Paul S. Marks
A veteran trial lawyer with a J.D. from the USC Gould School of Law and decades of experience in high-stakes, complex litigation. State Bar of California #138407.
California Wrongful Termination Lawyer
If you were fired illegally due to discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing, we help you fight back. Our experienced wrongful termination attorneys evaluate your case, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, or even reinstatement. With 40 years of combined experience, our lawyers at Westview Law understand California’s strong employment protections and aggressively advocate for workers who have been wrongfully terminated.
Speak with a wrongful termination lawyer today. Schedule a free consultation.
What a California Wrongful Termination Lawyer Actually Does for You
A California wrongful termination lawyer is a legal advocate who represents employees who have been unjustly dismissed from their jobs. Their role is to help individuals understand their rights, evaluate whether a termination violates state or federal employment laws, and take action to seek remedies such as compensation, reinstatement, or other protections. By guiding clients through the legal process, employment attorneys ensure that employees are not left vulnerable after an unfair firing.
These lawyers are essential because they protect your rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. With a deep understanding of California employment laws, including protections against discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful dismissal, they can identify violations that might otherwise go unnoticed. With that experience, a wrongful termination lawyer walks employees through the procedure and pushes for the compensation they are owed.
The Firings California Law Treats as Illegal
Wrongful termination can take many forms, especially for employees in Los Angeles County. One common type is discrimination, where employers take adverse employment action based on race, national origin, gender, age (age discrimination), disability, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. This category also includes wrongful termination for taking medical leave protected under federal or state law.
Retaliation is another frequent cause. Employers cannot fire employees for legally protected activities, such as whistleblowing or reporting sexual harassment. Retaliation often overlaps with discrimination, making these cases complex and requiring careful legal guidance.
Wrongful termination can also occur due to a breach of employment contract or a labor law violation. Examples include laying off an employee in violation of contract terms or state labor protections. In some cases an employee is never formally fired at all but is pushed out—when an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable person feels forced to quit, a constructive discharge in California is treated as a wrongful termination. Consulting an experienced employment attorney ensures your rights are protected and holds your employer accountable.
How We Approach a Wrongful Termination Case
A California wrongful termination attorney works by guiding employees through each step of challenging an unfair dismissal. The process typically begins with an initial consultation, where the lawyer evaluates your case, explains your rights, and outlines potential legal options.
Next, the lawyer gathers the evidence that matters, including employment records, communications, and witness statements, to build a strong case. They then handle all aspects of legal action, from negotiating with your employer to filing claims or pursuing litigation if necessary, keeping you informed at every stage so you know what to expect and can make confident decisions.
How a Wrongful Termination Case Moves Through Our Office
Most people have never sued an employer and have no idea what actually happens after they sign on. Below is a representative walk-through of the stages a California wrongful termination case tends to pass through, and what pushes the value of a claim up or down along the way.
Illustrative example, not a specific client. The scenario below is a composite written to explain the process. It is not a real client matter, and it is not a promise or prediction about your case.
Stage 1: Intake and case evaluation
You sit down with an attorney, walk through the firing start to finish, and we tell you honestly whether we see a viable claim. Someone fired days after reporting unpaid overtime has a very different case than someone let go in a broad layoff. What we hunt for is the thread that ties a protected act (a complaint, a medical leave, a disability accommodation request) to the decision to end the job.
Stage 2: Investigation and evidence
This is where cases are won or lost. We pull the personnel file, performance reviews, texts, emails, and a timeline of who knew what and when. Sudden negative reviews that surface right after you complained, an employer whose explanation for the firing keeps changing, coworkers who did the same thing and kept their jobs — those are the details that turn a gut feeling into proof.
Stage 3: Administrative filing and the demand
California claims usually route through the Civil Rights Department (formerly the DFEH) for a right-to-sue notice. With the evidence organized, we send the employer a demand that lays out liability and the damages number. A good number of cases resolve right here, before any lawsuit is filed, because a strong file makes litigation the more expensive option for the employer.
Stage 4: Litigation
If the employer will not deal fairly, we file suit and move into discovery: depositions, document demands, and, where lost earnings are large, an economist to put a number on them. Settlement pressure tends to climb as trial approaches and the employer’s exposure stops being hypothetical.
Stage 5: Trial and resolution
Most cases settle, but the ones that settle well are usually the ones the other side genuinely believes we will try. A case can resolve through a negotiated settlement, a jury verdict, or in some situations reinstatement to the job. What you actually recover comes down to the damages described next.
What drives the value of a wrongful termination claim
Two cases with nearly identical facts can be worth very different amounts. The biggest drivers are lost pay (the back pay you have already lost, plus future earnings until you are made whole), emotional distress from the way you were treated, and, when an employer acted with malice or oppression, punitive damages meant to punish rather than simply compensate. A prevailing employee can also recover attorney’s fees under FEHA, which is a large part of why these cases are worth bringing even when the salary involved was modest. How fast you found new work, how clean the paper trail is, and how egregious the employer’s conduct was all move the final figure.
