Wrongful Termination Attorneys in Arlington, Virginia

Being fired from your job can be an incredibly stressful and upsetting experience—especially if you suspect the termination was unfair or unlawful. While Virginia is an “at-will” employment state, that doesn’t mean employers can fire workers for illegal reasons. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated in Arlington, Virginia, The Mundaca Law Firm is here to help.

We provide skilled, compassionate legal support to employees who have been terminated for reasons that violate state or federal law. Whether your firing was based on discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract, our team will fight to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.

What Is “Wrongful Termination” in Virginia?

Virginia is an at-will employment state, meaning that employers can generally terminate employees at any time, for any reason—or no reason at all. However, there are critical exceptions. A firing may be considered “wrongful” if it violates:

  • Anti-discrimination laws
  • Retaliation protections
  • Public policy
  • Employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements

If your termination falls into one of these categories, you may have a strong legal claim.

Common Forms of Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination can take many forms. Some of the most common include:

Retaliation

It is illegal for an employer to fire you for engaging in protected activity, such as:

  • Reporting discrimination or harassment
  • Filing a wage or hour complaint
  • Requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability or pregnancy
  • Whistleblowing about illegal or unethical practices
  • Taking protected leave (e.g., under the FMLA)

Discrimination-Based Termination

Federal and Virginia law prohibit termination based on protected characteristics, including:

  • Race, color, or national origin
  • Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
  • Pregnancy or childbirth
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Age (40 or older)
  • Veteran status

Firing someone for any of these reasons is unlawful.

Breach of Contract

If you have a written employment agreement or union contract that outlines specific termination procedures, firing you outside those terms may be a breach of contract.

Constructive Discharge

In some cases, an employee may feel forced to resign due to a hostile or intolerable work environment. If your employer deliberately made your job unbearable, you may be able to bring a wrongful termination claim based on constructive discharge.

What Doesn’t Qualify as Wrongful Termination?

Because Virginia follows at-will employment, not all terminations are illegal—even if they feel unfair. For example:

  • Being fired without a reason
  • Being let go due to personality conflicts
  • Termination during downsizing or restructuring

These situations may not meet the legal standard for wrongful termination unless they are tied to an unlawful motive.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated

If you believe your termination was unlawful, you should act quickly and strategically to protect your rights:

  1. Document Everything
     Save termination letters, emails, performance reviews, and any relevant correspondence or evidence that supports your claim.
  2. Request the Reason for Termination
     Politely ask your employer (in writing) to clarify the reason for your termination. While not required to respond, their answer may be useful later.
  3. Review Your Employment Agreement
     If you had a contract or company handbook, check for relevant provisions about termination and grievance procedures.
  4. File a Complaint with the EEOC or State Agency
     Depending on the nature of your claim, you may need to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Virginia Office of Civil Rights before pursuing a lawsuit.
  5. Consult an Experienced Employment Lawyer
     A skilled attorney can help assess your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process.

How The Mundaca Law Firm Can Help

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we bring deep experience in employment law and a strong commitment to justice. We help employees in Arlington and throughout Northern Virginia who’ve been wrongfully terminated by:

  • Evaluating your claim to determine if your termination violated any laws or contractual rights
  • Gathering supporting evidence, including employer policies, witness testimony, and electronic records
  • Negotiating with your employer for reinstatement, severance, back pay, or other remedies
  • Pursuing litigation when negotiation isn’t enough

We understand how emotionally and financially disruptive a wrongful termination can be—and we’ll work hard to secure the justice you deserve.

Why Choose Us?

  • Focused on employment law: We don’t dabble in employee rights—we specialize in them.
  • Local experience: We understand the legal environment in Arlington and the broader Virginia region.
  • Personalized approach: We take time to understand your story and tailor our strategy to your goals.
  • Tenacious representation: Whether negotiating a settlement or litigating in court, we fight for the best outcome.

Contact an Arlington Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today

If you were fired for an illegal reason, don’t assume there’s nothing you can do. Contact The Mundaca Law Firm to learn your options and take the next steps toward justice.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

  • Phone: (202) 474-8500
  • Website: www.mundacalaw.com
  • Serving: Arlington, VA and surrounding areas

Wrongful termination is not just unfair—it may be unlawful. Let us help you stand up for your rights.