{"id":1642,"date":"2025-07-08T18:42:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T18:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/?page_id=1642"},"modified":"2026-09-24T08:19:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T08:19:43","slug":"wrongful-termination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wrongful-termination\/","title":{"rendered":"Wrongful Termination"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:end;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:end;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;min-height:400px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09{background-image:url('http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/rsw_900m-10.webp');background-size:cover;background-position:53% 26%;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.79;background-color:var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:30px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(1 of *:not(style)){order:2;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(2 of *:not(style)){order:1;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(3 of *:not(style)){order:12;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(4 of *:not(style)){order:11;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(5 of *:not(style)){order:22;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(6 of *:not(style)){order:21;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(7 of *:not(style)){order:32;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(8 of *:not(style)){order:31;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_671918-09 alignnone has-theme-palette3-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-normal\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-equal kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-bottom\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;}.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_a3489b-c9 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37\"]{padding-bottom:20px;line-height:65px;font-style:normal;color:#ffffff;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37\"]{font-size:35px;line-height:52px;}}<\/style>\n<h1 class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_9e61d7-37\">Wrongful Termination<\/h1>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\"] a, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_0f66ea-4c, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_0f66ea-4c .kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\"] a:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_0f66ea-4c:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_0f66ea-4c:hover .kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0f66ea-4c\">Michael Trust founded Michael Trust Law, APC after more than 35 years in HR leadership across entertainment, healthcare, higher education, finance, banking, solar energy, and other industries, including managing approximately 35,000 disability and leave-of-absence cases. He holds the SPHR, PHRca, and SHRM-SCP credentials. The PHRca is a California-specific HR credential focused on California employment law and HR practice. According to HRCI&#8217;s published pass-rate statistics at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrci.org\/pass-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.hrci.org\/pass-rates<\/a>, the PHRca has the lowest pass rate of all HRCI credentials \u2014 47% as of December 31, 2025, compared with 71\u201384% for HRCI&#8217;s other certifications \u2014 and only 293 candidates worldwide tested for it in 2025. That HR-systems background helps identify HR process issues early, which can shape legal analysis on both sides.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_9127a8-ba inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1642_3ea15d-6a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_3ea15d-6a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_3ea15d-6a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1642_3ea15d-6a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:1;background-image:url('https:\/\/stage.startertemplatecloud.com\/e10\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/01\/wave_tr_bg.png');background-size:auto;background-position:center center;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:repeat;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_3ea15d-6a > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_3ea15d-6a > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_3ea15d-6a alignnone has-theme-palette4-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-normal\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:90px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:180px;padding-left:20px;}.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:60px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:60px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:20px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column1642_e8050b-27, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1642_e8050b-27:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_e8050b-27 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:30px;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_fa3ee0-5c alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_d205bf-14 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-lg, 4rem);column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_864c17-d4 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e\"]{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:45px;line-height:1.4em;font-weight:600;font-style:normal;text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e\"]{text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e\"]{text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_e428a5-5e\">Employee Wrongful Termination<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column1642_906ca3-df{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column1642_906ca3-df{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column1642_906ca3-df{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column1642_906ca3-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_906ca3-df inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc\"]{font-size:17px;line-height:31px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_4a5f3e-bc\"><strong>Michael Trust Law, APC<\/strong>&nbsp;represents employees who have been unlawfully fired. California law protects workers against terminations based on discrimination, retaliation, or violations of public policy. We fight to restore your rights and recover damages.<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_2afebb-73 alignnone has-theme-palette8-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b{position:relative;}.