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Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Los Angeles
Fighting for Workers in California to Claim Compensation against Unlawful Termination and Firings.
Losing your job unexpectedly can turn your life upside down, especially if you suspect the firing was unfair or illegal. At Setareh Law Group, we know how stressful this experience can be, and we are here to help you legally fight back. California and federal employment laws protect workers from wrongful termination, but employers often violate these rules using employment contracts to threaten you and one mistake can cause financial and emotional harm.
If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, including lost wages, emotional distress damages, or punitive damages. Our experienced California wrongful termination lawyers, with over 25 years of experience and more than $1 billion recovered for clients across Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside, and beyond, are dedicated to holding employers accountable. We offer personalized, No win, No fee representation to make justice accessible.
What does Wrongful Termination in California legally mean
Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires you for reasons that break California or federal employment laws, even though California is an “at-will” employment state. Knowing what makes a firing illegal can help you determine if you have a case. Below, we have broken down the key legal concepts to make everything clear to you.
What Is At-Will Employment and will it affect my claim?
In California, employment is generally “at-will” under Labor Code Section 2922, meaning your employer can fire you at any time, for any reason or no reason unless it’s illegal. You also have the equal employment right to quit without notice. However, this doesn’t give employers a free pass to fire you for unlawful reasons like discrimination, retaliation or sexual harassment.
When Is an Employee’s Firing Illegal?
Your termination may be wrongful if it violates any of the following laws or agreements under California employment laws. Common violations include:
- Discrimination: Being fired because of who you are? such as your race, gender, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, or sexual orientation instead of your job performance or qualifications
- Retaliation: If you are terminated for standing up for your rights like, reporting sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions, wage violations, or other unlawful practices in the workplace and right after complaining about any of these, you get terminated.
- Contract Breaches: Ignoring written or implied promises of job security, such as those in employee handbooks, employment contracts or verbal assurances (e.g., “You are safe as long as you perform well”).
- Policy Violations: Firing for doing the right thing, like refusing illegal tasks or taking jury duty. Don’t worry, our best wrongful termination lawyers in Los Angeles are here to help you out legally and in winning compensation for being terminated without any notice or solid reason.
Key Laws Protecting Employee Rights in California
Several state and federal laws protect you from wrongful termination and employment discrimination:
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits firing based on protected characteristics like race discrimination, gender, age (40+), disability, sexual orientation, religion, or when applying for pregnancy leaves. Applies to employers with 5+ employees, offering broader protections than federal laws
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Guarantees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious health conditions or family care (e.g., newborn or sick parent/wife) for employees at companies with 50+ workers. Firing you for taking this leave is illegal.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Bans discrimination based on race, skin color, religion or performing any religious activity, gender, or national origin at the federal level.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Protects against firing due to disabilities or failure to provide reasonable accommodations. Even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has prohibited the firing of employees who reached out for legal help.
California Whistleblower Protection Act: Shields you from whistleblower retaliation for reporting illegal activities or unsafe conditions to the court or giving any witness statements.
Other Laws: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), California labor codes and OSHA provide legal protections for workplace safety complaints.
For example, if you were fired after requesting accommodations for a disability or reporting harassment, that’s likely a violation. Not sure if your situation qualifies? Our wrongful termination attorneys offer free consultations to clarify your rights.
Common Reasons for Wrongful Termination Claims
Many firings seem routine but hide illegal motives. Recognizing these red flags can help you match your experience to a potential claim. At Setareh Law Group, we have seen these issues across California, from San Diego to Fresno and handle them nicely under retaliatory wrongful termination laws.
Personal Discrimination Based Firings
Employers cannot fire you based on protected traits under FEHA or Title VII. Common scenarios include:
- Termination after disclosing a pregnancy or medical condition or asking for medical leave.
- Firing older workers to replace them with younger ones without any compensation.
- Bias against any employment discrimination laws including race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion discrimination often masked as “performance issues.”
Signs to Watch For:
- Sudden criticism or write-ups after revealing a protected trait, an illegal settlement agreement or you have seen any whistleblower activities.
- Being treated differently due to any discrimination from coworkers with similar work performance.
- Termination shortly after requesting disability accommodations or if you have contacted California employment lawyers to file your firm for any retaliatory reasons.
If an employer fires you out of bias for any of the above reasons, it constitutes wrongful termination.
