Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA
California is an at-will employment state that allows employers to dismiss workers without notice or reason. However, the state does not allow employees to be fired for unlawful reasons. Discharging a worker for illegal reasons is an illegal action for which an experienced wrongful termination lawyer can hold employers accountable.
In California, wrongful termination occurs when an employer illegally fires an employee, violating state or federal laws or the terms of an employment contract. Common grounds for wrongful termination include:
- Discrimination: Firing someone for a protected characteristic such as race, gender, religion, age (40+), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or another protected characteristic
- Retaliation: Retaliation for legally protected behavior, such as whistleblowing, taking medical leave, or reporting harassment
- Breach of Contract: Where the termination violates agreed-upon terms detailed in the employment contract
Employees who have been wrongfully terminated do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Lawyers for Justice, PC (LFJ) is a highly respected employment law firm with dedicated wrongful termination lawyers in Los Angeles who fight for employees’ rights and hold employers accountable for unlawful actions. The firm’s experienced employment attorneys are well-versed in the emotional and financial hardships associated with unfair job termination.
Lawyers for Justice, PC’s attorneys for wrongful termination work diligently to ensure that unlawfully dismissed employees receive the compensation and respect they are entitled to under the law.
LFJ provides free case consultations 24/7. To discuss a claim with a representative, call (818) JUSTICE or complete this online contact form.
What to Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Los Angeles
If an employee believes they have been wrongfully terminated, a wrongful termination lawyer in L.A. can fight for their backpay and appropriate compensation. Additionally, there are several steps they can take to protect their rights and pursue potential legal action:
Don’t Sign Anything
Any employee who suspects wrongful termination shouldn’t sign anything without legal advice. Employers may present a severance agreement or waiver that limits an employee’s right to sue. Signing could forfeit valuable legal claims or compensation. A Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer should review and fully explain any documents before they are signed.
Keep Documentation
It is essential to collect all relevant documents, such as termination letters, employment contracts, performance reviews, emails, and any written policies or handbooks. Maintaining a record of communications related to the termination, including dates and witnesses, can provide crucial evidence to support a wrongful termination claim.
Take Action Immediately
California law imposes specific statutes of limitations for wrongful termination claims, typically ranging from two to three years, depending on the type of claim, such as discrimination, breach of contract, or retaliation. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to pursue legal recourse. Employees should immediately gather evidence and engage a Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney to ensure their case is filed within the required timeframe.
Consult With a Los Angeles Employment Attorney
Seeking legal counsel is critical for individuals who suspect wrongful termination. An experienced attorney for employee termination can help workers understand their rights and explore potential remedies.
Gain Witness Statements
Colleagues who observe discriminatory or retaliatory behavior can provide critical support for a claim. Obtaining written statements from coworkers or others who witnessed incidents or heard remarks from the employer can strengthen the case.
Avoid Social Media
Employees should refrain from posting details about their termination, potential claims, or any information about their employer on social media. Publicly shared information can be used against the individual during investigations or legal proceedings, and seemingly harmless comments may undermine the credibility of a case. To safeguard their claim, employees should keep details confidential and discuss their situation only with trusted advisors and legal counsel.
Your Legal Rights After an Unfair Termination in Los Angeles
California law offers some of the strictest workplace protections in the country. These laws protect the rights of employees and provide wrongful termination attorneys in Los Angeles with the tools they need to win meaningful compensation for their clients.
California provides strong protections against wrongful termination to ensure employees are not unlawfully fired. These protections cover a range of situations, from discrimination and retaliation, to breaches of public policy and contract violations.
Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, and more. It also protects employees who report such discrimination.
California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Grants employees the right to take family and medical leave without fear of losing their jobs, similar to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Whistleblower Protection Act (Labor Code § 1102.5): Protects employees who report illegal activities or refuse to engage in them. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for reporting violations.
Labor Code § 6310: Protects employees from termination if they report unsafe working conditions or other violations of occupational safety and health regulations.
Labor Code § 98.6: Prevents employers from firing employees who file wage and hour complaints or who exercise their labor rights, including filing claims for unpaid wages.