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b:not(.specificity){margin-top:-120px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_c1ed7f-3b inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image1642_0f9648-13 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1642_0f9648-13\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/a-computer-screen-taped-and-displaying-a-termination-message-symbolizing-unemployment.-9830816-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Wrongful Termination\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/a-computer-screen-taped-and-displaying-a-termination-message-symbolizing-unemployment.-9830816-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/a-computer-screen-taped-and-displaying-a-termination-message-symbolizing-unemployment.-9830816-300x200.jpg 300w, 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.kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_81de8d-51 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a{max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal:not(.kb-section-md-dir-vertical)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a{position:relative;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-sm-dir-vertical:not(.kb-section-sm-dir-horizontal):not(.kb-section-sm-dir-specificity)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a{max-width:1140px;-webkit-flex:1;flex:1;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_5c9fec-9a kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",  \"@type\": \"LegalService\",  \"name\": \"Michael Trust Law, APC\",  \"description\": \"California employment law firm representing private-sector employees and employers throughout California in matters including wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave and disability, and termination.\", \"serviceType\": \"Employee Wrongful Termination\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wrongful-termination\",  \"telephone\": \"+1-424-634-9333\",  \"email\": \"michaeltrust@michaeltrustlaw.com\",  \"priceRange\": \"$$\",  \"address\": {    \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\",    \"streetAddress\": \"703 Pier Avenue, Suite B367\",    \"addressLocality\": \"Hermosa Beach\",    \"addressRegion\": \"CA\",    \"postalCode\": \"90254\",    \"addressCountry\": \"US\"  },  \"areaServed\": {    \"@type\": \"State\",    \"name\": \"California\"  },  \"founder\": {    \"@type\": \"Person\",    \"name\": \"Michael Trust, Esq.\",    \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\",    \"hasCredential\": [      \"SPHR (HR Certification Institute)\",      \"PHRca (HR Certification Institute, California-specific)\",      \"SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management)\"    ]  },  \"sameAs\": [    \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caemploymentlawyer\/\",    \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MichaelTrustLaw\",    \"https:\/\/apps.calbar.ca.gov\/attorney\/Licensee\/Detail\/356354\"  ]}<\/script>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\":[\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"I was fired after filing a workers' compensation claim. Is that wrongful termination?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"It can be. Termination because of a workers' compensation claim violates fundamental California public policy under the Tameny line of cases (Tameny v. Atlantic Richfield Co. (1980) 27 Cal.3d 167). The closest question is typically whether the workers' compensation claim was a substantial motivating reason for the termination, which is fact-specific.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"My offer letter said I was 'at-will,' but my supervisor told me I had a job for life if I performed well. Can the verbal assurance matter?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Possibly, depending on the totality of the relationship. Foley v. Interactive Data Corp. (1988) 47 Cal.3d 654 recognized that an implied contract limiting at-will termination can arise from the parties' actual conduct, employer policies, oral assurances, and tenure. Each implied-contract case turns on its specific facts.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"Where Light v. Department of Parks & Recreation comes in: can I bring an emotional distress claim alongside my FEHA termination claim, or am I limited to workers' compensation?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"When the termination involves conduct that steps outside the risks inherent in the employment relationship \u2014 for example, FEHA-protected discrimination, harassment, or retaliation \u2014 the workers' compensation exclusive remedy doctrine does not bar civil tort claims such as intentional infliction of emotional distress. Light v. Department of Parks & Recreation (2017) 14 Cal.App.5th 75 is often-misunderstood on this point: a wrongfully terminated employee with FEHA-anchored claims may pursue civil IIED relief alongside the underlying FEHA claims, not be routed exclusively through the workers' compensation system.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"How quickly should I act after a termination I think was wrongful?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Quickly. FEHA claims generally require an administrative exhaustion step through the California Civil Rights Department before a civil action, and statutory deadlines apply both to administrative filing and to any subsequent litigation. Evidence (emails, personnel files, witness recollection) is best preserved early.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_1c7a86-cf\">California is an at-will state, but at-will employment does not allow termination for unlawful reasons. Wrongful termination in violation of public policy <em>(Tameny<\/em>), discriminatory termination under FEHA, and retaliatory termination remain actionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This HR background often proves relevant to termination decisions, where the documentary record and process discipline typically determine whether a termination is defensible or actionable.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_ebda70-40\">California Wrongful Termination \u2014 Employee Rights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California is an at-will employment state, which means an employer may end the employment relationship without showing cause. But &#8220;at-will&#8221; is the starting point, not the end of the analysis. A termination is wrongful if the actual reason violates a fundamental public policy, discriminates on the basis of a protected characteristic under FEHA, retaliates for a protected activity, or breaches an enforceable employment contract or implied-contract right <em>(<a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foley v. Interactive Data Corp. <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1988) 47 Cal.3d 654<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 id=\"tameny-public-policy\" class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_a24536-f1\">Public Policy Wrongful Termination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Tameny v. Atlantic Richfield