California Wrongful Termination Attorney
Protecting Employees. Holding Employers Accountable.
- No upfront costs; pay only when you win
- 100% confidential consultations
- Available 24/7 to answer your questions
- Protection against retaliation for asserting workplace rights
- Experience handling cases while you’re still employed
100% confidential. Your information is private and secure.
Do You Have a Legal Claim After Being Fired?
If you’ve recently been fired or laid off, you may be wondering whether you have any legal claims against your employer. The truth is, many terminated employees don’t—but some do.
At-Will Employment in California
In California, most employees work “at will,” which means:
- You can quit at any time, for any reason
- Your employer can fire you at any time, for any reason—as long as the reason isn’t illegal
When Termination Is Legal
Generally, employees who are fired for reasons like:
- Poor performance
- Attendance problems
- Misconduct
- Being a “poor fit” or “not working out”
do not have legal recourse against their employer. These terminations, while difficult, are typically not considered wrongful termination.
When Termination May Be Illegal
However, if you were fired for an illegal reason—such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract—you may have a wrongful termination claim.
Contact Victory Law Group for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination is a legal term that refers to being fired for an illegal reason. Common examples include:
Discrimination
It’s illegal to fire an employee because of:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex or gender
- Disability
- Genetic information
- Age (if you’re at least 40 years old)
California and local laws often protect additional characteristics, such as:
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Pregnancy
Retaliation
Your employer cannot fire you because you:
- Complained about illegal behavior at work
- Reported harassment or discrimination
- Raised workplace safety concerns
- Reported wage and hour violations
- Filed a workers’ compensation claim
- Participated in an investigation or lawsuit
Violation of Public Policy
In California, it’s illegal to fire an employee for reasons that violate public policy—meaning reasons most people would find morally or ethically wrong. Examples include:
- Whistleblowing (reporting illegal activity)
- Refusing to participate in illegal conduct
- Taking legally protected leave (such as jury duty or family leave)
If you were fired for any of these reasons, you may have a wrongful termination claim.
Contact Victory Law Group for a confidential consultation.
Think Your Firing Might Have Been Illegal?
If the circumstances of your termination suggest it might have been illegal, consult an employment attorney at Victory Law Group right away. One of our attorneys can review the facts of your situation and help you understand whether you have potential legal claims.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Not sure if you have a case? We’ll review your situation for free and explain what compensation you may be entitled to.
Common Questions About Your Workplace Rights in California
We understand you have questions and concerns about what happens next. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from employees facing workplace issues.
Can my employer fire me for talking to a lawyer?
No. California law prohibits retaliation against employees for consulting with an attorney about workplace issues. Your employer cannot legally fire, demote, or punish you for seeking legal advice or asserting your rights. If retaliation does occur, it may strengthen your case.
How much does it cost to hire an employment attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. There’s no financial risk to you for exploring your legal options.
Will my employer find out I contacted you?
Not unless you want them to. Initial consultations are 100% confidential. Your employer will not know you spoke with us unless and until you decide to move forward with a claim or legal action.
How long does an employment case take?
It varies. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to trial. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation and keep you informed at every step.
Do I have to quit my job to pursue a claim?
No. Many of our clients are still employed when they contact us. We handle cases discreetly and can advise you on how to protect your rights while you’re still working.
What if I signed an arbitration agreement or employment contract?
Many employment contracts include arbitration clauses, but that doesn’t mean you’ve waived your rights. We can review your contract and explain how it affects your options.
How do I know if I have a strong case?
The best way to know is to speak with an experienced employment attorney who can evaluate the facts of your situation. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand whether you have a viable claim.
Still have questions? We’re happy to answer them during your free consultation. No pressure. No obligation.