We are very excited to announce Jamie Gilmore and Brittney Thompson have joined the firm as partners, and we have changed our name—Scott Law Firm is now Scott Gilmore Thompson!

Unlawful Termination

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Unlawful Termination Lawyer
in Dallas

Understanding At-Will Employment

Many people think Texas is either an at-will or a right to work state. Right to work is not the same thing as at-will. Texas is an at-will state, which means the employer can fire you for any reason or no reason. But there is a BIG caveat to this—at-will is not a license to discriminate.

Can My Employer Fire Me for Any Reason?

While an employer can fire you for any reason or no reason, or even for the wrong reason, an employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason. An illegal reason would be firing you because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex or gender, age, or disability. Furthermore, an employer cannot fire you in retaliation for opposing an unlawful employment practice (such as unlawful workplace discrimination, reporting a workplace injury, or seeking workers compensation benefits). And an employer cannot fire you for exercising your rights under other employment laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, or the Fair Labor Standards Act.

So, while at-will employment means an employer doesn’t have to have a good reason, or the right reason, to fire you, it does NOT mean an employer can discriminate.

Contact Scott Gilmore Thompson today to speak to our skilled Dallas unlawful termination attorney about your options.

Right to Work Laws and
At-Will Laws

Another common mistake is interpreting the phrase “right to work.” Many states have “right to work” laws. But people frequently mistakenly think “right to work” is the same as at-will—it is not. A “right to work” state means that if there is a union in place that covers the job you perform; you cannot be required to join the union to have that job. You have the “right to work” in that job without joining the union. But “right to work” is not the same as at-will.

Finally, some people will work under an employment agreement or “contract.” In most at-will states, these contracts will spell out that the contract does NOT change the at-will nature of your employment. In other words, an employment agreement or “contract” is NOT a guarantee of continued employment. Typically, these agreements simply spell out the job you will perform, the salary or wage you will make, and the fringe benefits you are entitled to.

To have any guarantee of continued employment under an employment agreement or “contract,” the contract must specifically and unambiguously state that the employer is giving up the right to fire you “at-will,” and it must state that the employer can only fire you “for cause.” And then, it is important to know what “cause” means, and the contract must spell that out as well.


Scott Gilmore Thompson is here to help. Call us at (214) 238-8444 today for a free case evaluation with our unlawful termination lawyer in Dallas.


He is aggressive, professional, and most of all driven to get results back in favor of all of his clients. His knowledge of the law is impeccable and the network of people he knows is guaranteed to win any fight stood against them. I basically did nothi”

- Morgan White

Scott Gilmore Thompson's Unique Approach to Employment Law

  • We Go to Court for You

    With several decades worth of experience representing companies, Scott Gilmore Thompson lawyers are confident in the courtroom and know how to strategize and position your case well in trial.

  • Board Certified Attorney

    Matthew Scott has held his Board Specialization in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for over 20 years.

  • Honesty & Transparency

    Scott Gilmore Thompson isn't interested in wasting anyone's time. You can expect honest, straightforward answers to your questions to get the help you need.

  • Personalized Representation

    No two cases are ever the same. If we take your case, we will create a legal strategy that fits your unique situation and meets your personal needs.