Similar to virtually all other jurisdictions in the United States, Nevada is an at-will employment law state. It is a standard that has important implications for your rights as an employee. As a worker, you can quit your job at any time if there is no contract in place.
You can also be terminated for any reason but for an illegal reason. At Ace Law Group, we are committed to protecting the rights and interests of employees. In this article, our Las Vegas employment law attorney provides a comprehensive overview of Nevada’s at-will employment laws.
What is At-Will Employment?
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) explains that at-will employment is a standard that makes the employer-employee relationship fully voluntary. Described another way, at-will employment is an arrangement where either the employer or the employee can terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause, and without needing to provide advance notice. An employer can fire an employee for any reason—except for an illegal reason.
Nevada is an At-Will Employment State
Most U.S. states operate under at-will employment principles. Nevada is an at-will employment jurisdiction. Here are the key things to know about what this means for you:
- In the absence of a specific contract stating otherwise, either you or your employer can terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason—as long as the reason is not illegal.
The at-will employment law standard allows both employers with significant discretion in managing their workforce. Still, it does not permit termination based on unlawful reasons.
What At-Will Employment Means for You
As an employee in Las Vegas, Clark County, or elsewhere in Nevada, our state’s at-will employment law standard has major implications for your job. Here are three of the most important things that workers in Las Vegas should know:
- You Leave At Any Time, For Any Reason: First and foremost, employees in Las Vegas have a general right to end their employment relationship if they feel like doing so. In other words, under at-will employment, you have the freedom to resign from your job at any moment without needing to provide a reason to your employer. The flexibility allows you to pursue better opportunities or leave a work environment that no longer meets your personal or professional needs. It also means there’s no requirement to give advance notice. Of course, providing notice—two weeks being the accepted minimum—is appreciated and can help maintain positive relationships. However, it is not required by law in Nevada.
- Your Employer Can Terminate You Without Cause: You can leave your job whenever you wish to do so. Along the same line, an employer in Nevada can terminate a worker at any time—without cause and notice. Indeed, your employer has the right to terminate your employment at any time and without having to establish that they have a good reason to do so. Of course, this means that job security can be uncertain. A termination may occur without warning or an explanation. With that being said, there are limitations. Employers in Nevada can not remove an employee for an illegal reason.
- You Can Negotiate an Employment Contract: At-will employment is presumed in Nevada. It applies unless there is a contract stating otherwise. However, even in an at-will employment state, employers and employees have the option to negotiate an employment contract that modifies the default at-will arrangement. A contract may stipulate conditions under which termination or resignation must occur—potentially including a right to a severance package and or notice requirements. By negotiating a contract, you can secure greater job stability and clarity regarding the terms of your employment. If you have any questions about an employment contract, a Las Vegas employee rights lawyer can help.
What At-Will Employment Does Not Mean for Your Case
Employers do not need a “good” or “fair” reason to terminate a worker in Nevada. At-will employment allows them to let an employee go without cause. While at-will employment allows employers significant latitude in terminating employment, it does not grant them the right to dismiss employees for illegal reasons.
Here is the key point to know:
- Your Employer Cannot Fire You for an Illegal Reason: State law and federal law protect workers against unlawful firings. You cannot be fired for discrimination, retaliation, or in breach of a contract. If you were terminated for an illegal reason, your rights have been violated—even though Nevada is an at-will employment state.
If you believe that you were fired for an unlawful reason in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Nevada, you have the right to take legal action against your employer. You may be able to hold your employer legally responsible for damages through a wrongful termination claim. A top-tier Las Vegas, NV wrongful termination attorney can help you navigate the claims process.
Why Trust the Nevada Employment Lawyers at Ace Law Group for Help With a Claim
Do you have questions about at-will employment? Whether navigating a contract issue or a potential wrongful termination, you need a top-tier attorney on your side. At Ace Law Group, we have achieved verdicts and settlements in a wide range of complex employment law cases.
Our team is proactive and solutions-focused. Our Nevada employment law attorneys will:
- Review your case and answer legal questions during a confidential consultation;
- Explain everything that you need to know about at-will employment laws;
- Investigate your case—helping you gather and organize relevant evidence/information; and
- Develop a comprehensive strategy to best protect your rights and your interests.
Contact Our Nevada Employment Attorneys Today
At Ace Law Group, our Las Vegas employment lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and proven legal expertise you can depend on. If you have any questions about at-will employment regulations, we are here to help. Our firm has extensive experience handling wrongful termination cases.
Contact us today for a fully confidential review and evaluation of your case. With an office in Las Vegas, we represent employees throughout Nevada.