{"id":7047,"date":"2026-08-30T07:31:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T07:31:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/?page_id=7047"},"modified":"2026-09-30T08:30:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T08:30:45","slug":"wrongful-termination-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wrongful-termination-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Wrongful Termination"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:end;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:end;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .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-id7047_1cd66e-8c{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-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.79;background-color:var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .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-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .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-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(1 of *:not(style)){order:2;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(2 of *:not(style)){order:1;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(3 of *:not(style)){order:12;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(4 of *:not(style)){order:11;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(5 of *:not(style)){order:22;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(6 of *:not(style)){order:21;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(7 of *:not(style)){order:32;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_1cd66e-8c > .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-id7047_1cd66e-8c 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-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;}.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-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-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_32d5ad-9a inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc\"]{padding-bottom:20px;line-height:65px;font-style:normal;color:#ffffff;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc\"] 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-heading7047_737d46-fc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc\"]{font-size:35px;line-height:52px;}}<\/style>\n<h1 class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_737d46-fc\">Wrongful Termination Defense<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f46ec936ba97871f27bd24aadb25d846 wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 > .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-column7047_e410da-e5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_e410da-e5 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id7047_578dee-28 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id7047_578dee-28 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_578dee-28 > .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-id7047_578dee-28 > .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-id7047_578dee-28 > .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-id7047_578dee-28 > .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-id7047_578dee-28 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-column7047_783980-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:90px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:180px;padding-left:20px;}.kadence-column7047_783980-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_783980-16 > .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-column7047_783980-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_783980-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_783980-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_783980-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_783980-16{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_783980-16 > .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-column7047_783980-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:60px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:20px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column7047_783980-16, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column7047_783980-16:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_783980-16 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id7047_fdc055-73{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:30px;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_fdc055-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id7047_fdc055-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_fdc055-73 > .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-id7047_fdc055-73 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7047_fdc055-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id7047_fdc055-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id7047_fdc055-73 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-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_458d08-06 > .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-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_458d08-06{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_458d08-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_458d08-06 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .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-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-lg, 4rem);column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_f23209-a5 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41\"]{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-heading7047_56ba28-41 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41\"] 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-heading7047_56ba28-41 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41\"]{text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41\"]{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-heading7047_56ba28-41 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_56ba28-41\">Defend Against Wrongful Termination Claims<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .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-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_bfdea5-4f inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6\"]{font-size:17px;line-height:31px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6\"] 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-heading7047_2daec6-d6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2daec6-d6\">Michael Trust Law, APC defends California employers facing wrongful termination claims. We build the documentation and process discipline that make a termination decision defensible under California law.<\/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-id7047_47e252-e8{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_47e252-e8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id7047_47e252-e8 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_47e252-e8 > .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-id7047_47e252-e8 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7047_47e252-e8 > .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-id7047_47e252-e8 > .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-id7047_47e252-e8 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-column7047_4498c3-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05 > .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-column7047_4498c3-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05{position:relative;}.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column7047_4498c3-05:not(.specificity){margin-top:-120px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05 > .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-column7047_4498c3-05, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column7047_4498c3-05:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_4498c3-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_4498c3-05 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image7047_77cd2c-2e .