Virginia Employment Law Guide
Virginia follows federal employment standards with some additional state protections for workers.
Quick Virginia Facts
Sexual Harassment Laws in Virginia
Understanding your rights and protections against workplace sexual harassment.
Virginia Human Rights Act - Va. Code § 2.2-3900 et seq.
Filing Deadline: 300 days to file with Virginia Division of Human Rights | Employer Size: 5 or more employees (some protections); 15+ for others
Your Protections
- Covers employers with 5 or more employees
- Protects against sexual harassment in employment
- Covers quid pro quo and hostile work environment
- Lower threshold than federal law for some protections
- Generally follows federal EEOC standards
Available Remedies
- Back pay and front pay
- Compensatory damages
- Punitive damages (limited)
- Injunctive relief
- Reinstatement
- Attorneys fees (in some cases)
Key Features of Virginia Law
Lower employer threshold than federal law for some protections
Right to work state with limited union protections
Administrative exhaustion required before court filing
Recent strengthening of state anti-discrimination laws
Covers more small businesses than federal law
Growing case law supporting employee rights
Need Help with Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment cases require immediate action. Don't wait - the clock is ticking on your legal rights.
Virginia Labor Codes & Legal Resources
Direct access to Virginia employment laws and regulations.
Official Virginia Labor Code
Access the complete, up-to-date Virginia labor code directly from the official state website.
View Official Virginia Labor Code →Wage & Hour Laws
Minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and pay requirements.
Code Section: Va. Code § 40.1-29 et seq. - Payment of Wages
Learn More →Discrimination Laws
Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Code Section: Va. Code § 2.2-3900 et seq. - Human Rights Act
Learn More →Sexual Harassment
Laws protecting against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Code Section: Va. Code § 2.2-3904
Learn More →Retaliation Protection
Protection for employees who report violations or exercise rights.
Code Section: Va. Code § 2.2-3011 - Whistleblower Protection
Learn More →Wrongful Termination
Laws governing when and how employees can be terminated.
Code Section: Va. Code § 2.2-3904
Learn More →Download Resources
Checklists and guides to help build your employment case.
Key Employment Laws in Virginia
Important legislation that protects workers in Virginia.
Protection Laws
- Virginia Human Rights Act
- Virginia Workers' Compensation Act
- Virginia Right to Work Law
- Virginia Wage Payment Act
Important Limitations
- Right to work state
- At-will employment
- Limited state anti-discrimination protections
Common Employment Issues in Virginia
These employment law issues frequently arise for workers in Virginia.
Disability Discrimination
Facing disability discrimination? Know your rights and get the help you deserve.
Learn More →Age Discrimination
Over 40 and facing discrimination? We can help protect your rights in the workplace.
Learn More →Gender Discrimination
Experiencing gender discrimination? We can help you fight for equal treatment.
Learn More →Race Discrimination
Facing racial discrimination at work? Know your rights and get the justice you deserve.
Learn More →When to Contact a Virginia Employment Attorney
Don't wait if you're experiencing workplace violations. Early action can protect your rights.
Discrimination or Harassment
If you're being treated unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability.
Wrongful Termination
If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons or in violation of Virginia law.
Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer isn't paying proper wages, overtime, or following Virginia wage laws.
Retaliation
If you're being punished for reporting violations or exercising your legal rights.
Family or Medical Leave Issues
If your employer is denying legally protected leave under Virginia or federal law.
Workplace Safety Concerns
If your employer is creating unsafe working conditions or retaliating for safety complaints.
Protect Your Rights in Virginia
Our employment attorneys understand Virginia law and can help you navigate workplace issues. Get a free consultation today.