Employment law is a broad category of laws—statutes, case law (court opinions), rules, and regulations—that govern the relationship between an employer and an employee. Employment law includes state laws that only apply to employer-employee relationships in a given state, and federal laws that apply to employer-employee relationships in all states.

In Virginia, employment law encompasses a variety of state statutes and federal laws that regulate the employer-employee relationship. State-specific laws cover matters such as minimum wage requirements, which as of 2023 is $12.00 per hour, and will increase to $13.50 in 2025. Virginia also has laws regarding the payment of wages, workplace safety, and discrimination in the workplace. The Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran. Additionally, Virginia adheres to federal employment laws that apply nationwide, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets standards for minimum wage and overtime; the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which ensures safe working conditions; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. Employers in Virginia must comply with both state and federal regulations to ensure lawful treatment of employees.