Co. <\/em>(1980) 27 Cal.3d 167<\/a> established that a termination is wrongful in violation of public policy if it occurs because the employee refused to violate a statute, performed a statutory obligation, exercised a statutory right or privilege, or reported a statutory violation. Public-policy claims typically anchor in a specific statute or constitutional provision and require a tight nexus between the protected activity and the termination. Discriminatory and retaliatory terminations are governed primarily by FEHA (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940<\/a>). Whether a particular termination is actionable depends on the actual reason, the timing, the documentary record, and the protected activity (if any) \u2014 all fact-specific. Where a wrongful termination involves conduct that steps outside the risks inherent in the employment relationship \u2014 for example, FEHA-protected discrimination, harassment, or retaliation \u2014 the workers&#8217; compensation exclusive remedy doctrine does not bar civil tort claims such as intentional infliction of emotional distress. <em>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.ca.gov\/opinions\/archive\/D070361.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Light v. Department of Parks &amp; Recreation <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.ca.gov\/opinions\/archive\/D070361.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(2017) 14 Cal.App.5th 75<\/a>). This is an important and often-misunderstood point: a terminated employee with FEHA-anchored claims may pursue civil IIED relief without being routed exclusively through the workers&#8217; compensation system.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_6cecf1-0c\">When to Contact Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Termination claims often have short deadlines, and evidence (emails, performance reviews, witness recollection) is best preserved early. Contact Michael Trust Law, APC for a 30-minute conversation about your specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initial contact does not create an attorney-client relationship \u2014 see <a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/disclaimers\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3208\">Disclaimers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940<\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/em>et seq. (FEHA);<em> <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tameny v. Atlantic Richfield Co.<\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> (1980) 27 Cal.3d 167<\/a><em>; <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foley v. Interactive Data Corp. <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1988) 47 Cal.3d 654<\/a><em>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.ca.gov\/opinions\/archive\/D070361.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Light v. Department of Parks &amp; Recreation <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.ca.gov\/opinions\/archive\/D070361.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(2017) 14 Cal.App.5th 75<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa\"]{font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d832ba-fa\">Explore Related Employee Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/other-discrimination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discrimination<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/sexual-harassment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Harassment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/retaliation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Retaliation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/whistleblower\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Whistleblower<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/topics\/\">\n            Browse all California employment law topics\n            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1642_59d29a-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_59d29a-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_59d29a-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1642_59d29a-93 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_59d29a-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_59d29a-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_59d29a-93 alignnone has-theme-palette2-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_7c8416-ec kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"]{text-align:left;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"] a, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_cc70fb-a3, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_cc70fb-a3 .kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"] a:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_cc70fb-a3:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link1642_cc70fb-a3:hover .kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\"] a, a.kb-advanced-heading-link.kt-adv-heading-link1642_cc70fb-a3{text-decoration:none;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color hls-none\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_cc70fb-a3\">A typical wrongful termination scenario involves an employee fired shortly after engaging in protected conduct \u2014 reporting safety concerns, filing a workers&#8217; compensation claim, refusing to participate in unlawful activity \u2014 or where an asserted business reason appears to be pretext for discrimination. California&#8217;s at-will rule does not protect terminations that violate fundamental public policy (<a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Tameny v. Atlantic Richfield Co<\/em>. (1980) 27 Cal.3d 167<\/a>) or any specific statutory protection. The closest questions are typically whether the protected activity and adverse action are connected, and whether the asserted legitimate reason is supported by the documentary record.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1642_341a06-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_341a06-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_341a06-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1642_341a06-0d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_341a06-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_341a06-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_341a06-0d alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47{position:relative;}.