Understanding At-Will Employment

The legal concept of “at-will” employment is often difficult to grasp. Texas is an “at-will” state, so as an employee or job seeker, it is important that you understand the implications of this particular aspect of contractual agreements between employers and workers. The term is likely to appear on the documents that you sign to accept a position, but it is not likely to be accompanied by an explanation. It may seem trite, but it is absolutely true that you should never sign anything you do not thoroughly comprehend. The paperwork will be kept by both you and your employer as a legal document, and you can be sure that they know what it means.

To clarify this and any other confusing terminology in an employment contract, contact the Houston employment lawyers of the Ross Law Group at 713-482-6910. Your work is important to us.

“At-Will” Doctrine

“At-will” agreements exist as an alternative to contracts which specify a length of service to which both the company and the worker are bound. The effect of the “at-will” clause in an employment agreement is to create a basis upon which either the employer or the employee is free to terminate the contract at any time. This grants you the freedom to leave a job whenever you wish, without any enforceable penalties, which might prove beneficial. However, it also grants your employer the ability to fire you at any time, for any reason. As a consequence:

• You could be terminated for no cause whatsoever
• You would have no recourse for the decision
• One exception would arise if prohibited discriminatory practices were involved

Contact Us

Companies spend a lot of money on legal representation to give themselves the upper hand over their employees. But with the experienced Houston employment attorneys of the Ross Law Group on your side, you can help even the playing field. Contact us today at 713-482-6910.