As in most other states, employment in California is presumed to be “at-will,” which means that either you or your employer has the right to end the employment relationship at any time. This makes it difficult, but not impossible, to bring a successful wrongful termination claim.

You may be able to pursue compensation for your losses stemming from unfair termination if:

• You have a contract — An existing written or oral contract with your employer may limit when or why your employment can be terminated. If you and your employer had an agreement about how long your employment would be guaranteed, or what circumstances may justify termination of the contract, you may have a strong claim for wrongful termination.
• Your termination was based on discrimination — State and federal discrimination laws protect employees from any adverse employment action based on race, gender, age, disability, religion or membership in another protected class. If you were fired for discriminatory reasons, you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages.
• Your termination violates public policy — If you were fired for refusing to commit an illegal act, reporting illegality in the workplace or exercising any right guaranteed under the law, your termination may be considered an unlawful violation of public policy.
• Your employer retaliated against you — Your employer may not retaliate against you for exercising your employee rights. It is illegal to fire someone as “payback” for certain types of complaints, taking family or medical leave, or reporting wrongdoing.