Illustrative only. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and every case is different. Nothing above is a prediction or guarantee about the value of any particular claim.
The California and Federal Laws That Protect You
California offers strong legal protections for employees to prevent terminating employees for illegal reasons. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a key state law that prohibits discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. FEHA also covers retaliation and ensures workplace fairness. Employees who believe their rights under FEHA were violated should consult an experienced wrongful termination lawyer to evaluate potential claims.
The California Labor Code provides additional safeguards, including wage protections, workplace safety, and rights related to medical leave. These provisions prevent employers from firing workers in violation of state labor laws and help ensure employees can exercise their legal rights without fear of retaliation.
Federal laws also play a critical role. The Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Family and Medical Leave Act protect employees nationwide. Agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforce these protections, giving employees additional recourse when terminating employees violate federal statutes. Working with an experienced wrongful termination lawyer ensures you fully understand your rights and have the best chance to seek justice.
What Skilled Representation Actually Changes
Hiring a California wrongful termination lawyer offers significant advantages for anyone facing an employment dispute or unlawful termination, especially in an at-will employment state like California. With legal expertise, an experienced lawyer can guide you through complex employment laws, court procedures, and negotiations, and your rights stay protected throughout. From initial consultation to potential litigation, our team of trial attorneys is ready to handle every stage.
Understanding these advantages can make all the difference in protecting your career and securing the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the key benefits of working with a wrongful termination attorney.
- Expert Guidance: Work through California’s employment laws and court procedures with a knowledgeable advocate. Your lawyer will explain your rights clearly and help you make informed decisions at every step.
- Financial Security: Maximize potential compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. This includes pursuing other compensation you may be entitled to, such as severance pay or benefits.
- Peace of Mind: Focus on your future while your lawyer handles all legal steps, relying on their legal expertise and experience as trial attorneys, often with no upfront fees. You can trust that your case is in capable hands while minimizing stress and uncertainty.
Potential Compensation and Outcomes of wrongful termination cases
Employees pursuing a wrongful termination suit in California may be entitled to recover lost wages and benefits. This can include unpaid salary, accrued vacation, severance pay, and other compensation tied to employment. In some cases, claims may overlap with a workers’ compensation claim if the termination is related to a workplace injury.
Beyond financial losses, employees can seek emotional distress damages for the stress and anxiety caused by illegal termination or discriminatory practices. Courts may also award punitive damages to hold employers accountable for particularly egregious behavior. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer can help ensure these damages are properly calculated under applicable laws.
Other potential outcomes include reinstatement to your previous position, recovery of attorney’s fees, and remedies for violations of an implied contract or protections tied to job security. By pursuing all available avenues, employees can secure full justice and compensation for the impact of an unfair or illegal termination.
What It Costs: No Fee Unless We Recover
Westview Law handles wrongful termination cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover for you. There is no hourly bill and no retainer to scrape together before you can get help. Your first consultation is free, and if we take your case, our fee comes out of the recovery rather than out of your pocket up front.
That structure exists for a reason. It puts experienced trial representation within reach of someone who has just lost their income, and it keeps our interests lined up with yours: we only get paid when you do. We do not post a fixed percentage online, because the right terms depend on the specifics of the case. We walk you through the exact numbers before you sign anything.
How Long a Wrongful Termination Case Takes
The timeline for a California wrongful termination case can vary depending on the complexity of the situation, but there are general stages you can expect. The process begins with a case evaluation, which typically occurs within a week, allowing your lawyer to assess your rights and determine the best course of action. Once your case is evaluated, filing a claim generally takes one to two months as your attorney gathers evidence, drafts the necessary documents, and ensures everything meets legal requirements. Resolution can then range from a few months to over a year, depending on negotiations, mediation, or litigation, with your lawyer guiding you through each step to achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Filing Deadlines Can Make or Break Your Claim
Timing is critical in wrongful termination cases, as acting promptly can change the outcome. The statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing claims, and missing these deadlines can prevent you from exercising your legal rights and holding your employer accountable.
We often advise clients to act quickly, as early action helps preserve evidence while it still exists. Documents, emails, and witness statements stay accurate and accessible. Taking steps sooner also reduces stress, providing guidance and legal support early on to protect your rights and move through the process with confidence, which takes some of the uncertainty out of a period that is already hard.
What to Do in the First Days After You’re Fired
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, taking prompt action can protect your rights and strengthen your case. The steps below outline how to respond effectively and ensure you have the best chance of pursuing justice.
Step 1: Document Everything
Keep detailed records of your employment, including performance reviews, emails, employee handbooks, and any written contracts. Note incidents that suggest discriminatory practices or a hostile work environment. That documentation is what establishes the nature of your employment relationship and supporting your claims.
