What is wrongful termination under California law?

California is an “at-will” employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason. However, there are important exceptions. Termination is wrongful if your employer fired you:

• Because of your protected characteristic (race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, pregnancy, etc.) under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
• In retaliation for reporting illegal activity, filing a workers’ compensation claim, taking protected leave, or exercising other legal rights
• In violation of an employment contract (written or implied)
• In violation of public policy (for example, firing you for refusing to commit an illegal act)
• For taking protected medical or family leave under FMLA or CFRA

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, document everything, preserve any relevant communications (emails, texts, performance reviews), and consult an employment attorney promptly. California has strict deadlines for filing employment claims.