What is “at-will” employment?

“At-will” employment is a doctrine which holds that an employer-employee relationship can be legally terminated “at will” by either the employer or employee for any reason. Essentially, an employer can terminate an employee without reason, as long as the termination is not for an illegal reason. There are exceptions to the doctrine that include termination which violates public policy, is discriminatory, is retaliatory, or is a breach of contract.