Wrongful Termination Attorney Based in Berkeley, CA

Fired Unfairly? Know Your Rights Under California Law

Legal Representation for Employees Wrongfully Terminated in California

Losing a job is difficult enough—but when the termination is unlawful, it becomes a serious legal matter. California law protects employees from being fired for discriminatory reasons, retaliation, or actions that violate public policy.


As a wrongful termination attorney based in Berkeley, Kurt represents clients across California who were let go for reasons that breach their rights and dignity under the law.


What Wrongful Termination Looks Like

California is an at-will employment state, but employers cannot terminate someone for unlawful reasons. If the firing stems from discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing, it may qualify as wrongful termination.

You may have a claim if you were fired for:

  • Reporting harassment, discrimination, or unsafe work conditions
  • Taking protected family, medical, or disability leave
  • Filing wage, labor, or overtime complaints
  • Refusing to participate in illegal or unethical activity
  • Belonging to a protected category (race, disability, age, etc.)
  • Cooperating in a workplace investigation or whistleblower disclosure


If you were fired after speaking up—or simply because of who you are—Kurt can help you pursue justice and accountability.

How a California Wrongful Termination Lawyer Can Help You

Kurt offers personalized legal support to employees wrongfully fired under California employment law:

Evaluating the reason for termination

The firm conducts a detailed review to identify legal violations tied to your dismissal.

Gathering critical documentation

Kurt helps collect HR records, emails, performance evaluations, and complaint history.

Filing with CRD or EEOC

All claims are handled professionally and submitted through the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Pursuing legal remedies

Whether you’re seeking damages, reinstatement, or closure, Dreger Law advocates for the outcome that supports your goals.

The Legal Process, Step by Step

Consultation

The firm examines your termination circumstances to assess potential legal violations.

Filing the Complaint

Attorney Dreger files the appropriate complaint with the CRD or EEOC on your behalf.

Building Your Case

Key evidence is collected to support claims of discrimination, retaliation, or wrongful discharge.

Seeking Justice

Through mediation or trial, Dreger Law works to achieve results that restore lost income, reputation, and peace of mind.

The Legal Process, Step by Step

Consultation

Kurt reviews the employee’s experience, identifies red flags, and determines whether discrimination laws may have been violated.

Informal Resolution

If the case has merit, we first reach out to the Defendant and suggest an informal resolution, with the goal of reaching a fair settlement.

Initiate Litigation

The firm files claims in the appropriate jurisdiction and serves the Complaint on all defendants. This initiates litigation.

Discovery and Motions

Gathers supporting documents, witness statements, and employer communications to build a strong case depending on the circumstances, motions will be filed and/or defended. Throughout the entire process, however, Kurt maintains a strong suggestion to resolve the case before trial, typically through mediation..

Resolution

Kurt seeks outcomes that restore dignity and provide meaningful compensation—whether through settlement or litigation.


Why Employees Choose Kurt

Trusted Wrongful Termination Attorney in Berkeley

Kurt has over 13 years of experience helping California workers fight unfair and unlawful firings.

One-on-One Legal Support

Clients work directly with Kurt, not a team of paralegals or case managers.

Serving Clients Statewide

Kurt Dreger Law Office provides in-person and virtual support to employees throughout California.

Health & Safety Knowledge Advantage

Kurt’s occupational health background is key in cases involving retaliation for health-related complaints or workplace conditions.

Man with dreadlocks looks out a window from his desk. A laptop, lamp, and cactus sit on the desk.

FAQs

Wrongful Termination

  • What makes a firing “wrongful” under California law?

    A termination is wrongful when it violates discrimination laws, public policy, accommodation rights, retaliation protections, or contractual agreements.

  • Can I still have a case if I was an at-will employee?

    Yes. At‑will employment doesn’t allow firings for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

  • Do I need documentation to prove wrongful termination?

    Documents can help, but patterns of behavior, timing, and witness testimony also support a claim.

  • What compensation can I recover in a wrongful termination case?

    Depending on your situation: lost wages, emotional distress, lost benefits, and sometimes punitive damages.

Scales of justice, black and white, balanced.

Fired for the Wrong Reasons? Kurt Dreger Law Office Is Here to Help

If your termination violated your rights, take the next step toward justice. Kurt is ready to listen, advise, and fight for your future.

Black telephone handset.
Black envelope icon on white background.