Wrongful Termination Attorney in Costa Mesa, CA
Losing a job can be one of the most stressful experiences a California employee faces. However, when you’re fired for unlawful reasons in Costa Mesa, this can add significant emotional weight to your stress. Employers who terminate employees illegally in California are financially responsible for the hardship they cause. If you were wrongfully terminated, our Costa Mesa wrongful termination lawyers can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you believe your employment was unfairly terminated, you can turn to a Costa Mesa wrongful termination attorney for help. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you by evaluating your case, discussing your options, and helping you obtain just compensation if your employer has violated California and federal labor laws.
California Employment Counsel, APC, is a dedicated employment law firm serving the Orange County community. We are deeply acquainted with federal and state employment laws, and we work hard to help you hold your employer accountable and obtain the financial compensation you deserve. We are here to assist you in all aspects of your wrongful termination case.
Other Types of Costa Mesa Law Cases we Handle
Understanding Wrongful Termination in California
Wrongful termination occurs in California when an employer fires one of their employees for an unethical or unlawful reason. California is an at-will hiring and firing state, meaning that a person can quit or be terminated for no reason and without notice. However, this at-will policy does not allow for an employee to be terminated for illegal reasons, meaning the reasoning cannot be discriminatory, unethical, or retaliatory in nature.
State and federal employment laws recognize that it is both unfair and illegal to terminate a worker under such circumstances, and provide remedies to workers who have been wrongfully terminated. If you were wrongfully terminated in Costa Mesa, you should hire a wrongful termination attorney who can help you file a claim and pursue the compensation you’re rightfully owed.
Recent Verdicts & Settlements
$2,791,785
Verdict of $2,791,785 against a restaurant for sexual harassment of a teenager in Orange County Superior Court
$2,125,000
$2,125,000 in age discrimination case against a large hotel
$2,944,707
Total verdict of $2,944,707 against Amazon in a pregnancy discrimination case in Los Angeles Superior Court
Important Statistics Regarding Wrongful Termination
Workplace conflicts, such as wrongful termination, are a persistent problem across the country. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that in 2023, there were over 80,000 charges of employment discrimination filed, a 10% increase from the previous year, with a significant number of these cases involving retaliation or termination. More than $665 million was awarded to those who faced employment discrimination.
California is frequently among the states with the highest number of employment-related complaints. This is reflective of both the large workforce and active enforcement of employee protections. These statistics demonstrate why it is essential to know your rights and seek legal advice from a Costa Mesa wrongful termination lawyer if you think your termination was illegal.
Common Causes of Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination is an illegal act that employers across the country perform. Regardless of why an employer fired you, they can be held legally accountable if you were terminated for illegal reasons. Wrongful termination in Costa Mesa can look like:
- Retaliation. This occurs when a Costa Mesa employer terminates an employee in response to them exercising their legal rights, such as reporting unsafe working conditions, illegal practices, or harassment.
- Discrimination. This involves a Costa Mesa employer firing a worker for protected characteristics, such as race, religion, gender, pregnancy status, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
- Violation of a Contract. While California is an at-will state, an employer cannot fire you if their contract states otherwise. For example, if your contract says they must notify you within two weeks of termination, but they fire you immediately, this violates your contract and your rights.
- Violation of Public Policy. It is illegal to terminate a Costa Mesa employee if the termination violates public policy, such as firing them for refusing to participate in illegal activities.
Being able to recognize forms of wrongful termination can help you determine whether your Costa Mesa employer has violated your rights. When you hire a wrongful termination lawyer, they can help you file a powerful claim with the appropriate agency to ensure your rights are respected and that harmful employers are held accountable.
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Why Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Costa Mesa?
Whether you are an employee serving Costa Mesa’s nearly 110,000 residents or visitors within the city’s thriving tourism sector or are employed within the city’s large financial, research, or medical sectors, you are entitled to protections.
Working with an employment attorney from California Employment Counsel, APC, offers you numerous advantages:
- Local Knowledge. Our law firm is based in Costa Mesa, and we have an intimate understanding of the city’s multiple sectors. We are also knowledgeable about systemic issues that may arise within certain types of businesses in the region.
- Years of Practice. You can trust that your case is being managed by an attorney with a track record of success securing high settlements and court wins for decades for clients who have faced wrongful termination.
- Focus on Employment Law. We are deeply familiar with all aspects of employment laws in California and at the federal level. Working with us means having the backing of an attorney who focuses exclusively on employment law disputes in your area.
- Detailed Evaluation. You are not just a number. You receive the dedicated attention you deserve when you hire an attorney at California Employment Counsel, APC. We evaluate all aspects of your case and provide tailored legal solutions that are suitable for your particular situation.
- Aggressive Representation. Taking on an employer and their defense attorney or legal team, especially if they are a large business, requires tact and strength. Our attorneys are aggressive at the negotiation table and in court. We pursue an employer to the fullest extent of the law.
California Employment Counsel, APC, can be your trusted partner in a wrongful termination claim against a Costa Mesa employer. Allow one of our seasoned attorneys to advocate for your rights.
Wrongful Termination Protections in California Explained
California is an at-will employment state. This means that an employer or an employee can terminate their employment relationship without prior notice. It also allows employers to change the terms of employment, including wages paid, as long as it does not violate minimum wage laws.
