Practice Area

Employment Law

Your job affects your livelihood and your peace of mind. When an employer crosses the legal line, we help you understand your rights and pursue a remedy.

Free Consultation Call (707) 524-2200

How Krankemann Law helps employees

We review what happened, identify which protections apply, and preserve the documents and communications that prove your case. Then we deal with the employer or their counsel so you are not negotiating alone. Our focus is a clear path to accountability and the compensation the law allows.

The areas we handle

Our employment group represents workers in wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination, and wage-and-hour disputes. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics. Many of these claims have strict filing deadlines and administrative steps, which we manage for you.

At-will employment and its limits

California is an at-will employment state, so an employer can generally end employment for many reasons. But at-will status does not allow an employer to fire someone for an illegal reason, such as retaliation, discrimination, or refusing to break the law. Those exceptions are where many strong claims begin.

What we handle

  • Termination for an illegal or retaliatory reason
  • Sexual harassment and hostile work environment
  • Discrimination based on a protected characteristic
  • Unpaid wages, overtime, or missed meal and rest breaks
  • Misclassification as exempt or as a contractor
  • Retaliation for reporting unlawful conduct

FAQ

Employment Law — Common Questions

Can I be fired for no reason in California?
Because California is an at-will state, an employer generally can end employment without giving a reason. What an employer cannot do is fire someone for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or for taking protected leave. If the real reason is unlawful, you may have a claim.
What is FEHA and does it protect me?
FEHA is California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, which protects employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, age, disability, and others. It generally applies to employers with five or more employees, and harassment provisions can reach smaller employers. Many FEHA claims require filing with a state agency first.
How long do I have to bring an employment claim?
Deadlines vary by claim type and can be short, and some require an administrative filing before a lawsuit. Wage claims, FEHA claims, and wrongful termination claims each follow different timelines. Because these windows are easy to miss, it is best to speak with an attorney promptly.
Will my employer know I contacted a lawyer?
Your consultation with Krankemann Law is confidential. We discuss your options before any action is taken, and you decide how and when to proceed. Retaliation for asserting your rights is itself unlawful in California.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Talk to a Krankemann attorney about Employment Law.

A free, confidential consultation costs nothing and tells you exactly where you stand.

Call (707) 524-2200 Request a Consultation