- Race or color
- National origin or ancestry
- Religion
- Age (for employees over 40)
- Sex
- Marital status
- Pregnancy
- Sexual orientation
- Gender expression or identity
- Medical conditions
- Disability
- Genetic information
In addition, employers are prohibited from allowing sexual harassment to take place at work. If you were subject to sexual harassment and it led to the loss of your job, you can take action to hold your employer accountable. This includes situations in which you felt forced to quit because the sexual harassment was unbearable, and your employer took inadequate measures to stop it.
Federal wrongful termination laws prevent employers from refusing to accept a job applicant, terminating an employee, or modifying other terms and conditions of employment (such as salary or benefits) because the employee or job applicant belongs to a protected group.
Retaliation for Speaking Up
You have the right to report workplace problems without fear of losing your job. Retaliation is illegal under laws like California’s Whistleblower Protection Act and the National Labor Relations Act. Examples include:
- Firing after reporting sexual harassment or bullying from senior employees to HR.
- Termination for complaining about unpaid wages or unsafe workplace conditions to OSHA.
- Punishment for joining a union or discussing salaries with coworkers.
Example: If you reported unsafe equipment and were fired soon after for “unrelated” reasons, that’s likely retaliation.
Public Policy Violations
Firing you for exercising legal rights or refusing to break the law violates public policy. Examples include:
- Termination for refusing to commit fraud, insisting on violating regulations or forcing you to any political activity.
- Firing for taking time off for jury duty, voting, or military service.
- Punishment for reporting illegal activities, like environmental violations or financial fraud.
Constructive Termination from Job
Constructive dismissal or constructive discharge are the same things, it happens when your employer makes your job so unbearable through actions like cutting hours, demoting you, or creating a hostile environment for forced to quit. Termination of Employment is different from direct retaliation but equally illegal and recognized under California labor laws.
If this sound like your experience? Contact Setareh Law Group for a free case review and legal assistance. We serve all over Los Angeles County, Riverside, Oakland, Orange County and more with on-site offices for one-on-one personal sessions.
Employment Rights as an Employee in California
California employees have strong protections to ensure fair treatment. Knowing these rights can help you spot when your employer has violated them and help you pick the best wrongful termination lawyers by your side. Your key rights include:
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be fired for protected traits like race, gender, disability, age (40+), sexual orientation, or religion under FEHA and Title VII.
- Protection from Retaliation: You can report harassment, wage and hour theft, or safety issues without fear of being fired. This is protected by state and federal whistleblower retaliation laws.
- Right to Protected Leave: FMLA and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) guarantee up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for health or family needs at companies with 50+ employees.
- Public Policy Protections: You can’t be fired for doing lawful activities, like voting, serving on a jury, or refusing illegal orders.
- Right to Compensation: If wrongfully terminated, you can seek lost wages, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages to punish bad employers.
If your employer violated these rights, you can take action. Our firm helps by reviewing your case, gathering evidence, filing with agencies like the DFEH or EEOC, and pursuing lawsuits for maximum compensation.
How SLGs Wrongful Termination Lawyers Can Help You with Claim
Facing a wrongful termination can be stressful, but the process becomes clear and manageable with Setareh Law Group by your side. Our termination attorneys combine deep knowledge of California employment laws with a compassionate, client-first approach to guide you every step of the legal way. Here’s what we do for you:
Free Case Evaluation and legal documentation
We start with a no-cost, confidential personal consultation. Bring documents like your termination letter, emails, performance reviews, or coworker statements. We’ll assess if your firing violates laws like FEHA, FMLA, or Title VII and explain your options clearly. This answers: “Do I have a case?” without any cost.
Building a Strong Case
Once you let us fight your case, we will create a specified strategic plan:
- Investigate: We dig into your employer’s actions, using discovery to uncover evidence like internal memos or witness testimonies.
- Collect Evidence: We gather emails, texts, or data showing patterns of discrimination or retaliation.
- Strategize: We negotiate settlements or prepare for trial to maximize your compensation.
Personalized Support
Led by Shaun Setareh, our wrongful termination lawyers have over 75 years of combined experience. A client shared: “Shaun fought like it was his own case and won me a huge settlement!” We limit caseloads to give you direct attention and our wrongful termination lawyers also offer Spanish-speaking services. With offices in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, we serve clients in Anaheim, San Jose, Pasadena, and beyond. We also offer online legal consultation to help you in filing a case.
Steps to File a Wrongful Termination Claim
Taking action is easier when you know the steps. Here’s how we guide you through the process:
How to Start Your Claim
- Document Everything: Write down details of your firing including dates, conversations, and reasons given. Note any suspicious timing, like being fired after a complaint.
- File a Complaint: Submit a claim to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or EEOC within 180-300 days, depending on the violation. We can handle this for you at no cost.
