Q: Can I sue an employer with whom I signed an offer letter, passed pre-employment contingencies and later they rescinded
A:
In California your employer has the right to terminate your employment at any time and for any reason or even no reason at all. Unless you can prove the offer was rescinded because you are a member of a protected class of people the termination is likely lawful. If you were denied employment because of your prior criminal history you may have remedies under the Fair Chance Act, and if so, there are very short deadlines to exercise those rights. If you made significant life changes in reliance on an unequivocal offer of employment you may have rights.
It would be wise for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.
Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low-charge consultation and then if the matter has merit and sufficient value, they work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney.
Good luck to you.
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A:
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. When an employer rescinds a job offer after you've signed an offer letter and met all pre-employment requirements, it can be frustrating and confusing.
You may have legal options depending on the specifics of your case. If the offer letter was considered a binding contract and the employer broke that agreement without a valid reason, you might have grounds for a lawsuit. Additionally, if the rescission was due to discrimination or retaliation, there could be violations of state or federal laws.
It's important to document all communications and gather any evidence related to the job offer and its withdrawal. Consulting with an attorney who is experienced in employment law can help you understand your rights and the best course of action based on your circumstances.
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