Hiring a wrongful termination lawyer isn’t just about getting your job back (though that’s sometimes possible). It’s about holding your employer accountable, recovering lost wages, and sending a message that wrongful treatment won’t go unchecked.
If you were fired for any of the following reasons, it’s worth getting a free consultation from a wrongful termination lawyer today:
- Reporting sexual harassment or discrimination
- Asking for FMLA or medical leave
- Refusing to participate in unlawful behavior
- Being part of a protected class (age, race, gender, disability, LGBTQ, veterans, etc.)
- Being in a hostile work environment that escalated
Wrongful termination cases can be complex, emotional, and time-sensitive. But with the right legal team by your side, you can pursue compensation, accountability, and even a sense of closure.
Take a look at the top 4 considerations for hiring a wrongful termination lawyer, then get your free consultation with Consumer Justice Law Firm today.
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#1 Lawsuits: Can I Sue for Wrongful Termination?
Not every firing is illegal, but many are. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, the first question you might ask is: “Can I sue my employer?” The answer depends on the details of your situation, but in many cases, yes – you can file a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Lawsuits for wrongful termination often involve layers of misconduct. It’s not uncommon for one event, such as reporting sexual harassment – to trigger multiple legal violations. A wrongful termination lawyer will examine every angle of your case to build the strongest possible claim.
Learn more about your legal options by visiting our Labor & Employment and Employment Discrimination practice pages.
#2 Lawyers: What Type of Lawyer Do I Need for Wrongful Termination?
Not all lawyers are the same, and if you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you need someone with experience in employment law, civil rights, and discrimination claims. A lawyer practicing in any of these areas should be a safe bet for helping you fight back.
As a basic rule, select a wrongful termination lawyer with extensive experience handling these types of cases:
- Employment Discrimination – Focused on cases involving sex, age, race, disability, or sexual orientation
- Whistleblower Protection – Protects workers who report illegal or unethical activity
- Contract Law – Important if your termination involved a written agreement
- Workers’ Compensation – Useful if you were injured on the job and then fired
- Retaliation and Harassment Claims – Vital if you were terminated after speaking out about unlawful behavior
Many wrongful termination cases touch multiple areas of law. You may need a lawyer who can handle both a retaliation claim and a claim for unpaid wages. In some cases, your claim may involve government reporting or administrative filings, like an EEOC complaint. Make sure your wrongful termination lawyer has experience managing these processes and understands how to escalate your claim from a complaint to a lawsuit.
Also, consider any wrongful termination lawyer’s communication style. You want someone who will explain the law clearly, answer your questions honestly, and keep you informed throughout your case. Your livelihood, career, reputation, and mental health are on the line. You deserve to work with a wrongful termination lawyer who is invested in helping you protect it.
For a deeper look at what to expect, explore resources from the U.S. Department of Labor and EEOC.gov, both of which offer valuable legal information on employee rights.
#3 Costs: How Much Does a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Cost?
This is one of the biggest questions employees ask and one of the main reasons they hesitate to reach out. But here’s some refreshing news – some employment law attorneys don’t charge upfront.
There are three common ways that wrongful termination lawyers get paid:
- Contingency Fee: This is the most worker-friendly option. The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case or reach a settlement. You pay nothing upfront.
- Hourly Rate: In this model, the wrongful termination lawyer bills you for each hour worked. This can be expensive and is typically used for cases that involve complex contract work or ongoing business representation.
- Flat Fee or Step-by-Step Billing: Sometimes lawyers charge a set fee per project, like drafting a demand letter or filing a complaint. This gives you some cost predictability but can add up quickly.
Contingency-based representation is a great option in wrongful termination cases because most clients can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket after losing their job. It also ensures your wrongful termination lawyer is motivated to win, since their fee depends on the outcome of your case. If you win, they typically take a percentage of your settlement or judgment, which can range, depending on the experience of the lawyer and the complexity of the case.
The team of wrongful termination lawyers at Consumer Justice Law Firm uses this fee-shifting contingency model to put the power of seeking justice in the hands of those who might not otherwise afford it.
We also offer free consultations to evaluate your claim. During this meeting, you can ask about payment models, likely outcomes, and what kind of support we can offer. A great wrongful termination lawyer will be transparent about fees, timelines, and what to expect.
Pro Tip: Choose a wrongful termination lawyer who works on contingency if you’re worried about legal costs. It’s low-risk and shows the attorney believes in your case.
#4 Locations: How Do I Find a “Wrongful Termination Lawyer Near Me”?
