Prerequisites: RCC*. This course functions as an introduction to Employment and Labor law. It primarily focuses on the law governing the non-unionized workforce. Three broad areas of inquiry constitute its subject matter. First, we study the newly developing law often referred to as common law wrongful discharge, by which an employee can assert claims of unlawful termination of employment because the employer violated fundamental public policy, contractual provisions, duties imposed by tort law (which can result in defamation, intentional infliction, invasion of privacy, and fraud cases) or the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Second, we examine the duties the law imposes on employees that run to the benefit of the employer, including non-competition and the duty of loyalty. Third, we study the law of compensation and benefits, focusing on two pivotal federal states that govern the workplace – the Fair Labor Standards Act (which includes minimum wage regulation) and the Family and Medical Leave Act – as well as the federal pension and benefits law (ERISA) and the law of unemployment insurance. Finally, we will study issues surrounding workplace safety and workers’ compensation. Discrimination law is generally not covered in this course, as it is the sole subject of Employment Discrimination Law, LAW 639. It is recommended that students planning to take the Employment Law Clinic take either this course or Employment Discrimination Law, LAW 639, prior to or in conjunction with the Clinic. Satisfies the administrative law requirement.