- Get a Right-to-Sue Letter: Allows you to file a lawsuit in state or federal court. Once the Setareh law group reviews your wrongful termination claim, you may receive this letter, which authorizes you to move forward with a lawsuit in court.
- Gather Strong Evidence: Collect documents, emails, performance reviews, witness statements, and any records that connect your termination to discrimination, retaliation, or another unlawful reason.
- Pursue Settlement Negotiations: In many cases, our attorney can negotiate with your employer to secure compensation without going through a lengthy legal trial.
- File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our wrongful termination lawyer will represent you in court and fight to recover the full damages you deserve in the form of compensation.
Note: If your firing was part of a mass layoff without 60 days’ notice, the California WARN Act may apply.
Potential Compensation for Wrongful Termination
A successful wrongful termination claim can help you recover significant compensation and move forward with financial stability. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:
Lost Wages
What it covers: Missed paychecks, benefits, and future earnings
*Typical amount: $20,000 – $500,000+
Emotional Distress
What it covers: The impact on your mental health, including stress, anxiety, or humiliation
*Typical amount: $10,000 – $250,000
Punitive Damages
What it covers: Holding your employer accountable for willful or egregious misconduct
*Typical amount: $100,000 – $1M+
Is it worth suing my workplace for termination? With strong evidence and our wrongful termination lawyers’ legal expertise, you have a 50-70% chance of winning the termination claim. Our team has recovered over $1 billion for clients, winning the best lawyer of California award back in 2019 for wrongful terminations, ensuring you get what you are owed.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for legal process
Choosing the right wrongful termination lawyers can make all the difference. Here’s why Setareh Law Group is your best choice:
- Proven Results: With over $1 billion recovered for clients, we have handled thousands of cases involving discrimination, retaliation, termination and leave violations across California.
- Personalized Care: We take fewer cases to focus on you, offering 24/7 support and Spanish speaking services. A client said: “They listened to my story and fought like family.”
- No Risk to You: Our No Win, No Fee model means you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront or out of pocket costs.
- Statewide Reach: We serve clients in Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside, San Bernardino, Anaheim, Pasadena, Orange County and across California, with offices in Beverly Hills (420 N Camden Drive, 90210) and West Hollywood (8981 W Sunset Blvd, 90069) and deliver visual consultation to help you understand your case.
Going it alone risks missing deadlines, settling for less even being pressured by the workplace to sign a settlement agreement. Let our experts maximize your compensation and ease your stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What qualifies as wrongful termination in California?
Wrongful termination happens when you are fired for illegal reasons such as discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing. Our wrongful termination lawyers can review your situation to determine if your firing violated California employment laws.
2. Can I sue my employer for wrongful termination in California?
Yes. If you were fired for unlawful reasons like reporting harassment or refusing illegal acts, you can file a claim. Our California wrongful termination lawyers handle everything from filing to negotiation or trial.
3. How do I prove wrongful termination?
Evidence such as emails, texts, witness statements, or performance reviews showing discrimination or retaliation can support your case. A wrongful termination lawyer helps collect and organize this proof for maximum legal impact.
4. How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim?
In California, you generally have up to 3 years under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) or 180–300 days for EEOC claims. Consulting a wrongful termination attorney early ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines.
5. Can I get compensation after being wrongfully terminated?
Yes, victims can recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages. With strong evidence, our wrongful termination lawyers have secured millions in compensation for California workers.
6. What should I do immediately after being fired unfairly?
Document everything emails, dates, reasons given for firing, and prior complaints. Then, contact a wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles to assess your case and guide you before speaking to HR or signing any papers.
7. Can I be fired for reporting harassment or unsafe work conditions?
No. California law protects you from retaliation for reporting harassment, discrimination, or safety violations. If your firing followed a complaint, our wrongful termination attorneys can help you prove it was unlawful.
8. How much is my wrongful termination case worth?
Compensation depends on your salary, emotional distress, and employer misconduct. Some cases recover between $50,000 to $1 million+. Our wrongful termination lawyers evaluate your claim’s full potential in a free consultation.
9. Is it expensive to hire a wrongful termination lawyer?
Not at all. Setareh Law Group works on a No Win, No Fee basis meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. It ensures every employee can access justice, regardless of financial situation.
10. Why choose Setareh Law Group for your wrongful termination case?
With 75+ years of combined experience and over $1 billion recovered, our wrongful termination lawyers are known statewide for winning tough cases. We provide personalized, confidential support from consultation to resolution.
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Our Other Locations:
- Oakland
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- Anaheim
- Pasadena