California has some of the strongest employee protections in the country, including broad anti-retaliation and disability-accommodation rules. If you were terminated in California, state-specific protections may apply on top of federal law.
How to choose an employment attorney
- Confirm they focus specifically on employment law, not general practice.
- Ask about their experience with cases similar to yours (discrimination, retaliation, severance, etc.).
- Ask how fees work — many employment attorneys work on contingency for viable claims.
- Ask what your realistic timeline and next steps would look like.
Red flags to watch for
- Guarantees of a specific outcome or dollar amount before reviewing your facts
- Pressure to sign a retainer immediately, without time to review it
- Vague answers about fee structure
This article provides general legal information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Employment laws vary significantly by state and change over time — confirm details with a licensed employment attorney in your state. We do not endorse or guarantee any specific attorney or firm; provider details on this page are illustrative until a real partner is confirmed.