San Francisco Whistleblower Claims Attorneys
Proficient Whistleblower Claims Lawyers Serving in San Francisco, CA
If you’ve been disciplined, demoted, or fired after reporting illegal activity, unsafe conditions, or violations of law at your workplace, you may have a whistleblower claim under state or federal protections. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we fight to ensure employees who do the right thing aren’t punished by unscrupulous employers. Call 415-391-7555 for a confidential case review today.
Understanding Whistleblower Claims in California
Whistleblower protections exist under California Labor Code § 1102.5 and comparable federal statutes. It is illegal to retaliate against employees who, in good faith, report:
- Legal or regulatory violations by employers
- Unsafe working conditions or workplace hazards
- Discrimination, harassment, wage theft, or labor law breaches
- Fraud, tax evasion, SEC violations, or unethical business practices
Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, reduced pay or hours, undesirable reassignments, threats, or other adverse employment actions. You do not have to wait for a formal investigation—making a good-faith complaint is enough to trigger protection.
What to Do If You’ve Experienced Whistleblower Retaliation
- Document your report — Note when, how, and to whom you reported the issue.
- Track retaliation — Keep records of any subsequent demotion, disciplinary action, termination, or negative changes.
- Save supporting evidence — Emails, messages, witness names, performance records—all help build your claim.
- Consult an employment lawyer immediately — Especially since timelines are short.
Timely Filing Is Critical
Under California whistleblower laws (e.g., Labor Code § 1102.5) and wrongful termination statutes, you may have as little as one year from the retaliatory act to file your claim.
Federal whistleblower statutes and specific regulatory protections may have different deadlines—do not delay.
Why Choose Lawless, Lawless & McGrath
- 80+ years of combined employment law experience, including defending whistleblower protections
- Reputation for aggressive, client-focused advocacy—we litigate when needed and seek meaningful remedies
- Boutique attention with big-firm credentials—your case is handled personally by seasoned senior counsel
- Contingency-based representation—no fees unless and until we recover for you
Meet Our Attorneys
Our award-winning legal team combines decades of trial-tested experience with a deep commitment to protecting California workers:
- Barbara A. Lawless — Recognized by Super Lawyers and the Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers, Barbara has successfully represented employees in high-stakes whistleblower, discrimination, and retaliation cases for over 35 years.
- Therese M. Lawless — With more than three decades of experience and membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates, Therese is known for her strategic approach to complex employment law litigation, including whistleblower matters.
- Emily S. McGrath — Serving on the Board of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Emily brings skill and determination to challenging retaliation and wrongful termination claims.
- Sinclaire M. Parer — Known for her meticulous preparation and investigative skills, Sinclaire strengthens cases with thorough fact development and legal research.
Together, our attorneys have the experience, credibility, and track record to take on powerful employers and protect your rights.
What You Might Recover
If your whistleblower claim succeeds, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement, back pay, and front pay
- Compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages (where permitted)
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I protected if I reported anonymously?
Potentially. If your employer can still trace the report back to you and takes adverse action, anonymity does not eliminate protections—but it adds complexity. Consult us for tailored advice.
Does it matter where I reported—internally or to a government agency?
No. Both internal complaints and reports to regulators or law enforcement are protected under California law, especially if done in good faith.
What if the company retaliates via trade secrets or non-disclosure threats?
That is a common intimidation tactic. While trade secret defenses are sometimes raised, they do not override whistleblower protections—especially if your actions involved public interest or reporting violations.
Can I file a whistleblower claim if I’m an independent contractor?
It depends on the statute and jurisdiction. California protections often apply mostly to employees. Consult us to clarify your situation.
Speak with a San Francisco Whistleblower Claims Lawyer Today
If you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting unlawful activity, contact Lawless, Lawless & McGrath to speak with an experienced San Francisco whistleblower claims lawyer. We will protect your rights, pursue the compensation you deserve, and help ensure doing the right thing does not cost you your career. Call 415-391-7555 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.