Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law governing minimum wage, overtime pay, and employee classification (exempt vs. non-exempt status)
Immigration Reform and Control Act: Federal requirements for I-9 employment eligibility verification
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Federal anti-discrimination provisions and equal employment opportunity requirements
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law requiring reasonable accommodations for disabled employees
Internal Revenue Code: Federal tax regulations including withholding requirements and employee classification guidelines
Patent Law: Federal intellectual property protection for inventions and innovations
Copyright Law: Federal protection for original works of authorship
Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA): Federal law providing uniform trade secret protection, particularly crucial for startups
State Labor Laws: State-specific requirements for paid time off, sick leave, and final paycheck regulations
State Non-Compete Laws: State-specific regulations governing non-competition agreements (varies significantly by jurisdiction)
State Workers' Compensation Laws: State-specific requirements for employee injury protection and compensation
Securities Laws: Federal and state regulations governing equity compensation and stock options
409A Compliance: IRS regulations governing deferred compensation and stock option valuations
At-Will Employment Doctrine: State-specific employment doctrine allowing termination by either party without cause (except Montana)
Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP): Regulations governing the structure and administration of employee stock options, including ISO vs. NSO considerations
