Can You Be Fired Without Warning in Los Angeles?

In many cases, you can be fired without warning in Los Angeles. California is an at-will employment state, which means an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all—as long as the reason is not illegal. 

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated from your workplace, contact our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers at Aegis Law Firm to discuss your legal options today.

Understanding At-Will Employment in California

Under California’s at-will employment rule, both the employer and employee can end the working relationship at any time without advance notice. This applies across the state, including Los Angeles. Employers are not legally required to give a reason or provide prior warning unless an exception applies. While this may seem harsh, California law balances at-will employment with strong protections against wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and contract violations.

When Firing Without Warning Becomes Illegal in Los Angeles

Although at-will employment allows for termination without notice, the law prohibits firings that violate employee rights. An employer cannot legally fire an employee under the following circumstances:

• Discrimination: Firing based on race, gender, age (40+), disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics violates California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
• Retaliation: Employers cannot fire an employee for reporting harassment, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, wage violations, or other protected activities (whistleblowing).
• Protected Leave: You cannot be fired for taking legally protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), or for pregnancy, military duty, or jury service. If you were fired, contact our FMLA retaliation attorneys in Los Angeles.
• Breach of Contract: If you have an employment contract or a union agreement that limits when or how you can be fired, those terms override at-will employment. Terminating you without following the agreement could be illegal.

Is Advance Notice Ever Required in Los Angeles?

Only in the following scenarios are employers in Los Angeles required to give advance notice before firing an at-will employee:

• Employment Contracts: If your contract states that you must receive a written warning, progressive discipline, or notice before termination, the employer must follow those terms.
• Mass Layoffs: Under the federal WARN Act and California’s Mini-WARN Act, employers with 75 or more employees must give 60 days’ notice for mass layoffs, plant closings, or relocations.

Outside of these limited situations, employers are not legally obligated to give prior notice.

What Should You Do If You Are Fired Without Warning in Los Angeles, CA?

Take these steps if you are terminated suddenly:

• Request the Reason in Writing: California law does not require employers to give a reason, but you can ask.
• Gather Documentation: Save emails, pay stubs, performance reviews, and any other employment records.
• File for Unemployment: You may be eligible for benefits unless the employer proves misconduct.

If you suspect discrimination, retaliation, or a contract violation, seek legal advice immediately. You may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. A Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer can help by reviewing the facts of your firing to determine if your employer violated any laws. They can also help you gather evidence, represent you in filing a claim, negotiating a settlement, or pursuing damages through litigation if necessary.