Employment law is often a hot topic of conversation at parties, around the water cooler, or at the dinner table, because almost everyone can relate; we all have a story about a horrible boss or an unfair employment action. At some point in the conversation, someone usually exclaims, “But they can’t fire you for that!” Unfortunately, the truth is, in many circumstances “they” can fire you for “that”—As a general rule, your employer may terminate your employment for any reason, or no reason at all! However, the good news is that there are many exceptions to this general rule. While the list of exceptions is long and very complicated, here are some common ones:

~Retaliation: An employer cannot lawfully fire an employee for engaging in a “protected activity.” “Protected activity” means an act that is protected by federal or state law, such as reporting discrimination or safety violations.

~Contract: For an employee who has executed a contract with an employer that provides for employment over a set time period, a different set of rules applies and the default “employment at will” doctrine is no longer in play. 

~Discrimination: An employer cannot lawfully fire an employee because of that person’s race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, age, or disability.

 If you feel your employment has been unlawfully terminated, you must contact an employment law attorney immediately. The experienced attorneys at The Gomez Law Firm will evaluate your potential case at no charge. There are various deadlines and statutes of limitations that apply to the filing of lawsuits in California.  Failure to comply with those deadlines may forever bar you from pursuing your claim. 

* This information is not intended to be legal advice and merely conveys general information related to legal issues commonly encountered. You must consult an attorney for legal advice that addresses your particular situation.