California
Wrongful Termination Lawyer

California law protects workers from being terminated for unlawful reasons, but employers often try to cover their tracks or intimidate employees into staying silent. If you believe you were fired in violation of your rights, you may have a legal claim against your employer.

Attorney Michael Velarde represents workers who’ve been wrongfully terminated, and helps them fight back with the full power of the law. He will listen to your story, assess your legal options, and take action to hold your employer accountable.

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What His Clients Say

”“I retained Mr. Velarde for a Wrongful Termination case. I found him to be reliable and trustworthy. He was compassionate when I was frustrated. He explained things when I was confused. He tolerated my bad jokes. Mr. Velarde took a great deal of time with me making sure I felt confident and reassured in my case. He was also very honest no matter what the news was. In the end, he won my case! Great attorney and human.”
- Erin F.

”“Michael recently represented me in three cases that resulted in significant victory. His approach is nothing short of impressive. When faced with challenges, he tackles them head-on, demonstrating remarkable determination and creativity. From our first meeting, it was clear that he prioritizes his clients. He was always available to answer questions and kept me informed throughout the entire process. His commitment and hard work truly made a difference in the outcome of my case. If you’re looking for an attorney who will advocate for you with passion and professionalism, I highly recommend him. He is a true champion for his clients.”
- Michelle M.

”“Working with Michael was my second experience working with a civil litigation attorney. This experience was by far the best. As a person with a disability it is difficult for me to make decisions, but the way that Michael explained things made it easy to. I am very thankful that I found my Attorney Michael because he is very knowledgeable in Employment law and is great at explaining it to me. When working with Michael I knew he really cared about getting justice for the situation I went through, and he did.”
- Elias R.

Wrongful Termination Services

California law provides a variety of protections for workers to prevent them from experiencing discrimination, retaliation, and other damaging offenses at work. The problem is that it’s not always clear at first glance whether a termination violated the law.

Mr. Velarde handles a wide range of wrongful termination cases, including:

Termination for requesting medical leave or disability accommodations
Retaliation for a protected activity such as filing a complaint or whistleblowing

Discrimination based on a protected trait such as disability, sex/gender, age, or parental status, to name a few
Any other termination that violates federal or California law

Attorney Michael Velarde focuses on helping workers identify when their termination crossed a legal line. He’ll investigate the facts, expose unlawful motives, and work to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

Understanding Wrongful Termination in California

Not all firings are illegal. California is an “at-will” employment state, which means that employers can terminate employees for a variety of reasons.

However, that doesn’t mean that they can fire you for any reason at all. If you can show that an employer fired you for a reason that violates federal or California law, you can hold them accountable for their wrongdoing in a court of law.

California law prohibits terminating employees for:

Belonging to a protected class such as race, gender, or disability
Reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
Requesting a reasonable accommodation for a disability or medical condition
Taking protected family or medical leave under FMLA or CFRA
Participating in a workplace investigation
Refusing to participate in illegal or unethical conduct
Reporting wage and hour violations or unpaid wages
Participating in legal union activity

If you suspect your termination was based on one of these or other similar reasons, you may have a case. You could be legally entitled to compensation such as:

Filing a wrongful termination claim isn’t just about compensation. It’s about making your voice heard and preventing the same thing from happening to someone else.

Lost wages and benefits
Emotional distress damages
Punitive damages (in certain cases involving malicious, fraudulent, or oppressive conduct)
Attorney’s fees and costs
In some cases, reinstatement

How Velarde & Velarde Can Help

Attorney Michael Velarde believes in protecting workers from abuses of power. He understands how a wrongful termination can completely upend a person’s life, and how important it is to hold employers accountable for their actions.

He won’t back down from a fight. Whether confronting large multi-national corporations or regional businesses, Mr. Velarde will stand up for your rights and pursue the justice you deserve. Here’s how he does it:

He will gather the facts, review documents, and look for inconsistencies or retaliation patterns that reveal the truth behind your firing.
Work to build compelling, evidence-backed arguments designed to show exactly why your termination was unlawful.
Whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, Mr. Velarde tailors his approach to your goals and your specific case.
Mr. Velarde will treat your case with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. You’ll get direct communication, honest advice, and an attorney that’s fully committed to helping you move forward.

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FAQs

What qualifies as wrongful termination in California?

Wrongful termination happens when an employee is fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or in violation of public policy or a contract. There are a number of different laws and regulations that an employer could violate — such as terminating an employee for requesting medical leave, reporting misconduct, or opposing sex harassment. In order to properly analyze your case, it’s best to consult with an experienced employee rights attorney.

Is it wrongful termination if I was fired without a reason given?

Sometimes. California is an at-will state, so employers can terminate employees without stating a reason. But if the real reason was illegal (for example, discrimination or retaliation), you may have a case.

What evidence do I need for a wrongful termination case?

Some examples of evidence that can be useful in wrongful termination cases can include emails, performance reviews, witness testimony, internal complaints, and evidence of a timeline. One word of caution, it is often illegal to make audio recordings without the other person knowing they are being recorded. That should not be done by either the employee or the employer.

Can I get my job back after a wrongful termination?

It depends on the circumstances of your case. Reinstatement is possible in some cases, but most clients prefer to pursue compensation and move on. We’ll discuss your goals and tailor our strategy accordingly.

Contact an Experienced Employee Rights Lawyer Today

You’ve worked hard for your job. If your employer took it away for an unlawful reason, you have every right to stand up and demand justice. Attorney Michael Velarde helps workers across California fight back against wrongful termination and rebuild their futures with strength and clarity. Contact Mr. Velarde today to schedule a consultation.

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