Wrongful Termination, Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation

For over 40 years, Timothy McGonigle has stood up for employees across California who have faced injustice in the workplace. Since joining the State Bar in 1984, he has built a reputation as a relentless advocate for workers who have been wronged by their employers. When powerful companies, executives, or HR departments abuse their authority, Timothy provides the experience, strategy, and courtroom strength to balance the scales. 

Employment disputes aren’t just about paychecks or policies. They cut to the core of a person’s dignity, security, and sense of fairness. When you lose your job unfairly, when you’re harassed day after day, or when you’re punished for speaking up, it doesn’t just affect your career—it affects your confidence, your mental health, and your family. Employers count on employees staying quiet. Timothy makes sure their misconduct is brought into the light. 

With decades of trial and appellate victories, Timothy knows how to build strong cases, uncover the truth, and fight for the rights of employees who often feel powerless. He combines sharp legal skills with compassion for the people he represents—because he knows what it feels like to be outnumbered, intimidated, and ignored. 

Wrongful Termination 

Losing your job is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. When that job loss is illegal—rooted in discrimination, retaliation, or a violation of public policy—the pain runs even deeper. Wrongful termination can leave you feeling blindsided, betrayed, and fearful of how you’ll support yourself and your family. 

In California, employees are often told they are “at will” and can be fired at any time. But the law makes it clear: you cannot be terminated for unlawful reasons. If you were fired because you spoke up about harassment, reported illegal conduct, needed medical leave, or refused to participate in wrongdoing, your employer may have broken the law. Similarly, if your termination was motivated by race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics, it is not just unfair—it is illegal. 

Timothy has spent decades helping employees challenge wrongful terminations and rebuild their lives. He understands the humiliation of being escorted out of a building without cause, the fear of losing health benefits overnight, and the anxiety of wondering how to explain a sudden dismissal in future job interviews. He approaches each case with precision, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and uncovering the truth behind the employer’s decision. 

The goal is more than financial recovery—it’s restoring your reputation, holding the employer accountable, and sending a message that employees cannot be discarded unlawfully.  

Workplace Discrimination 

Discrimination at work is one of the most painful betrayals an employee can endure. You give your time, your effort, and your loyalty to a company—only to find yourself treated differently because of who you are. Sometimes discrimination is blatant, like a manager making offensive comments. Other times it’s subtle: opportunities drying up, promotions going to less qualified colleagues, performance reviews skewed unfairly. Either way, the damage is real. 

California law protects employees against a wide range of discriminatory practices. Timothy has successfully handled cases involving: 

• Racial Discrimination: When employees are targeted or treated unfairly because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin. This can manifest as offensive jokes, exclusion from opportunities, or harsher discipline compared to others. 

• Gender & Pregnancy Discrimination: When women are paid less, passed over for promotions, or penalized for taking maternity leave. Or when employees face unfair treatment based on gender identity or sexual orientation. 

• Age Discrimination: When experienced workers are pushed aside for younger hires, denied advancement, or forced into early retirement. 

• Disability Discrimination: When employers refuse reasonable accommodations, or worse, terminate employees because of a physical or mental health condition. 

• Religious Discrimination: When employees are punished or excluded for their faith, or denied reasonable adjustments for religious practices. 

Discrimination doesn’t just hurt careers—it affects confidence, well-being, and the sense of belonging every worker deserves. Timothy brings both legal expertise and humanity to these cases, ensuring that employees are not silenced and that justice is pursued. 

Workplace Harassment 

Workplace harassment creates a toxic environment that drains employees of their confidence and security. It may begin with offhand comments, inappropriate jokes, or unwanted advances. Over time, it escalates—making it impossible to do your job without fear, discomfort, or humiliation. For many employees, harassment is not just an inconvenience. It’s daily trauma. 

Sexual harassment is one of the most common forms, and it often involves unwelcome advances, comments, or coercion by supervisors or coworkers. But harassment goes beyond the sexual—it includes verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and hostile treatment that creates a work environment so oppressive that it interferes with your ability to succeed. 

The hardest part for many employees is that when they report the harassment, they are ignored—or worse, punished. Human Resources departments often protect the company, not the employee. Supervisors dismiss complaints, and coworkers turn away out of fear. 

Timothy has represented employees in some of the most difficult harassment cases in California. He knows how to gather evidence, demonstrate patterns of behavior, and prove that a workplace has become hostile and unsafe. He understands the courage it takes to come forward—and he stands by employees every step of the way to make sure they are not silenced. 

