Wrongful Termination

Getting fired isn’t always for legitimate reasons. Sometimes, it’s flat-out illegal.

It’s one thing to be laid off if the company has budget constraints, is downsizing due to restructuring, or is eliminating your department as part of a larger business shift.

But it’s another to be fired for an illegal reason.

At Legal Ally, we help New York employees fight back when their rights have been violated. If you have been wrongfully terminated, you may have a strong legal case.

What Legally Counts as Wrongful Termination?

New York is an at-will employment state, meaning most workers can be let go at any time. But there are important exceptions. If you were fired because of discrimination, retaliation, or for exercising a protected right, your termination may have violated state or federal law.

• Fired after reporting discrimination or harassment
• Fired for requesting medical or family leave
• Fired after filing a workers’ compensation claim
• Fired for refusing to participate in illegal conduct
• Fired after requesting accommodations for a disability
• Fired shortly after whistleblowing or raising ethical concerns

Jessica A. Rounds Defended Large Corporations For Years. Now She Holds Them Accountable.

Jessica spent years on the inside, representing major corporations. Today, she uses that experience to help employees turn the tables.

She understands the tactics companies use to justify firings and sidestep liability, and she knows exactly how to challenge them. At Legal Ally, Jessica leads our Employment Law practice with strategic insight and fierce advocacy. She’s not guessing what your former employer might argue. She’s already seen the playbook.

Worried About Speaking Up? You Have Legal Protection.

Standing up to your employer can feel risky. But New York law offers strong safeguards against retaliation for reporting wrongful termination or illegal treatment. If you were fired for asserting your rights, you may have a case and protection under the law.

Read: Legal Exceptions to At-Will Firing in New York →

What Can You Recover in a Wrongful Termination Case?

• Back Pay: Wages and benefits you lost due to the termination.
• Future Lost Earnings: If the termination affected your ability to earn.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for stress, anxiety, and reputational harm.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of severe or malicious employer conduct.
• Attorney’s Fees: In many successful cases, your employer may have to cover your legal fees.