Despite the at-will framework, there are prominent legal protections that make it unlawful for employers to terminate a worker under certain conditions. Firing a worker for any of the following reasons can constitute a violation of state and federal law, and thus, an employee may have actionable cause to pursue a wrongful termination claim:
- Termination Due to Discrimination: Firing an employee based on their race, disability status, sex, or age, as well as numerous other protected characteristics, is unlawful in California per California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
- Termination as Retaliation: Employees who file a workplace complaint, utilize their employee benefits, request an accommodation as a victim of domestic abuse, or even disclose their wages are protected from retaliatory actions by their employers, including termination.
- Termination for Refusing to Participate in Unlawful Behavior: Terminating an employee for refusing to engage in unlawful acts at the request of the employer is a potential cause for action. Examples can include firing a worker who does not participate in workplace harassment or letting a worker go because they did not falsify a financial report. Whistleblowers are also protected from retaliation.
- Termination That Violates a Contractual Agreement: In certain cases, an employer may enter into a contractual agreement with an employee, which may supersede at-will employment rules. If an employee is fired in violation of contract conditions, they may be able to prove wrongful termination. A plaintiff may file a claim for breach of contract with a county court.
What to Do if You Have Faced Wrongful Termination in Costa Mesa, CA
Dealing with a termination at a time when the unemployment rate in Orange County is 3.7% (April 2025), slightly below the national unemployment rate of 4.2%, is tough.
If you suspect that you may be terminated in the future based on your employer’s unlawful workplace action, or if you have been recently terminated and need to determine what to do next, here are some things you should consider:
- Do Not Sign a Severance Package. Your employer may offer a severance package if you are terminated. It is important that you not sign this until you can determine if you have a valid wrongful termination case, since doing so may release an employer from all claims.
- Gather Evidence. You should compile evidence, including emails and text conversations, showing your employer has encouraged or has allowed others to engage in unlawful workplace behavior against you. If you have already been terminated, communicate with former trusted colleagues who may have witnessed the unlawful behavior.
- Contact an Employment Attorney. Wrongful termination cases are extremely difficult to prove. Providing a knowledgeable attorney with details of your termination, as well as examples of any notable behavior that potentially points to wrongful termination, can help them counsel you on your next steps.
Having an attorney by your side not only ensures that you have an actionable claim but can also help increase your chances of success in a wrongful termination claim.
Rights of a Costa Mesa Employee After Termination
Wrongfully terminated employees in California are entitled to several important rights, including:
- The Right to File a Claim With Your Employer or Employment Agencies. All California employees are given the legal right to file a complaint against their employer with an employment agency when they believe their rights are violated. These agencies will look into the case and investigate discrimination, retaliation, or any other illegal termination practices.
- The Right to Pursue Compensation. Costa Mesa employees may also be entitled to compensation for any damages incurred as a result of their wrongful termination. This can include compensation for lost wages, unpaid benefits, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages that are meant to punish particularly egregious employer conduct.
- The Right to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer. Costa Mesa employees should know that they have the right to an attorney at every stage of the claims process. Even if you began your claim without legal aid, you can hire a wrongful termination lawyer to advocate for you at any point. An attorney can make sure that complaints are filed correctly, that deadlines are not missed, and that all forms of relief are being pursued.
Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim in Costa Mesa
The process to file a wrongful termination claim in Costa Mesa requires following specific steps to ensure you protect your rights. These include:
- Documenting Your Case in Detail. Your first action should be to document every detail of your case. Gather all relevant emails, performance reviews, employment contracts, witness statements, and any supporting documentation that can prove wrongful termination in Costa Mesa. This documentation serves as essential evidence.
- Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer. Once you’ve collected evidence regarding your claim, you should discuss the situation with an experienced wrongful termination lawyer who can help you pursue the smartest pathway to compensation.
- File a Formal Complaint With an Employment Agency. Costa Mesa employees must then file a formal complaint with the relevant agency, such as the EEOC for federal claims or the CRD for state-level grievances. These agencies have strict deadlines for filing claims. Your lawyer can ensure you file everything on time and with the right details.
- Wait for an Investigation. After filing a complaint, the designated agency usually investigates the matter, reviewing the circumstances surrounding your termination. The investigation process includes conducting interviews and requesting documents, with the possibility of mediating disputes between the employee and employer.
- Negotiations and Trial. It’s worth noting that many cases are settled or resolved through negotiation before reaching court. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, the case will go to court. An experienced employment attorney can help you navigate all necessary steps to correctly handle your case while presenting strong evidence and positioning it for the greatest results possible.
About Our Firm
At California Employment Counsel, APC, we are dedicated to protecting employees’ rights here in Costa Mesa and across the state. Whether you are a victim of wrongful termination or workplace discrimination, we are ready to help you pursue justice. We have extensive experience representing clients in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana and can help you fight for your rights.
Contact California Employment Counsel, APC, Today
If you faced wrongful termination in Costa Mesa, this does not have to be the end. At California Employment Counsel, APC, our lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights and secure justice. Contact us today to get started.
Costa Mesa Employment Law Resources
California Employment Counsel – Costa Mesa Office
555 Anton Blvd,
Suite 150
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Call: 714-361-0864
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