San Francisco Retaliatory Termination Attorneys
Skilled Retaliatory Termination Lawyers in San Francisco, CA
If you believe you were fired, demoted, or otherwise penalized for exercising your rights—reporting discrimination, filing a workers’ comp claim, reporting unsafe conditions, or exposing illegal activity—you may have a retaliatory termination claim under California or federal law. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we stand up for employees who are treated unjustly for doing what’s right. Call 415-391-7555 today for a confidential case review with a San Francisco retaliatory termination lawyer.
What Is Retaliatory Termination?
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes you for asserting a legal right or reporting wrongdoing. If you were terminated, demoted, reassigned, or faced any adverse action after:
- Reporting sexual harassment or quid pro quo conduct
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Complaining about discrimination or harassment
- Reporting unsafe, illegal, or corrupt practices in your workplace
- Exposing fraud, accounting violations, or public health violations
—then you may have a valid claim for wrongful retaliation.
How to Protect Yourself
- Document your complaint – Write down the date, method (email, in-person), and recipients of your report.
- Record signs of retaliation – Note demotions, poor reviews, hours cut, shift changes, or termination following your complaint.
- Preserve evidence – Save emails, voicemails, performance reviews, and witness contact information.
- Speak to a lawyer promptly – The legal deadlines are short; acting quickly is essential.
Your Time to File Is Limited
Under California wrongful termination and whistleblower statutes (e.g., Labor Code § 1102.5), you may have as little as one year to file a claim.
Federal statutes may have different deadlines and filing processes. Don’t delay in getting legal advice.
What You Can Recover
If your retaliatory termination claim succeeds, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement, back pay, or front pay
- Compensation for emotional distress or punitive damages (where permitted)
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Meet Our Attorneys
Our firm combines decades of high-stakes litigation experience with personal, boutique-level attention:
- Barbara A. Lawless – Super Lawyers and Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers honoree, with over 35 years litigating wrongful termination and retaliation cases.
- Therese M. Lawless – San Francisco Trial Lawyer of the Year, celebrated for her strategic approach in wrongful discharge and retaliation litigation.
- Emily S. McGrath – Board member of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, skilled advocate for retaliation and wrongful termination claims.
- Sinclaire M. Parer – Renowned for thorough case preparation and investigative rigor, building strong claims from every detail.
Together, they bring 80+ years of combined experience to every case and the hard-hitting advocacy your rights deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as retaliatory termination?
It occurs when an employer takes adverse action against you—such as firing, demoting, or reducing your hours—because you engaged in a legally protected activity like reporting harassment, discrimination, safety violations, or fraud.
Do I have to prove my employer intended to retaliate?
Direct proof is rare. Retaliation claims can often be shown through timing, inconsistent explanations for termination, and documentation of prior protected activity.
Is it still retaliation if I wasn’t fired but my job got worse?
Yes. Demotions, pay cuts, undesirable reassignments, and other negative changes in working conditions can still count as retaliation.
What if I reported misconduct verbally instead of in writing?
Verbal reports can still be protected, but written documentation makes proving your case easier. Always follow up with an email or other record when possible.
How long do I have to file a retaliatory termination claim in California?
In many cases, you have up to one year under Labor Code § 1102.5, but other deadlines may apply depending on the specific law involved. Some claims require action in as little as six months.
Can my employer fire me for making a false complaint?
If the complaint was knowingly false or made in bad faith, you may lose legal protections. However, if you made the report in good faith—even if it turns out to be mistaken—you are generally still protected.
Speak with a San Francisco Retaliatory Termination Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered retaliation for doing what’s right, Lawless, Lawless & McGrath will defend your claim with tenacity. Our attorneys will fight for your job, your dignity, and your rightful compensation. Call 415-391-7555 or contact us online now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced San Francisco retaliatory termination lawyer.