Irvine Unlawful Termination Lawyers
Defending Orange County Workers Against Wrongful Firing
Whether you’ve been fired in retaliation for whistleblowing, terminated due to discrimination, or dismissed in violation of your employment contract, McCune Law Group’s Irvine unlawful termination lawyers are here to fight for your rights. With extensive experience handling cases across Orange County, we protect your career and livelihood like they’re our own.
What Is Unlawful Termination?
Unlawful termination (also called wrongful termination) occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons that violate federal or state law, public policy, or employment contracts—even in at-will employment states like California.
Common Examples of Unlawful Termination:
- Retaliation for reporting illegal activity or safety violations (whistleblowing)
- Firing based on discrimination (race, gender, age, disability, etc.)
- Termination for taking protected medical or family leave
- Dismissal for filing workers’ compensation claims
- Breach of employment contract or implied contract violations
- Firing in violation of company policy or employee handbook terms
Quick Facts – Unlawful Termination in Irvine | ||
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Detail | |
| Average Case Timeline Court Jurisdiction | 8-18 months depending on complexity Orange County Superior Court | |
| Statute of Limitations (CA) | 2-4 years depending on claim type | |
| Filing Requirements | Varies by claim; discrimination requires CRD filing first | |
| Common Damages Recovered | Back pay, front pay, emotional distress, punitive damages | |
Why Hire Our Irvine Unlawful Termination Lawyers?
Local Insight Changes the Game
Our attorneys understand how Orange County’s court system, judges, and employment laws work. We have experience litigating in:
- Central Justice Center
- California Civil Rights Department proceedings
- Labor Commissioner hearings
- Local employment arbitration forums
Local Wins – Orange County Industry Expertise
Our unlawful termination attorneys have successfully advocated for employees across Orange County, helping them secure justice for illegal firings, recover lost wages and benefits, and hold employers accountable for violating California’s strong worker protection laws.
Our Irvine Unlawful Termination Services | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of Unlawful Termination | Description | |
| Retaliation Claims | Protecting employees fired for whistleblowing or reporting violations | |
| Discrimination-Based Firing | Fighting terminations based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics | |
| Breach of Contract | Enforcing written employment contracts and implied agreements | |
| Violation of Public Policy | Cases involving termination for legally protected activities | |
| FMLA/CFRA Violations | Defending workers fired for taking protected medical or family leave | |
Ask an Unlawful Termination Attorney – FAQ
What should I do immediately after being wrongfully terminated?
Request your termination reason in writing, collect all employment documents (contracts, handbooks, performance reviews), and document the circumstances surrounding your firing. Consult with an attorney quickly, as some claims have short filing deadlines.
Is California really an “at-will” state? Can I still sue for wrongful termination?
Yes, California is at-will, meaning employers can generally fire without cause. However, numerous exceptions protect workers from unlawful termination based on discrimination, retaliation, contract violations, or public policy violations. These protections are extensive.
How much will this cost?
Many unlawful termination cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. At McCune Law Group, we also offer free evaluations to assess your situation.
Video: Real World Examples of Workplace Discrimination
Unlawful Termination Case Timeline
Initial Consultation → Evidence Review → Administrative Filing (if required) → Demand/Negotiation → Lawsuit Filing → Discovery → Settlement or Trial
Local Resources & Court Info
Orange County Superior Court – Civil Division
Central Justice Center 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (657) 622-6878
California Civil Rights Department
File discrimination/retaliation complaints
Online portal available
3-year filing deadline for discrimination claims
How to Build Your Unlawful Termination Case in Irvine
Step 1: Gather Your Employment Documentation
Collect your employment contract, offer letter, employee handbook, performance reviews, emails, text messages, and any documentation related to your termination. Note the specific reason given for your firing (if any).
Step 2: Document the Timeline and Circumstances
Create a detailed timeline of events leading to your termination, especially any complaints you made, protected activities you engaged in, or discriminatory treatment you experienced before being fired.
Step 3: Consult with an Irvine Unlawful Termination Lawyer
Our legal team will assess whether your termination violated California law, federal protections, or contractual agreements. We’ll identify the strongest legal theories for your case and determine necessary filing requirements.
Step 4: Navigate Administrative and Legal Proceedings
Depending on your claim type, we may need to file with the California Civil Rights Department, Labor Commissioner, or proceed directly to court. Our attorneys have extensive experience with Orange County’s employment law procedures.
Step 5: Get Your Free Case Review
Our experienced attorneys provide confidential consultations to assess your wrongful termination claims and explain available remedies, including lost wages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
Talk to an Irvine Unlawful Termination Lawyer Today
Free Evaluation | Confidential review
Don’t let an illegal firing derail your career. Let us fight for your rights and hold your employer accountable. Call (949) 522-4480 or fill out our secure contact form today.
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.