Why people use this
It costs nothing to find out where you stand, nothing goes to your employer, and what you send goes to a real employment lawyer licensed in California — not a database, not a lead list. You do not need to know whether what happened was against the law; that is what the lawyer works out once they have read your file.
What this is about
Most employment in California can be ended by either side without a reason. There are limits on that, and they turn on WHY — which is a question about evidence and timing.
Things people describe
- The stated reason appeared for the first time at the dismissal.
- It followed closely after you raised something.
- Your record was good until shortly before.
If any of this sounds like your situation, that does not tell you whether anything went wrong — it tells you it may be worth having someone look.
What helps
- Any letter or message about the dismissal.
- Appraisals, reviews or disciplinary records.
- A rough timeline of what happened and when.
We ask for documents because they show what happened better than memory does. If you do not have something, say so; a gap is a normal part of a case and not a reason to stop.
In California
California recognises limits on dismissal in particular circumstances. Which, if any, apply is exactly the judgement a lawyer makes after reading the file.
Claims about work usually have time limits, and they can be shorter than people expect. We cannot tell you what your own time limit is — that depends on your situation. If this matters to you, it is worth finding out sooner rather than later.
What happens if you start
A timeline is the most useful thing you can give us. Dates you are unsure of should be marked as unsure rather than guessed.
About us
Worker Rights Line is not a law firm and cannot give you legal advice. We help you put your situation and your documents together, and pass them to an employment law firm in California who decides whether they can act for you.
Reviewed by Jelmer de Boer on 2026-08-19.
Based on: General California employment law. Check at review.