What to Do After a Wrongful Termination in California

Losing a job can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person's working life. When the circumstances feel unfair — or you suspect the real reason was unlawful — it is natural to wonder what, if anything, you can do.

This article outlines general first steps. It is not legal advice, and every situation is different.

Understand What "Wrongful Termination" Means

California is generally an "at-will" employment state, which means many employees can be terminated for any lawful reason, or no reason at all. A termination may be wrongful, however, when it is based on an unlawful reason — for example, discrimination based on a protected characteristic, retaliation for reporting unlawful conduct, or a violation of an employment contract or public policy.

Practical First Steps

Write down a timeline

While details are fresh, record the key events: when concerns arose, conversations with supervisors or HR, and how and when you were told about the termination. Dates and names matter.

Keep records you are lawfully entitled to

Offer letters, pay stubs, performance reviews, and personal copies of relevant communications can all be helpful. Be careful not to take confidential company information you are not authorized to keep.

Don't rush to sign

Many employers present a severance agreement at or shortly after termination. These agreements often include a release of legal claims. Before signing, make sure you understand what you may be giving up.

Be Mindful of Deadlines

Employment claims are subject to filing deadlines, and some require an administrative complaint before a lawsuit can be filed. Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim, so it is wise to seek guidance promptly.

How Kiwan Law Can Help

Kiwan Law represents employees in workplace disputes. We can listen to what happened, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide on next steps. Not every termination gives rise to a legal claim — but understanding where you stand is always a worthwhile first step.