Wrongful Termination Attorneys in Oakland

You worked hard to get where you are in your career. You deserve to be treated fairly under the law.

Being fired can come as a shock. It can disrupt your life and sense of security. Your employer may give you a reason that seems unfair or vague ("it's not a good fit"), or may not give you any reason at all. But if your employer's real reason is illegal, such as firing you because of your race or gender or because you complained about illegal activity or discrimination, you may have a case for wrongful termination.

98% Success Rate

The employment attorneys at Erlich Law Firm get compensation for employees in over 98% of the cases that we take.

Over 20 Years

Jason Erlich has been fighting for the rights of workers for over 20 years. 

California and Federal Courts

Jason Erlich has fought for workers rights in California and Federal Courts.

DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION

OAKLAND WRONGFUL TERMINATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS

Don’t face your employer alone

Proving that you were fired illegally is difficult. Your employer will attempt to hide their reasons for firing you, and they will have resources to defend themselves. For these reasons, it is important to seek an experienced wrongful termination lawyer at Erlich Law Firm to determine whether you have a case.

When is a termination legally wrongful?

It certainly seems "wrong" if you worked hard, did a great job, and your employer ended your employment without good cause. But not all such terminations are "wrongful" under the law. California employees without a union or employment contract are "at-will," meaning they can quit or be fired any time for almost any reason, or even no reason. However, state and federal laws protect all employees who have been wrongfully terminated for specific illegal reasons.

Return to table of contents

Wrongful termination occurs when your employer terminates you for a reason that is specifically prohibited by law.

Being fired for any of the following reasons is illegal

  • Discriminatory Reasons

  • Retalitory
    Reasons

  • Breaching Contractual Agreements

  • Nonparticipation
    in Illegal Activity

Discriminatory Reasons

  • Being fired on the basis of color, national origin, sex or gender (including transgenderism), religion, age, disability, marital or family status, pregnancy status, or sexual orientation.
  • Having a serious medical condition, disability.
  • Taking medical leave or requesting a reasonable accommodation for a disability.

Retaliatory Reasons

  • This includes complaining about or reporting discrimination or sexual harassment.
  • Exercising your right under the Family and Medical Leave Act to take time off for parental leave or to bond with your newborn.
  • Taking time off for medical leave or to care or a family member.
  • Reporting illegal conduct by your company.
  • Requesting to be paid for all hours worked, legally-guaranteed overtime or minimum wage, or requesting legally-required rest or meal breaks.

Breaching Contractual Agreements

  • Being fired for reasons that violate the terms and conditions of a written or verbal contract with you or your union.

Nonparticipation in Illegal Activity

  • Refusing to perform an illegal act on behalf of your employer.

The wrongful termination attorneys at Erlich Law Firm have over 20 years of experience helping employees get compensation for wrongful termination. We will evaluate your case, listen to your goals, and fight for the best resolution.

Afraid of Being Fired? 6 Things You Can Do To Protect Your Rights:

Typically a legal case for wrongful termination cannot be filed until you have actually been terminated. If you suspect your employer is about to fire you for illegal reasons, you should take steps to protect your rights, including:

1

Document Everything

Document, in writing (or email), the illegal activity in detail, and send it to your supervisor, human resources personnel, or compliance hotline. Keep a copy of everything for your records.

2

Obtain Relevant Records

Obtain copies, except where prohibited by law, of documents that support your claims. For instance, if you are complaining of unpaid wages, try to obtain timecards, paystubs, or other evidence.

3

Be cooperative

Cooperate with any investigation of your complaints by your employer. Take notes about everything they tell you, and everything you tell them.

4

Stay Polite

Be polite and professional, even if your employer is not, and especially when keeping your cool can be difficult.

5

Gather Witnesses

Make note of witness names, and their contact information.

6

Stand Up for Your Rights

Do not be pressured to quit your job, or sign away your legal rights in exchange for a small severance payment.

The law protects you regardless of what kind of work you do, how much you earn, how long you work, or whether you are a regular or temporary employee. If you aren't sure whether you were fired for an illegal reason, call now for a free case assessment.

experience-determination-empathy-empowerment-white

What should you do if you think you have been wrongfully terminated?

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you should speak with an experienced Oakland employment attorney at Erlich Law Firm right away. In some cases, you will need to take action quickly to protect your right to sue. It is also important to take the following steps to help you improve your position should you decide to take legal action against your employer for wrongful termination.

Return to table of contents

Stay calm. Never act on negative feelings against your employer.

Ask questions of your employer about the reasons for your termination.

Request information. Request a copy of your personnel file.

Gather evidence: performance evaluations, pay stubs and important emails or letters.

Follow procedures. Return all company-owned equipment.

Consult an attorney. Do not sign any severance package or other agreement. It will likely waive your right to legal action.

CASE STUDY

Wrongful termination due to retaliation

Our client worked for a government contractor and ‘blew the whistle’ on illegal activity in the workplace. Our client reported to the CEO and HR that employees were billing their time to a government contract but really were working on a side project to benefit a supervisor. The supervisor began a campaign to fire the employee through falsified discipline warnings.

RESULT

Ultimately, we were able to negotiate a substantial settlement package on the eve of trial.

Return to table of contents

1
WHAT HAPPENED
Our client worked for a government contractor and ‘blew the whistle’ on illegal activity in the workplace.
2
WHAT HAPPENED
Our client reported to the CEO and HR that employees were billing their time to a government contract but really were working on a side project to benefit a supervisor.
3
WHAT HAPPENED
The supervisor began a campaign to fire the employee through falsified discipline warnings.
4
WHAT HAPPENED
Ultimately, we were able to negotiate a substantial settlement package on the eve of trial.
Client testimonials
Jason took the time to explain and guide me through the challenging process, and went the extra steps in consistently providing guidance and putting my concerns and questions high on their list.

Jeff V., Oakland

Jason Erlich made me feel like I was in the right place right away.I had some serious problems with a previous employer and he took care of everything. From the start he helped with my concerns and fears going up against a big corporation.

Susan W., Pacifica

With Jason’s expertise, commitment and aggressiveness, the case is now over and it’s only been 6 months!! I would HIGHLY recommend Jason Erlich to anyone that needs an employment lawyer.

Carla, Petaluma

I can highly recommend Jason Erlich Esq. for any employment law matter. He is an outstanding lawyer, embodies a mix of honesty, knowledge, client care and tough mindset.

Roger J., Oakland

VIEW CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Call for free case evaluation

Under wrongful termination law in California, you may be able to receive lost wages, damages for pain and suffering, and punitive damages if the employer’s conduct was malicious or willful. With our extensive knowledge of the evolving field of employment law, our wrongful termination attorneys will investigate your case, examine your employment history, review the circumstances of your termination, and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.

(510) 390-9140

SEEN ON
cnnmoney
marin-ij
dailypost
news10