Legal Updates & More

Yes — California public employees can sue a county, city, or school district for retaliation. But three rules are different from private-sector cases: a six-month government-claim deadline, no "wrongful termination" claim against a public entity, and a civil-service appeal that can bind you if you lose it. Here's what to do before any of those clocks run.

It depends on whether your employer’s internal rules actually give you a way to bring a whistleblower retaliation complaint — not just a way to appeal the firing. If they don’t, California law says you can go straight to court. That is what the Court of Appeal held in a case I argued, Romero v. County of Kern (2025) 116 Cal.App.5th 1189, and it changes the answer for a lot of public employees in California.

Can a public employer block a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit by pointing to internal appeal procedures? A newly published California Court of Appeal decision answers that question—and limits when administrative exhaustion applies. In Romero v. County of Kern, the Court held that public employees are not required to exhaust internal civil service appeals when those procedures do not provide a meaningful mechanism to adjudicate whistleblower retaliation claims. The ruling strengthens protections under Labor Code sections 1102.5, 6310, and 98.6, and curbs a common defense strategy used to dismiss retaliation cases before they are ever heard.

Hurt in a fall on someone else's property in California? The owner is liable when a dangerous condition existed, they knew or should have known about it, and they didn't fix it or warn you. Here's how those cases are proven, what to document, and the deadlines — two years, or six months if the property is public.

Were You Sexually Harassed at Work in California? You’re protected under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)—one of the strongest anti-harassment laws in the country. Whether a supervisor, coworker, or even a customer crossed the line, you may have powerful legal rights to stop the harassment, recover compensation, and hold your employer accountable. At Pletcher Law, APC, we represent employees statewide in sexual harassment, retaliation, and hostile work environment cases. We provide confidential guidance, strategic legal advocacy, and clear next steps—before you sign anything or speak to HR. If you were harassed, retaliated against, or feel unsafe at work, contact us today for a free, confidential case review.

If you’ve just been fired, laid off, or offered a severance agreement, you may have significant legal rights that your employer won’t explain. At Pletcher Law, APC, we help California employees evaluate severance offers, identify wrongful termination or retaliation claims, and negotiate higher compensation. Before you sign anything, talk to an experienced employment attorney who knows how to protect your rights and maximize your financial recovery. Contact us today for a confidential case evaluation.

Starting a new job? Or did your long-time employer just hand you an arbitration agreement? Before signing anything, read this. Arbitration can limit your rights, your options, and your future claims. I broke down the exact steps every employee should take BEFORE signing an arbitration agreement—including what red flags to look for and when to call an attorney. 💡 A 5-minute review now can save your case later.

Learn how strategic discovery motions and motions to compel further responses increase case value in California PI and employment cases — and why plaintiff firms partner with dedicated law-and-motion counsel.

Learn how California plaintiff attorneys can defeat arbitration agreements using waiver, unconscionability, formation defects, and scope challenges. Partnering strategically increases case value.

Involved in a car accident in Ventura County? Learn the essential steps to take in the first 24 hours to protect your health and your personal injury claim. Free consultations — Pletcher Law, APC.