Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law that protects workers 40 and older from employment discrimination and must be specifically referenced in release agreements for age-related claims
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Federal law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin that must be considered in release language
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination, which needs to be addressed in comprehensive releases
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law governing wages and overtime that requires special consideration as some FLSA claims cannot be waived through private settlements
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA): Federal law that sets specific requirements for valid waivers of age discrimination claims, including mandatory review periods
State Contract Laws: Local state-specific requirements governing contract formation, validity, and enforcement that must be complied with
State Employment Laws: State-specific regulations regarding employment relationships and rights that may affect release terms
State Statute of Limitations: Time limits set by state law for bringing various types of legal claims, which may affect the scope of the release
State Release Requirements: Specific state requirements for valid releases, which may include particular language or formatting requirements
Contract Law Principles: Fundamental legal concepts including consideration, capacity, and consent that must be satisfied for a valid release
Doctrine of Waiver and Release: Legal principles governing the voluntary relinquishment of known rights and claims
Public Policy Limitations: Restrictions on what rights and claims can legally be waived through a release agreement
Known and Unknown Claims: Consideration of whether the release covers both identified and unidentified claims that existed at the time of signing
Employment Separation Context: Special requirements that apply when the release is part of an employment termination or separation agreement
Enforceability Requirements: Specific conditions that must be met for the release to be legally binding and enforceable
Consideration Requirements: The necessity for adequate compensation or benefit in exchange for the release of claims
Revocation Periods: Mandatory waiting periods and revocation rights, particularly for age-related claims under ADEA/OWBPA
