In “at-will” employment states, employers typically retain the right to terminate an employee’s tenure for any reason. Wrongful termination, however, occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, such as retaliation or discrimination. At-will employment does not give your employer a license to break the law.
Wrongful Termination
Experienced attorneys ready to help with your wrongful termination case.
California Wrongful Termination Attorneys
Employment in California is considered “at will,” meaning an employer typically can fire its employees for any reason or no reason. However, an employer cannot fire an employee for an illegal reason. At-will employment does not give your employer a license to break the law; when a firing is tied to a protected characteristic or a protected activity, you may have a wrongful termination claim.
About Olivier & Schreiber PC
Olivier & Schreiber PC represents employees, consumers, and members of the public in employment, civil rights, and consumer protection cases throughout California and nationally. Our attorneys have significant experience representing employees in all manner of employment law cases, including those who have been wrongfully terminated.
Through trial work and appellate advocacy, our team has recovered millions for our clients. We are committed to holding employers accountable when they end someone’s job for a reason the law does not allow.
Who We Assist
Wrongful termination rarely looks the same from one case to the next, though patterns can emerge in some places. We can help in situations where:
- Employees were fired, and the reason their employer gave does not explain what really happened.
- Employees were fired because of discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or another protected characteristic.
- Employees were fired after reporting discrimination, harassment, or other workplace misconduct.
- Employees were fired after requesting leave, an accommodation, or another protected right.
- Employees were pushed to resign instead of being formally or officially fired.
Each wrongful termination-related situation raises a different set of legal questions. Understanding which laws may apply helps determine which protections cover you and what you may be able to recover.
When a Termination Crosses the Line
A key question in deciding whether a firing was illegal is whether it was linked to a protected characteristic or activity. Illegal reasons may include:
- Disciplining, demoting, or firing you because you complained about conduct by the employer that you reasonably believe is unlawful
- Disciplining, demoting, or firing you for participating in a government investigation about your employer’s conduct
- Disciplining, demoting, or firing you because you raised concerns about workplace safety or working conditions
- Disciplining, demoting, or firing you because you complained about discrimination or harassment toward you or a coworker
- Firing you because of a protected characteristic, or because you took a protected medical or family leave
Several state and federal laws can support these kinds of claims.
Why Trust Us With Your Wrongful Termination Claim?
Many wrongful termination cases come down to testing the explanation that employers put on paper. Here is how our firm approaches that work:
- Thorough Evidence Examination: We compare your employer’s explanation against your performance history and how coworkers in similar roles were treated.
- Experience With Appeals: Because our firm also handles civil appeals, we prepare each case with the understanding that the result may need to withstand appellate review.
- Planning Around Your Goals: Some clients want to recover lost wages; others also want their former employer to change how it treats workers. We learn what outcome you want and work from there.
- Recognition of the Person Behind the Case: Our attorneys take time to understand what this situation has meant for you, and they stay accessible and patient as your questions come up.
Behind each of these strengths is one aim: holding employers’ reasoning up against what really happened.
Reach Out to Our Team Today
A termination letter records the reason your employer wants on file; it does not always reflect what actually happened. If that explanation falls apart when you compare it with your reviews or the timing of the firing, the gap deserves a closer look from attorneys who focus on employment law. Contact Olivier & Schreiber PC today to learn how we can help.
FAQs About Wrongful Termination in California
What are common examples of wrongful termination in California?
Wrongful termination instances may include being fired because of your race, gender, age, or disability. It is also illegal to be terminated for reporting harassment, taking a protected medical leave, or complaining about unsafe working conditions.
How can I determine if my termination was illegal under California law?
The key question in determining whether your firing was illegal is whether it was linked to a protected characteristic (like your age or race) or a protected activity (like reporting harassment). If you suspect your termination was not just unfair but unlawful, a good step is to contact an employment attorney who can provide a clear evaluation of your situation.
Can a wrongful termination claim address systemic issues within a company?
While a wrongful termination claim is an individual action, it can shed light on and challenge systemic problems within a company, such as a culture of harassment or a pattern of retaliating against those who speak up. A successful claim can not only bring justice to the individual but can also motivate a company to change unlawful policies and practices.
What are the potential outcomes of a successful wrongful termination claim?
A successful claim may include the recovery of lost wages and benefits, wages you are projected to lose while finding a new job, and compensation for any emotional distress caused by the unlawful firing. In certain cases, there may also be punitive damages awarded.
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