Losing your job is stressful under any circumstances, but if you believe you were fired for unlawful reasons, it is important to act methodically and preserve your options rather than react in the heat of the moment. There are several things that you can do that can have a massive impact on the outcome of your case.

Start by writing down everything you remember about the circumstances of your termination while those details are fresh. Note the date, what was said, who was present, and any events in the weeks or months leading up to it that may be relevant, such as a complaint you filed, a request for medical leave, or a change in your employment situation. Gather and secure copies of any documents that may be relevant, including your employment contract, offer letter, performance reviews, disciplinary records, and any written communications from your employer. If those documents are stored on a company device or server, understand that you may not have ongoing access to them after termination, so act quickly. Wrongful termination in California can involve a range of illegal conduct, including termination based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, medical condition, or pregnancy, retaliation for reporting illegal activity or filing a workers’ compensation claim, and violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act. California is an at-will employment state, which means an employer can generally fire an employee for any reason, but not for an illegal one. The distinction matters enormously, and our attorneys can help you evaluate whether what happened to you crosses that line.