At-will employment
Under California Labor Code §2922, employment without a fixed term can generally be ended by either side at any time. The exceptions are what matter.
Wrongful termination · California
Fired without a fair reason?
At will does not mean anything goes.
Most California jobs are at will, so an employer can usually end them without giving a reason. But a firing is unlawful if the real reason is discrimination, retaliation or another reason the law protects against. An independent employment attorney looks at what happened and at the deadlines that apply to you.
A free, no-obligation first call. Fee terms explained in writing before any work starts.
Independent California attorneysFee terms in writing up frontNo obligation
The essentials
What matters after a termination?
Discrimination and retaliation
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits firing someone because of a protected characteristic, or because they complained, took protected leave or asked for an accommodation.
Public policy
A firing can also be unlawful if it punishes you for refusing to break the law, reporting a violation, or exercising a legal right such as filing a wage claim or a workers' compensation claim.
Promises and contracts
A written contract, an offer letter or a consistent policy that promises termination only for good cause can limit at-will employment.
Easy to start
No big leap.
Just a first step.
You tell us what is going on. We find the right attorney for it.
- 01
A few words about your situation.
Choose your topic and leave your contact details. You don’t need a complete file to get started.
- 02
A free first call.
Our intake team gets in touch, clarifies what you need and connects you with an independent attorney licensed in California.
- 03
Clear fee terms before any work.
The attorney reviews your case and explains the scope and the fee arrangement in writing. You decide whether to go ahead.
For later, not for now
What you can have
ready for the call.
You don’t need to upload anything in the form. These documents can help later:
- Your termination letter or notes on what you were told, by whom and when
- Your offer letter, contract, handbook and recent performance reviews
- Emails, texts or complaints you made before you were let go
Do not sign a severance agreement or release before you understand what you give up. Some deadlines are short. An enquiry does not stop any deadline.
You may still be wondering …
Before we
talk.
My employer gave no reason. Is that illegal?
Not by itself. In an at-will job, no reason is often allowed. What counts is whether the real reason was unlawful, for example discrimination or retaliation. Timing, comments and how others were treated can matter.
Can I still get unemployment benefits?
Being fired does not automatically disqualify you. The EDD decides each claim on its facts, and misconduct can affect eligibility. Apply as soon as you are out of work.
What does the first call cost?
The first call is free and without obligation. If you want an attorney to take on your matter, the attorney explains the scope and fee arrangement in writing before any work starts.
What happens after I send my request?
Our intake team reviews your request and gets in touch to clarify it and arrange the call. Sending the form does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not book an appointment.
The first step is free
Let's look at your next step together.
Time for your situation.
Clear, personal and without obligation.