In a qui tam lawsuit, a private individual brings an action on the government’s behalf. The False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §3729-3733) authorizes qui tam actions against parties who have defrauded the federal government. The whistleblower bringing the action, also called a relator, must inform the United States of...
Some people might think that catcalling (such as whistles, suggestive comments, and sexual advances) at their workplace is just an unpleasant part of their job that they have to endure. This is untrue. Some might be asking, is catcalling sexual harassment? The answer is yes in many circumstances. If...
You walk into work expecting another routine day. Instead, your employer hands you a termination notice. The explanation feels thin, and the timing is suspicious. You may be an “at-will” employee, but you start to wonder whether your firing crossed the line into illegality. For many California employees, this...
An unexpected dismissal rarely comes with an explanation that feels fair. As a result, many employees are often left wondering: Was my termination legal, or was it wrongful? California wrongful termination law answers that question by setting clear limits on when an employer can and cannot end your employment....
You report harassment. Suddenly, your schedule changes, your workload doubles, and your manager’s tone hardens. Weeks later, your employer writes you up for the first time in years. This is what retaliation in the workplace looks like: punishment tied not to performance, but to the courage it takes to...
Employers rarely say, “We are firing you illegally.” Instead, the truth surfaces in an employer’s timing, excuses, and patterns. Examining real-world wrongful termination examples in California makes it easier to detect those patterns and harder to dismiss them. So let’s take a look at some of the most common...
You spoke up. The next day, your manager’s tone shifted. Weeks later, your hours dropped. This scenario is how retaliation unfolds and why lawmakers wrote California’s workplace retaliation law to protect you. California law recognizes that without protections, employees would remain silent, and workplace abuse would thrive. At King...
How to Prove Pretext in California Employment Law If you’ve been wrongfully terminated or retaliated against at work, your employer likely gave a “legitimate reason” for firing you, such as poor performance, layoffs, or restructuring. But what if the reason isn’t true? In California employment law, that’s called pretext:...
A whisper behind your back. A hand that lingers. A threat, veiled as a joke. Then, silence. Not just yours, but your team’s as well. The room feels colder. People stop showing up to meetings. Productivity drops. Trust crumbles. And eventually, so does the culture. That’s how it starts....
Let’s be honest: Some employers cut corners. However, lying to the government for financial gain crosses a line. That’s not just bad business—it’s fraud, and under California law, it carries serious consequences. So, what are the actual False Claims Act penalties in California? In short: steep financial fines, repayment...
If you’re a federal employee in California and have experienced sexual harassment at work, you may be feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and alone. You might worry that the harassment will continue unchecked or even escalate. You may fear retaliation, demotion, ostracism, or even being fired. These fears are not unfounded,...
After carefully reviewing all scholarship applications using a holistic evaluation process, we are pleased to announce that Kyli Nault has been selected as the recipient of the King & Siegel Law School Scholarship. Kyli’s application stood out. Her essay showcased compelling and heartfelt storytelling, articulating a powerful vision for using her...