Retaliation 

One of the most insidious forms of workplace injustice is retaliation. Employees who speak up about misconduct are often punished instead of protected. Retaliation can take many forms: a sudden firing, a demotion, a pay cut, exclusion from projects, or subtle harassment designed to push you out. 

California law prohibits retaliation against workers who exercise their rights. That includes reporting discrimination, harassment, wage theft, fraud, or unsafe conditions. Retaliation is not only illegal—it’s a direct attack on fairness and integrity in the workplace. 

Timothy has built his career fighting these cases because he understands what’s at stake. Retaliation doesn’t just affect your job—it silences you, damages your reputation, and makes you fearful of ever speaking up again. By taking action, you not only protect yourself but also send a clear message to your employer and to others in the workplace: retaliation will not be tolerated. 

Other Employment Cases We Handle 

Workplace misconduct doesn’t always fall neatly into one category. Beyond wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, Timothy also represents employees in complex employment disputes, including: 

• Whistleblower Protection: Defending employees who report illegal practices, fraud, or corruption inside their company. 

• Wage & Hour Violations: Holding employers accountable when they withhold overtime pay, deny breaks, or misclassify employees to avoid paying benefits. 

• Employment Contract Disputes: Enforcing fair terms in employment agreements, severance packages, and non-compete clauses. 

Each case is different, but the common thread is the same: employers abusing their power and employees needing an advocate strong enough to fight back. 

Why Choose Timothy McGonigle 

For nearly four decades, Timothy has been a trusted voice for employees across California. He has taken on powerful corporations, well-funded defense firms, and intimidating HR departments—and won. His approach is rooted in compassion for employees who feel powerless, combined with aggressive legal strategies designed to hold employers accountable. 

Timothy doesn’t see his clients as just “cases.” He sees people whose lives and futures are on the line. That’s why he prepares every matter with the precision of a trial lawyer and the persistence of someone who knows the fight is worth it. 

If you’ve been wronged at work, you deserve more than legal advice—you deserve an advocate who won’t back down. 

Take the First Step Today 

Every day you wait, your employer moves further away from accountability, and your case may grow harder to prove. But the sooner you act, the more options you have. 

If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against, don’t carry it alone. Let a seasoned California employment lawyer fight for your career, your dignity, and your future. 

👉 Contact Timothy McGonigle’s office today for a confidential consultation. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About California Employment Law 

Q1: What qualifies as wrongful termination in California? 
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires you for an illegal reason—such as discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or exercising legal rights like medical leave. Even though California is an “at-will” state, the law provides strong protections against unfair firings. 

Q2: Do I need proof to file a workplace discrimination or harassment claim? 
Yes, but proof comes in many forms—emails, text messages, performance reviews, witness testimony, or even patterns of behavior. Timothy works with clients to gather and present evidence in a way that strengthens their case. 

Q3: What should I do if HR ignores my complaint? 
Unfortunately, this happens often. If HR fails to investigate or retaliates instead, you still have legal rights. In fact, an employer’s failure to act can strengthen your case. Speaking with an attorney quickly is critical to protect your options. 

Q4: Can my employer retaliate against me for reporting harassment or discrimination? 
Legally, no. Retaliation is illegal in California. If you were demoted, fired, or punished for speaking up, you may have a strong retaliation claim. 

Q5: How much is my case worth? 
It depends on your situation—lost wages, emotional distress, damage to your career, and in some cases punitive damages against the employer. Timothy carefully evaluates every case to give you a clear understanding of potential recovery. 

Q6: Do I have to go to court? 
Not always. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation. But if trial is necessary, Timothy brings more than three decades of courtroom experience to the fight. 

Q7: How long do I have to file a claim? 
Employment claims have strict deadlines, sometimes as short as one year. Waiting too long can limit your options, which is why it’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Q8: What if I’m still employed but being harassed or discriminated against? 
You don’t have to wait until you’re fired to act. Many employees bring claims while still employed. A lawyer can advise you on how to protect your job while standing up for your rights. 

Q9: Will suing my employer ruin my career? 
It’s a common fear, but California law protects employees from retaliation and blacklisting. Many clients find that pursuing justice restores their dignity and helps them move forward in their careers. 

Q10: How do I know if I have a strong case? 
The best way is through a consultation. Timothy reviews your facts, evidence, and timeline to determine your options. Even if you’re unsure, getting clarity early can prevent mistakes that weaken your case.