Employees have certain rights under federal and state laws. Employers, for instance, cannot discriminate on the basis of many factors including race, religion or national origin.

Employers can also be liable for subjecting employees to a hostile work environment or sexual harassment. Employers must follow certain laws pertaining to wages and payment, including payment for overtime.

Employment lawyers in United States typically represent employees who have been treated unfairly or wrongly by their employers and seek to be compensated.