Step 2: Contact a Lawyer
We recommend reaching out to an experienced wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible. They can review your documents, explain your rights under federal and state laws, and guide you on the best legal strategy.
Step 3: File Claims or Notices with the DFEH
Depending on your case, you may need to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or other relevant agencies. From our experience, formally notifying your employer of the allegations and initiating the legal process will safeguard your rights under applicable law.
The Trial Attorneys Handling Your Case
You are not handing your case to a call center. At Westview Law you work with named, verifiable California trial attorneys, and every bar number below can be checked on the State Bar website in about ten seconds.
David M. Safvati — Founder & Managing Partner
David founded Westview Law and leads its litigation practice. He earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for Southern California three years running (2022, 2023, and 2024), a recognition reserved for a small share of attorneys under 40. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California, Bar #326605.
Taylor Markey
Earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif, the top of his class, and brings a background in federal civil-rights enforcement. State Bar of California #319557.
A Real Trial Firm — and the Verdicts to Prove It
Employers and their insurers settle for more when they believe the other side can win in front of a jury. Our attorneys have tried and won some of the largest cases in California. We want to be straight about what these results are: they come from complex commercial and business-litigation trials, not from wrongful termination cases. We share them because they show the trial firepower standing behind your employment claim: the same lawyers, the same courtroom ability. Not because we are promising an employment verdict of any particular size.
$3,234,727 jury verdict
Breach of contract and fraud, tried to a jury in 2024 and recognized among the Top 100 Verdicts in California (independently listed by TopVerdict). Won by David M. Safvati.
$146,000,000 verdict
A complex commercial trial that produced a $146M jury verdict ($73M compensatory plus $73M in punitive damages) and included cross-examining the board chairman of an international conglomerate. Lead trial counsel: Paul S. Marks.
$11,363,554 judgment (firm-reported)
A stipulated judgment in a real-estate investment fraud matter, resolved on the eve of trial. This is a result the firm reports from its own records; unlike the two verdicts above, it is not independently listed by a third-party service.
These are commercial-litigation results, shown as evidence of our attorneys’ trial experience rather than as wrongful termination outcomes. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.
Why Fired Employees Choose Westview Law
Westview Law is dedicated to protecting employees and delivering results in wrongful termination cases. Here’s why clients choose our law firm:
1. No Fee Unless We Recover
We take wrongful termination cases on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case. Your first consultation is free, and financial worry never has to stand between you and getting help.
2. 24/7 Support
Our team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance. Whether you need advice on next steps or updates on your case, we’re just a call or message away.
3. A Real Trial Record
Our attorneys have won some of California’s largest verdicts, including a jury result named among the Top 100 Verdicts in California for 2024. That courtroom credibility is exactly what pushes employers to settle employment cases fairly.
4. Expert Legal Guidance
Our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers understand California’s employment laws inside and out. We provide strategic advice tailored to your situation to maximize your chances of success.
5. Personalized Approach
Every case is unique, and we treat it that way. By understanding your specific circumstances, we craft a legal strategy that addresses your needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Laws Regarding Wrongful Termination in California?
In California, wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of state or federal laws, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of an employment contract. Employees may pursue legal claims for damages, reinstatement, or other remedies under statutes like the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and labor code protections.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in California?
At Westview Law, wrongful termination cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover for you, and your first consultation is free. There is no hourly bill and no retainer to come up with before you can get help. Our fee comes out of the recovery. Terms vary by case, so we go over the exact numbers with you before you sign anything. Other firms may charge differently (some bill hourly at several hundred dollars per hour), so always confirm the fee arrangement in writing before hiring any attorney.
What Are the Steps to Take if You Believe You Were Wrongfully Terminated in California?
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated in California, first document everything, including emails, performance reviews, and any evidence of discrimination, retaliation, or contract violations. Next, consult an employment lawyer promptly to evaluate your case, file claims with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) if applicable, and explore legal remedies.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Wrongful Termination Claim in California?
You do not legally need a lawyer to file a wrongful termination claim in California, as you can submit a complaint directly to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or in court. However, having an experienced employment lawyer increases your chances of a favorable outcome, because the documentation, the deadlines, and the strategy are handled properly.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit in California?
In California, the time to file a wrongful termination claim depends on the basis: for discrimination or harassment, you generally have one year to file a complaint with the DFEH, while retaliation or breach of contract claims typically have a two- or three-year statute of limitations in court. Act promptly: missing these deadlines can bar you from pursuing legal remedies.
What Are the Potential Outcomes of a Wrongful Termination Case in California?
The potential outcomes of a wrongful termination case in California can include monetary damages for lost wages, emotional distress, or punitive damages, as well as reinstatement to your former position in some cases. The court may also award attorney’s fees and costs, and settlements outside of court are also a common resolution.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances, so you should consult a qualified wrongful termination lawyer in California for advice specific to your situation.
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