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47:not(.specificity){margin-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);margin-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_6a4ee3-47 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7\"]{text-align:center;font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_d8a797-c7\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:0px;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);color:#555555;padding-top:9px;padding-right:13px;padding-bottom:9px;padding-left:13px;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#444444;background:#eeeeee;border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#eeeeee;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#ffffff;background:#444444;border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:0px;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id1642_9c4e0a-ac kt-accordion-has-5-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-basic kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane1642_60a80f-a7\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong><strong>I was fired after filing a workers&#8217; compensation claim. Is that wrongful termination?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_7acd11-f9\">It can be. Termination because of a workers&#8217; compensation claim violates fundamental California public policy under the <em>Tameny <\/em>line of cases <em>(<a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tameny v. Atlantic Richfield Co. <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/tameny-v-atlantic-richfield-co-30815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1980) 27 Cal.3d 167<\/a>). The closest question is typically whether the workers&#8217; compensation claim was a substantial motivating reason for the termination, which is fact-specific.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane1642_f808c1-4e\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">My offer letter said I was &#8216;at-will,&#8217; but my supervisor told me I had a job for life if I performed well. Can the verbal assurance matter?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1642_0277f3-43\">Possibly, depending on the totality of the relationship. <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/foley-v-interactive-data-corp-30739\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Foley v. Interactive Data Corp.<\/em> (1988) 47 Cal.3d 654<\/a> recognized that an implied contract limiting at-will termination can arise from the parties&#8217; actual conduct, employer policies, oral assurances, and tenure. Each implied-contract case turns on its specific facts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-4 kt-pane1642_0ee26f-0e\" id=\"iied-claims\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Where Light v. Department of Parks &amp; Recreation comes in: can I bring an emotional distress claim alongside my FEHA termination claim, or am I limited to workers&#8217; compensation?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the termination involves conduct that steps outside the risks inherent in the employment relationship \u2014 for example, FEHA-protected discrimination, harassment, or retaliation \u2014 the workers&#8217; compensation exclusive remedy doctrine does not bar civil tort claims such as intentional infliction of emotional distress. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.ca.gov\/opinions\/archive\/D070361.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Light v. Department of Parks &amp; Recreation <\/em>(2017) 14 Cal.App.5th 75<\/a> is often misunderstood on this point: a wrongfully terminated employee with FEHA-anchored claims may pursue civil IIED relief alongside the underlying FEHA claims, not be routed exclusively through the workers&#8217; compensation system.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-5 kt-pane1642_42c825-49\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">How quickly should I act after a termination I think was wrongful?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quickly. FEHA claims generally require an administrative exhaustion step through the California Civil Rights Department before a civil action, and statutory deadlines apply both to administrative filing and to any subsequent litigation. Evidence (emails, personnel files, witness recollection) is best preserved early.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1642_797f59-5a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_797f59-5a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_797f59-5a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1642_797f59-5a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_797f59-5a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_797f59-5a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_797f59-5a alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_e2f3e3-16\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id1642_20ad85-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1642_20ad85-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1642_20ad85-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1642_20ad85-0b > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_20ad85-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1642_20ad85-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1642_20ad85-0b alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1642_00a9a3-9d\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"wrongful-termination-heading\" style=\"background-color:#f5f7fa; padding:40px 20px; text-align:center;\">\n  <h3 id=\"wrongful-termination-heading\" style=\"color:#1a1a1a; font-size:1.6rem; margin-bottom:16px;\">\n    Challenge Wrongful Termination\n  <\/h3>\n\n  <p style=\"\n      color:#1a1a1a;\n      max-width:900px;\n      margin:0 auto 24px;\n      padding:20px 70px;\n      font-size:1rem;\n      line-height:1.7;\n      text-align:center;\n    \">\n   Michael Trust Law, APC stands with employees who have been unlawfully fired. We fight to restore your rights, recover damages, and hold employers accountable under California law.\n  <\/p>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Contact Michael Trust Law, APC Today\" style=\"\n      display:inline-block;\n      background-color:#0B3A6A;\n      color:#ffffff;\n      padding:14px 28px;\n      font-size:1rem;\n      font-weight:600;\n      text-decoration:none;\n      border-radius:6px;\n    \">\n    Contact Michael Trust Law, APC Today\n  <\/a>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wrongful Termination Michael Trust founded Michael Trust Law, APC after more than 35 years in HR leadership across entertainment, healthcare, higher education, finance, banking, solar energy, and other industries, including&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1377,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":true,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"fullwidth","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"unboxed","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"hide","_kad_post_feature":"hide","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1642","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1642"}],"version-history":[{"count":100,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1642\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7601,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1642\/revisions\/7601"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}