Lafayette Wrongful Termination Lawyers
Protecting Employees Across Lafayette
Losing your job can be life-altering, but if your termination was illegal, you may be entitled to compensation. At McCune Law Group (MLG), our Lafayette wrongful termination lawyers represent employees who have been fired for unlawful reasons. Whether your case involves discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, or a violation of workplace protections, we stand ready to protect your rights and hold employers accountable.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for a reason that violates state or federal law. While California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning employers can end employment without cause, they cannot terminate someone for an unlawful reason.
Many employees wonder, “Was I wrongfully terminated or unlawfully terminated?” The two terms often overlap — both refer to firings that break the law or violate public policy.
Examples of Wrongful or Unlawful Termination:
- Discrimination-Based Firings – Termination due to race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or pregnancy.
- Retaliation – Being fired for reporting workplace harassment, safety violations, or wage theft.
- Whistleblower Protection Violations – Termination for exposing illegal activity or unethical business practices.
- Leave-Related Firings – Dismissal for taking protected medical or family leave.
- Breach of Contract – Firings that violate written or implied employment agreements.
Quick Facts – Lafayette Wrongful Termination | ||
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Detail | |
| Average Case Timeline | 12–18 months depending on complexity | |
| Court Jurisdiction | Contra Costa County Superior Court – Martinez Courthouse | |
| Statute of Limitations | 2-3 years depending on claim type (FEHA, contract, or public policy) | |
| Pre-Litigation Options | CRD or EEOC filing, mediation, settlement negotiations | |
Why Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Lafayette?
Local Insight That Makes a Difference
Our attorneys understand Lafayette’s professional landscape and the Contra Costa County court system. From tech startups and education to healthcare and logistics, we know how wrongful termination issues arise — and how to effectively resolve them.
Local Case Experience
McCune Law Group has represented employees across the Bay Area who were wrongfully or unlawfully terminated. We have helped clients secure compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and retaliation, while encouraging employers to improve their policies and accountability.
Our Lafayette Employment Law Services | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of Claim | Description | |
| Wrongful Termination | Challenging illegal or retaliatory firings | |
| Retaliation & Whistleblower Cases | Protecting employees punished for reporting wrongdoing | |
| Discrimination-Based Firings | Fighting terminations motivated by bias or prejudice | |
| Family & Medical Leave Violations | Enforcing rights under FMLA and CFRA | |
| Contract Violations | Addressing breaches of written or implied employment agreements | |
Ask an Lafayette Unlawful Termination Attorney – FAQ
How do I know if I was wrongfully or unlawfully terminated?
“If you were fired after reporting misconduct, requesting medical leave, or standing up against discrimination, your termination may be unlawful. The key is documenting what happened and seeking legal advice quickly.” – Joseph L. Richardson, Practice Area Leader at McCune Law Group
Can I be fired for speaking up about unfair treatment?
No. California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for asserting their rights or reporting violations.
Do I need to file a claim with an agency first?
In most cases, yes. Wrongful termination claims under FEHA require filing with the CRD or EEOC before going to court.
What damages can I recover in a wrongful termination case?
You may be entitled to lost wages, reinstatement, emotional distress damages, and in some cases, punitive damages if your employer acted with malice or oppression.
Video: Unlawful Termination Litigation 101
Wrongful Termination Timeline – What to Expect
Investigation → CRD/EEOC Filing → Right-to-Sue Letter → Complaint Filed → Discovery → Settlement or Trial
Most Lafayette wrongful termination cases filed in Contra Costa County resolve within 12–18 months. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case and employer cooperation.
Local Resources & Court Information
- Contra Costa County Superior Court – Wakefield Taylor Courthouse
725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553
(Civil Division – Employment and wrongful termination cases are filed here.) - California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
Handles administrative complaints for discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. - EEOC – San Francisco District Office
Federal agency enforcing laws against workplace discrimination and retaliation.
How to Start Your Wrongful Termination Case in Lafayette
Taking the right steps early can make the difference between a strong case and one that is difficult to prove. If you suspect your firing was wrongful, here is how to protect your rights:
- Step 1: Document the Termination-Gather termination letters, performance reviews, and HR communications. Write down dates, names, and specific details about what led to your dismissal.
- Step 2: File an Internal Complaint (If Applicable)-Reporting your concerns to HR or management creates documentation that may support your case later.
- Step 3: Contact a Lafayette Employment Attorney-Our wrongful and unlawful termination lawyers will assess your claim, determine the proper agency filing (CRD or EEOC), and develop a strategy to protect your rights.
- Step 4: Prepare for Local Court-If litigation is necessary, your case will likely proceed through the Contra Costa County Superior Court – Martinez Courthouse. Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating this local venue.
- Step 5: Schedule a Free Case Evaluation-McCune Law Group offers confidential case evaluations to help you understand your rights, possible remedies, and next steps.
Talk to a Lafayette Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today
Free Case Evaluation | Confidential Case Review | Bay Area Representation
If you believe you were wrongfully or unlawfully terminated in Lafayette, call (925) 378-5582 or complete our secure online form. Our employment law attorneys at McCune Law Group will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your future.
Attorney Advertising
McCune Law Group, APC is responsible for this advertisement. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Use of this website or submission of the online form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Counsel Joseph L. Richardson is licensed to practice only in the state of California. The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, GA, MO, NY, and PA. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys is not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.
The results discussed do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the results in future cases.