Wrongful Termination
California Wrongful Termination Attorneys
Losing your job can be devastating, especially when it’s the result of wrongful termination. Our California wrongful termination attorneys understand the emotional toll this takes on you and your family. We defend employees who have been unlawfully fired, demoted, or retaliated against for exercising their rights at work.
At Ranen Khademi PC, we represent employees throughout California who have experienced wrongful or unlawful termination. We are committed to holding employers accountable and helping you secure justice and fair compensation.
What Is Wrongful Termination in California?
In California, most employment is “at-will,” meaning employers can usually terminate employees for any or no reason. However, key exceptions exist. Firing for reasons that violate law or public policy is prohibited.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for reasons that are illegal, such as discrimination, retaliation, or exercising protected rights.
Examples include:
- Being terminated for reporting workplace harassment or discrimination
- Being fired for taking protected medical or family leave
- Retaliation for whistleblowing or filing a complaint
- Termination based on protected characteristics such as age, race, gender, religion, or disability
If you were fired under suspicious circumstances, our California attorneys can determine if your termination was unlawful and identify your legal remedies. First, gather any documents related to your termination, such as emails, termination notices, or employment agreements. Also, make a detailed account of the events leading up to your termination, including dates, times, and the nature of any interactions with your employer. This preparation will empower you and ensure you are ready for your consultation with our team.
Common Forms of Unlawful Termination We Handle
- Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct – You can’t be fired for speaking up about harassment, discrimination, safety issues, or wage violations.
- Discriminatory Firing – Employers cannot terminate you because of your age, gender, race, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
- Violation of Public Policy – It is illegal to fire an employee for reasons that contradict California’s strong public policy protections, such as refusing to participate in an illegal activity or exercising a legal right.
- Breach of Implied Contract – Even if you are an at-will employee, you may have rights under an implied contract if your employer made spoken or written promises about job security. An implied contract is a legal agreement that is not always written down, but is implied through actions or statements.
- Constructive Discharge – If your working conditions became so unbearable that you had no real choice but to quit, the law may see this as the same as being fired. This situation is called constructive discharge, meaning the resignation is treated as if you were unlawfully terminated by your employer.
Understand Your Rights in California: Wrongful Termination Laws
California has some of the strongest worker protections in the country.
Key laws that protect employees from wrongful termination include:
- The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) bans firing based on protected characteristics. It also bans retaliation for opposing discrimination or harassment.
- California Labor Code Section 1102.5 – Protects whistleblowers who report employer misconduct.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) & California Family Rights Act (CFRA) – Protect employees who take leave for medical or family reasons.
- Public Policy – Protect workers in the event their termination violates public policy, such as policies against retaliation or discrimination.
Our wrongful termination lawyers will guide you through these laws and pursue justice on your behalf.
Why Choose Ranen Khademi PC
Former Defense Attorneys
We’ve worked on the other side and know how employers and their lawyers build their cases.
Strategic Insight
Our team anticipates defense tactics and builds proactive, evidence-based strategies to counter them.
Personal Attention
You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who take the time to understand your story.
Proven Results
Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts for employees across California.
Our Process
Free Consultation
We listen to your story, discuss your concerns, and explain your rights under the law.
Case Evaluation
We thoroughly review your situation, analyze relevant facts, and determine potential claims under both California and federal law.
Negotiation or Litigation
Based on our findings, we seek a fair resolution through negotiation or prepare for trial if needed.
Support Throughout
We keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide compassionate guidance at every stage.
Contact Our California Wrongful Termination Attorneys Today
If you believe you were wrongfully or unlawfully terminated, don’t wait to act. The attorneys at Ranen Khademi PC are ready to review your case and protect your rights.
Serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego, the Bay Area, and across California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evidence may include emails, witness statements, or performance reviews. It may also show you were treated differently after using protected rights. Our attorneys help gather and present what you need to support your claim.
Yes. If your firing violated state or federal employment laws, you can file a lawsuit against your employer. Our wrongful termination lawyers in California can help you determine if you have a case and guide you through every step of the process.
Yes. Even at-will employees can sue if their firing was unlawful. California’s at-will law does not protect employers who fire workers for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
Damages depend on your income, emotional distress, and your employer’s actions. Compensation may include:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Emotional distress damages
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Punitive damages in severe cases
Our wrongful termination lawyers can estimate the potential value of your case based on its specific details.
In most cases, you have three years from the termination date to file a CRD complaint for FEHA discrimination or retaliation. Other claims, like breach of contract or whistleblower retaliation, may have shorter or different deadlines. Speaking with a California wrongful termination attorney early helps protect your rights.
Success depends on the facts and evidence, but employees represented by experienced attorneys often achieve favorable settlements or verdicts.