Wrongful Termination Lawyers in California
Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires you for an illegal reason or in violation of law. At Hillstone Law, our experienced California wrongful termination attorneys protect employees whose rights have been violated. We help you seek justice, compensation, and accountability from employers who wrongfully terminate workers.
We represent people across Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Riverside, and throughout California in wrongful termination claims, including cases involving discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, and violations of public policy.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination means your employer fired you in violation of state or federal law, an employment contract, or public policy. Even in at-will employment states like California, there are legal protections that prevent employers from terminating workers for unlawful reasons.
Common Illegal Reasons for Termination
Employers cannot fire you because of:
- Your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Your age if you are 40 or older
- Your disability or medical condition
- Your national origin, citizenship, or ancestry
- Your pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition
- Your protected leave (such as FMLA or CFRA leave)
- Your report of illegal activity or unsafe working conditions
- Your request for accommodations under the law
Types of Wrongful Termination Claims
Discrimination-Based Termination occurs when you were fired because of who you are or a protected characteristic.
Retaliation Termination happens when you are fired for reporting harassment, discrimination, wage violations, unsafe conditions, or other protected activity.
Contractual Termination occurs when your employer violates the terms of an employment contract.
Violation of Public Policy occurs when termination contradicts fundamental public values, such as firing an employee for serving on a jury or reporting tax fraud.
Constructive Discharge means your working conditions were made so unbearable that a reasonable person would feel forced to quit.
California vs Federal Wrongful Termination Law
Under California law, employees are protected by broader anti-discrimination and wrongful termination statutes, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Federal law offers protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other statutes.
California law often provides wider protections and additional remedies beyond federal law.
Signs You May Have a Wrongful Termination Case
You may have a case if your termination involved:
- Being replaced by someone outside your protected class
- Negative comments about your protected characteristic before firing
- Employer knowledge of your protected activity
- Lack of legitimate performance reasons for termination
- Sudden termination after reporting wrongdoing
How a Wrongful Termination Attorney Can Help
Our attorneys will evaluate your case, gather evidence, advise you on your rights, and guide you through the legal process. We help you file claims with the appropriate agencies, such as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), meet filing deadlines, negotiate with your employer, and pursue litigation when necessary.
We work to secure compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
What to Do After a Wrongful Termination
Document the reasons given for your termination, preserve emails or performance evaluations, collect witness statements, review any employee handbook provisions, and speak with an attorney immediately to protect your rights and meet deadlines for filing claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue for wrongful termination in California? Yes. You may file a wrongful termination claim if your firing violated state or federal law.
How long do I have to file a claim? Deadlines depend on the type of claim and agency involved. Consulting an attorney quickly is critical.
What compensation can I receive? Damages may include lost pay, benefits, emotional distress, and attorney fees.
Why Choose Hillstone Law for Your Wrongful Termination Case
Hillstone Law has deep experience representing wrongfully terminated employees throughout California. We provide strategic legal guidance, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom. We handle complex wrongful termination cases with attention to detail and a focus on achieving results.
Start Your Free Consultation Today
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you should act now. Contact Hillstone Law for a free and confidential consultation. Our wrongful termination attorneys are ready to evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue justice and compensation.
Call now or fill out our online form to get started.
