This guide covers an employment termination from the decision that precedes it to the claim that may follow. Part 1 sets out the at-will default and the statutory and common-law exceptions built on top of it. Part 2 covers how an unlawful discharge is actually proved through burden shifting and pretext. Part 3 covers causation standards, which differ by statute. Part 4 covers constructive discharge. Part 5 covers severance agreements and what a release can and cannot waive. Part 6 covers the age waiver rules. Part 7 covers WARN, final pay, and continuation coverage. Parts 8 through 12 cover damages, mitigation, forum and exhaustion, employer practice, and the first week after a termination.