Industry
Tech in Los Angeles
Tech terminations are often framed as performance or restructuring. A performance plan or reorganization does not remove protections against discrimination, retaliation, or unpaid wages, and larger layoffs may trigger notice requirements.
Common situations
- A sudden performance plan after a complaint or leave request
- Layoffs that fall disproportionately on older workers or one group
- Unpaid bonuses, commissions, or unvested equity questions
- Retaliation after reporting security, privacy, or accounting concerns
- Group layoffs that may require advance notice under California WARN
What to document
- Offer letter, equity documents, bonus and commission plans
- Performance reviews before and after your complaint
- Slack, email, and written feedback about your work
Not sure which protections may apply?
Answer a few plain-English questions and see which California protections may apply to your situation. It takes about two minutes.
Common questions
What is the deadline to file a wrongful termination claim in California?
It depends on the claim. FEHA discrimination and retaliation claims generally require a Civil Rights Department filing within three years of the act, followed by a lawsuit within one year of the right-to-sue notice. Other claims have their own deadlines. For example, many retaliation complaints to the Labor Commissioner must be filed within one year. Because dates control whether a claim can be brought at all, talk to a lawyer promptly.
California is at-will, so does that mean any firing is legal?
No. At-will means no reason is required, but a firing for an unlawful reason (discrimination, retaliation, protected leave, or refusing to break the law) may still violate California law.
When is my final paycheck due?
If you were fired or laid off, all wages are generally due at the time of termination. If you quit with at least 72 hours' notice, generally on your last day; without notice, generally within 72 hours.
What are waiting-time penalties?
Under Labor Code 203, if an employer willfully fails to pay final wages on time, it may owe a penalty of up to 30 days of your daily wages in addition to the unpaid wages.