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image7047_77cd2c-2e\"><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, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/a-computer-screen-taped-and-displaying-a-termination-message-symbolizing-unemployment.-9830816-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/a-computer-screen-taped-and-displaying-a-termination-message-symbolizing-unemployment.-9830816-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/a-computer-screen-taped-and-displaying-a-termination-message-symbolizing-unemployment.-9830816-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/a-computer-screen-taped-and-displaying-a-termination-message-symbolizing-unemployment.-9830816-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .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-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_88f2e6-e0 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73{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-column7047_698a5b-73{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 > .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-column7047_698a5b-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73{position:relative;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73{-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-column7047_698a5b-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 > .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-column7047_698a5b-73{max-width:1140px;-webkit-flex:1;flex:1;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_698a5b-73 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\": \"Wrongful Termination Defense\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wrongful-termination-2\",  \"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\":\"We have a legitimate performance reason to terminate an employee who recently made a complaint. Are we exposed?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Possibly, if the documentation doesn't predate the complaint. Under Harris v. City of Santa Monica (2013) 56 Cal.4th 203, FEHA liability can attach if a protected characteristic or protected activity was a substantial motivating factor, even alongside a legitimate reason. Performance documentation created before the protected activity is typically what supports the legitimate-reason defense; documentation created only after is harder to rely on.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"Can an employee claim wrongful termination if they resigned instead of being fired?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Yes, in some circumstances. Turner v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (1994) 7 Cal.4th 1238 allows a resignation to be treated as a constructive discharge where working conditions were so intolerable that a reasonable employee would feel compelled to resign. A resignation does not automatically foreclose a wrongful termination claim.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"If a termination involves FEHA discrimination, is the employee limited to a workers' compensation claim?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"No. Light v. Department of Parks & Recreation (2017) 14 Cal.App.5th 75 holds that FEHA-protected discrimination, harassment, or retaliation steps outside the risks inherent in employment, so the workers' compensation exclusive remedy doctrine does not bar a related civil tort claim such as intentional infliction of emotional distress.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"What is the single best way to reduce wrongful termination exposure before a termination decision is made?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Build the documentary record first. Performance issues documented contemporaneously, consistent application of policy to comparable employees, and a decision-maker who can articulate the actual reason for the decision are typically what determine whether a termination is defensible when challenged under Tameny, FEHA, or an implied-contract theory.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California is an at-will employment state, but at-will status is a defense, not a shield \u2014 a termination that violates public policy, FEHA, or an implied-contract right can still be wrongful termination. Employer liability turns heavily on the documentation and process discipline built before the termination decision is<br>made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This HR background often proves relevant to termination defense, where a documented, consistently applied decision-making process is typically what separates a defensible termination from an actionable one.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81\"] 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-heading7047_0f0d06-81 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_0f0d06-81\"><strong>California Wrongful Termination Defense \u2014 Employer Counsel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At-will employment lets an employer end the relationship without cause, but not for an unlawful reason. A termination is wrongful if the real reason violates a fundamental public policy (<em><a href=\"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\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1980) 27 Cal.3d 167<\/a>), discriminates or retaliates in violation of 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>), or breaches an enforceable or implied-contract right (<em><a href=\"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\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1988) 47 Cal.3d 654<\/a>). Defending a termination decision starts long before litigation, with the documented, contemporaneous record that explains why the decision was made.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33\"] 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-heading7047_3887e4-33 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3887e4-33\"><strong>How Effective Termination Defense Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strongest defense to a wrongful termination claim is a decision-making record built before the claim arises: performance documentation that predates any protected activity, consistent application of policy across comparable employees, and a decision-maker who can show the actual reason for the termination. FEHA claims apply a mixed-motive standard \u2014 if a protected characteristic was a substantial motivating factor in the decision, the employer can be liable even where legitimate reasons also existed, though damages and remedies may be limited where the employer proves it would have made the same decision anyway for lawful reasons (<a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harris v. City of Santa Monica <\/em>(2013) 56 Cal.4th 203<\/a>). Employers should also be alert to constructive discharge exposure \u2014 working conditions made so intolerable that a resignation is treated as a termination (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/turner-v-anheuser-busch-inc-30640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Turner v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc.<\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/turner-v-anheuser-busch-inc-30640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> (1994) 7 Cal.4th 1238<\/a>) \u2014 since a resignation does not by itself foreclose liability. Where the termination involves FEHA-protected discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, the workers&#8217; compensation exclusive remedy doctrine does not bar a related civil tort claim 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>) \u2014 termination defense should account for that exposure, not just the underlying FEHA claim.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c\"] 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-heading7047_2d6a13-9c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_2d6a13-9c\">When to Contact Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A termination decision that has already been made benefits from a pre-implementation review, and a termination decision still under consideration benefits even more from review beforehand. Contact Michael Trust Law, APC.