Jury Duty and Voting Protections (Labor Code §§ 230, 230.3): Prohibits termination for fulfilling civic duties such as voting or serving on a jury.
California WARN Act: Requires employers to provide advance notice of mass layoffs or company closures. Failure to provide notice can be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
California continues to expand workplace protections. New laws in 2024 and 2025 strengthen the rights of employees who report theft, refuse illegal non-compete clauses, or use medical cannabis while off duty. These updates equip Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers with stronger legal grounds to advocate for employees’ rights and hold employers accountable.
Get Legal Support From a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Attorney
A Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer helps determine whether a firing is lawful or qualifies as wrongful. A qualified employment attorney guides clients through the legal process, providing a vigorous advocate who can:
- Investigate the claim,
- Navigate complex legal frameworks,
- Fight for the worker’s rights, and
- Hold the employer accountable for their actions.
The goal of a wrongful termination lawyer is to maximize the damages recoverable, which may include compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages. For approximately 15 years, Lawyers for Justice, PC has recovered millions of dollars for their clients through bold advocacy and relentless defense of workers’ rights. The firm has a proven track record of successfully taking on major corporate players, large corporations, and small establishments.
Lawyers for Justice, PC’s Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys offer free case consultations. By offering services in more than eight languages, the firm ensures every client’s questions are clearly answered—while delivering the tenacious legal representation they deserve.
To discuss a case with a qualified team member, call (818) JUSTICE today or complete this simple online form.
Get Free EvaluationJust because a worker feels they were unfairly fired does not make it a wrongful termination. A Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney can conduct a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the dismissal to determine whether the firing was lawful. Common signs of a wrongful termination can include:
- Suspicious timing – If the dismissal occurs after the employee takes medical leave, reports harassment, or refuses to participate in illegal activities.
- Inconsistent reasons – If the employer changes the stated reasons for the dismissal or if the worker’s performance evaluations do not align with the justification given for the firing, the inconsistency may indicate that the reasons given were dishonest and a cover for an unlawful reason.
- Discrimination – Any evidence of discrimination against the worker by their employer supports a claim of wrongful termination.
- Contract violations – If the termination violates the employment contract or company policy, it may be unlawful.
Any worker in Los Angeles who has been illegally fired and can prove their claim has the right to sue their employer for wrongful termination. A free consultation with a Los Angeles wrongful discharge attorney can include a review of the circumstances surrounding the dismissal to determine whether a viable claim exists.
A lawyer for wrongful termination can evaluate the timing of the dismissal, the behaviors leading up to it, and those that followed. They can guide the fired employee through the complexities of employment law, ensuring all critical paperwork is filed in a timely fashion, within the statute of limitations. The lawyer can negotiate with the employer for reinstatement or for significant financial compensation. The Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys with Lawyers for Justice, PC build each case to maximize the compensation for their clients.
Absolutely not. Federal and California employment law protects all legally hired employees in Los Angeles, whether they work full-time, part-time, or are on a temporary or probationary basis. Any wrongfully terminated worker in Los Angeles has the right to file a legal claim.
Most wrongful termination lawyers in Los Angeles represent their clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that if they don’t win the case, the attorney does not get paid.
LFJ’s Los Angeles attorneys for wrongful discharge provide free consultations to review the facts of a potential client’s case. They can build a compelling case, negotiate with the employer, and seek maximum financial compensation without charging the worker a dime. Only if they win the case will they receive a portion of the monetary settlement.
When meeting with a wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles, bringing the following items can help the lawyer evaluate the strength of the claim and potential damages:
- The worker’s employment contract
- A copy of the business policy manual
- The written notice of termination
- Any written correspondence, emails, or memos regarding the termination
- All recent disciplinary records and performance evaluations
- The names and contact information for any witnesses to relevant events
- A written chronology of key events
- Any documentation demonstrating signs of discrimination or retaliation
- Documentation of any unlawful behavior in which the employee refused to participate
Learn More About Los Angeles
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