Wrongful Termination in California

At-Will Employment in California

California is an "at-will" employment state, meaning employers can generally fire employees for any reason or no reason. However, there are important exceptions where termination is illegal.

When Termination Is Illegal

• Discrimination — firing based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age (40+), pregnancy, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
• Retaliation — firing for reporting illegal activity (whistleblowing), filing a workers' comp claim, taking family leave, or participating in an investigation
• Violation of public policy — firing for refusing to do something illegal, for exercising a legal right, or for performing a legal duty
• Breach of contract — if there's an employment contract or implied contract limiting termination

What to Do If Wrongfully Terminated

Document everything: save emails, texts, performance reviews, and any evidence of the real reason for termination. Consult an employment attorney promptly—there are deadlines for filing complaints.