Existing employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, and company policies that may affect termination procedures.

At-Will Employment Doctrine: Common law principle allowing either employer or employee to terminate employment at any time, with or without cause, subject to exceptions.

Documentation Requirements: Records of performance issues, prior warnings, progressive discipline steps, and any accommodations made for the employee.