<\/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> et seq. (FEHA); <em><a href=\"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\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1980) 27 Cal.3d 167<\/a>; <em><a href=\"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\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1988) 47 Cal.3d 654<\/a>; <em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/turner-v-anheuser-busch-inc-30640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Turner v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc. <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/turner-v-anheuser-busch-inc-30640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1994) 7 Cal.4th 1238<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harris v. City of Santa Monica <\/em>(2013) 56 Cal.4th 203<\/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-heading7047_836c97-4d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d\"]{font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d\"] 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-heading7047_836c97-4d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_836c97-4d\">Explore Related Employer Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/discrimination\/\">Discrimination<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/sexual-harassment-2\/\">Harassment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/retaliation-2\/\">Retaliation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/whistleblower-2\/\">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-id7047_508f58-49 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id7047_508f58-49 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id7047_508f58-49 > .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-id7047_508f58-49 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7047_508f58-49 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id7047_508f58-49 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id7047_508f58-49 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-column7047_f8f962-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c > .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-column7047_f8f962-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c{position:relative;}.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c: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-column7047_f8f962-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7047_f8f962-9c kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17\"]{text-align:center;font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17\"] 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-heading7047_6e7de7-17 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_6e7de7-17\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id7047_49af03-d5 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:0px;}.kt-accordion-id7047_49af03-d5 .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-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5 .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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5: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-id7047_49af03-d5 .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-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5 .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-id7047_49af03-d5 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id7047_49af03-d5 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:0px;}.kt-accordion-id7047_49af03-d5 .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-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5 .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-id7047_49af03-d5 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id7047_49af03-d5 > .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-id7047_49af03-d5 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-pane7047_18e898-4c\"><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>We have a legitimate performance reason to terminate an employee who recently made a complaint. Are we exposed?<\/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-heading7047_68adf9-b4, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4\"] 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-heading7047_68adf9-b4 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_68adf9-b4\">Possibly, if the documentation doesn&#8217;t predate the complaint. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harris v. City of Santa Monica <\/em>(2013) 56 Cal.4th 203<\/a>, FEHA liability can attach if a protected characteristic or protected activity was a substantial motivating factor, even alongside a legitimate reason. Performance documentation created before the protected activity is typically what supports the legitimate-reason defense; documentation created only after is harder to rely on.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane7047_b87530-c2\"><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\">Can an employee claim wrongful termination if they resigned instead of being fired?<\/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-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba\"] 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-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7047_3cd2d8-ba\">Yes, in some circumstances. <em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/turner-v-anheuser-busch-inc-30640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Turner v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc. <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/turner-v-anheuser-busch-inc-30640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1994) 7 Cal.4th 1238<\/a> allows a resignation to be treated as a constructive discharge where working conditions were so intolerable that a reasonable employee would feel compelled to resign. A resignation does not automatically foreclose a wrongful termination claim.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-4 kt-pane7047_a413ca-33\"><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\">If a termination involves FEHA discrimination, is the employee limited to a workers&#8217; compensation claim?<\/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\">No. <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> holds that FEHA-protected discrimination, harassment, or retaliation steps outside the risks inherent in employment, so the workers&#8217; compensation exclusive remedy doctrine does not bar a related civil tort claim such as intentional infliction of emotional distress.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-5 kt-pane7047_78452f-84\"><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\">What is the single best way to reduce wrongful termination exposure before a termination decision is made?<\/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\">Build the documentary record first. Performance issues documented contemporaneously, consistent application of policy to comparable employees, and a decision-maker who can articulate the actual reason for the decision are typically what determine whether a termination is defensible when challenged under <em>Tameny<\/em>, FEHA, or an implied-contract theory.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wrongful Termination Defense 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,&#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-7047","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7047","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=7047"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7047\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7703,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7047\/revisions\/7703"}],"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=7047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}