Legal Matters: 9 Employment Law Landmines

Without a waiver or release, an upset employee may sue you and your company (and management) for employment discrimination, contending that the real reason they were terminated was because of their age, gender, religion or race.

9. When preparing waivers or releases, it is critical to comply with federal and your state's employment laws. For example, under certain laws, a waiver or release is only effective if it contains very specific language. That language is set forth in the applicable statutes (or laws). The release or waiver also must be easily understood so the employee may waive his or her claims knowingly and voluntarily.