Google searches are a starting point, but you need more than just location, you need legal credibility, client reviews, and results. So how do you find the right fit?
Here’s what to look for:
- Experience in Wrongful Termination Law – Check their background for employment law and civil rights experience.
- State-Specific Knowledge – Labor laws differ drastically in places like California (Los Angeles) and New York, make sure they know your local protections.
- Free Consultations – These help you evaluate whether the attorney believes in your case, and whether you feel comfortable working with them.
- Clear Fee Structures – Ask upfront whether they work on contingency, and what percentage they take if you win.
When searching online, use terms like “wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles” or “employment discrimination attorney near me.” Ask for case studies or references from past clients. Look at reviews on Google and legal platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell.
You can also check the wrongful termination lawyer’s bar association for any disciplinary records and verify their credentials. In high-stakes situations like wrongful termination, due diligence pays off.
Most Common Reasons to Sue an Employer
Discrimination
If your firing was based on your race, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, your rights under civil rights and employment discrimination laws have likely been violated. Employers are prohibited from making employment decisions based on these protected characteristics.
Retaliation
If you were fired for reporting harassment, requesting medical leave, complaining about unsafe conditions, or refusing to participate in illegal activity, this could be considered retaliation. Retaliatory termination is illegal under both federal and state labor laws.
Violation of Labor Laws
If you were fired after requesting unpaid wages, overtime, or breaks you’re legally entitled to, that may fall under a labor law violation. Workers are protected by both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state labor codes. Failure to pay fair wages or follow meal and rest break laws can create serious liability for employers.
Breach of Contract
Were you under a contract that your employer violated by letting you go prematurely or without cause? Employment agreements must be honored. If they aren’t, your attorney can help you enforce them through a breach of contract claim. Even at-will employees may have implied contract rights if company policies weren’t followed during the termination.
Hostile Work Environment
A hostile workplace, especially one filled with harassment or discrimination, can make it impossible to do your job. If you complained and were fired, that may qualify as wrongful termination tied to a hostile work environment. A pattern of abusive, toxic, or discriminatory behavior could bolster your claim.
A Client Story: Heather’s Experience
Heather had spent five years building her career in the tech industry. As a software analyst in Los Angeles, she was known for her work ethic, attention to detail, and easygoing attitude. But beneath the surface, she was navigating a work culture that didn’t fully accept her. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Heather learned early on to keep parts of her personal life guarded in professional settings. Still, she always showed up with integrity – delivering results and helping others along the way.
For a while, things felt manageable. She had a direct supervisor who supported her growth and fostered a respectful work environment. But everything changed when that supervisor left and a new manager took over – one who didn’t hide his biases. The shift was immediate. Heather began being excluded from projects she’d once led. Comments about her appearance and lifestyle, subtle at first, grew more pointed. When she raised concerns to HR, they assured her it would be handled. Instead, she was labeled as “difficult.”
The final blow came just weeks after she formally requested medical leave to address anxiety and migraines, which had worsened due to the hostile work environment. Her request was denied. A week later, she was let go. No warning. No severance. Just an email that said the company was “moving in another direction.”
Heather was devastated. Not only had she lost her job, but she felt like her identity had been used against her. She tried navigating the next steps on her own, but each call to HR led nowhere. That’s when she reached out to Consumer Justice Law Firm.
From the moment CJLF took her case, things changed. We listened to her story with compassion, and explained her rights under employment discrimination and civil rights laws. Our lawyers built a claim that held her former employer accountable. With our help, Heather filed a wrongful termination lawsuit based on discrimination, hostile work environment, and denial of medical leave.
The case settled before trial and Heather walked away with not only financial compensation, but a renewed sense of self-worth.
Heather’s story is not unique. Every year, thousands of employees face similar situations. That’s why hiring the right wrongful termination lawyer matters. If you’ve been fired unfairly, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward healing and justice. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, New York, or anywhere in between, knowing your legal options as an employee is your first step toward justice.
GET JUSTICE! Defend Your Rights & Get Money.
Wrongfully losing a job can feel isolating but you’re not alone. There are powerful laws in place to protect workers, and the wrongful termination lawyers at Consumer Justice Law Firm are ready to stand with you when employers cross the line. If you suspect you’ve been wrongfully terminated, don’t let fear or confusion stop you from exploring your legal options.
Reach out to one of our wrongful termination lawyers today, so we can help you file a claim, build your case, and pursue justice on your terms.
Now is the time to reclaim your future, and remind your employer that your rights matter. We look forward to speaking with you!