Experienced Breach of Employment Contract Attorneys in California

Protecting Employees When Employers Break Their Promises

Employment contracts exist to create security and fairness between an employee and an employer. When an employer fails to honor the terms of that contract, it is more than a technical violation; it is a betrayal of trust that can jeopardize a person’s livelihood and financial stability.

Our California employment law attorneys at Romero Law stand up for employees whose employers have broken their contractual obligations. Whether you were terminated before your contract expired, denied agreed-upon commissions, or deprived of promised compensation, you have legal rights that deserve protection. Our firm has successfully represented employees in high-stakes contract disputes, including securing multi-million-dollar settlements when employers failed to keep their promises.

We understand that a breach of employment contract is not just about money but accountability, integrity, and restoring what you were owed.

Understanding Breach of Employment Contract Claims

An employment contract outlines the specific terms of the working relationship, including job duties, compensation, length of employment, benefits, and other conditions. When either party fails to meet those terms without a valid reason, a breach of contract has occurred.

For employees, a breach can take many forms. Some of the most common include:

• Early termination without cause: You were hired under a contract guaranteeing employment for a specific period. However, your employer ended your employment early without a valid reason defined in your agreement.
• Failure to pay agreed compensation: You were promised a specific salary, bonus, or commission structure that your employer later refused to pay.
• Unpaid severance or benefits: You were entitled to specific post-employment compensation withheld or reduced.
• Job duties and responsibilities changed significantly: Your employer reassigned or demoted you in violation of your contractual role.
• Employer misrepresentation: You entered into a contract based on false promises or inaccurate information about your position or compensation.

These situations can leave employees powerless, especially when the other party is a large company with legal resources. Our attorneys level the playing field by holding California employers accountable for breaching legally binding agreements.

Early Termination and Fixed-Term Contracts

Many employees are hired for a defined contract period—six months, one year, or more—with specific terms that outline when and how the relationship can be terminated. When an employer ends the relationship early without proper cause or fails to follow the termination procedures described in the contract, it may be a breach of contract.

For example, if your agreement guarantees employment through a specific date or allows termination only for “cause,” your employer cannot dismiss you without legitimate justification. Even in at-will employment states like California, written contracts override the at-will presumption when they include definite duration or termination clauses.

Employees who are wrongfully terminated before their contract ends may be entitled to the remaining value of the contract, lost wages, and other financial damages. Romero Law has successfully represented employees in these situations, ensuring they receive the compensation they were promised.

Commission and Compensation Disputes

Commission-based employees often face challenges when employers fail to pay what was earned under the contract terms.

Disputes can arise when:

• Commissions are earned but unpaid at the time of termination.
• The employer changes commission structures without notice.
• The company withholds commissions by alleging unsubstantiated reasons such as “client nonpayment.”
• Bonuses or profit-sharing agreements are withheld despite clear performance metrics being met.

Under California law, earned commissions are considered wages. Failure to pay them is not only a breach of contract but may also violate state wage and hour laws. Employees can pursue breach of contract and statutory wage claims to recover unpaid commissions, penalties, and interest.

Romero Law has a proven record of success in cases involving commission disputes. Our attorneys have recovered significant settlements for employees whose employers failed to pay contractual compensation, including when employers attempted to manipulate payment terms to avoid their obligations.

When Employers Fail to Pay What They Owe

Employment contracts sometimes specify additional compensation beyond regular wages, such as severance, bonuses, relocation benefits, or deferred compensation. When an employer refuses to pay these amounts, the employee has the right to take legal action.

Employers often rely on superior bargaining power to discourage employees from pursuing claims. They may assert that the contract terms were “subject to change” or attempt to recharacterize compensation as discretionary. Our attorneys know how to identify these tactics and present substantial evidence to prove breach of contract and bad faith conduct.

Depending on the nature of the violation, employees may be entitled to:

• Payment of all amounts owed under the contract.
• Additional damages caused by the breach, such as lost opportunities or reputational harm.
• Interest, penalties, and attorney’s fees were authorized by law or the contract itself.

Proving a Breach of Employment Contract

Winning a breach of contract case requires demonstrating four key elements.

They include:

• A valid, enforceable employment contract existed.
• The employee fulfilled their contractual obligations.
• The employer failed to perform its contractual duties.
• The employee suffered damages as a result.

Contracts may be written, oral, or implied from company policies or communications, although written contracts are the most straightforward to enforce. Romero Law’s attorneys carefully analyze each document, email, and term to build a strong claim that holds employers accountable.

We also understand that employers often attempt to justify their actions through vague contract language. Our team uses precise legal interpretation and case law to show that the agreement’s intent and wording support the employee’s position.

How Romero Law Protects California Employee Rights

Romero Law was founded on the belief that every employee deserves fairness and respect in the workplace. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling breach of contract cases against employers who fail to uphold their commitments. From executives and professionals with long-term contracts to sales representatives with unpaid commissions, we provide individualized attention and powerful advocacy for every client.

Our results include multi-million-dollar settlements for clients whose employers broke binding employment agreements. We approach each case with skill, persistence, and compassion, knowing that for many clients, these cases are about more than money. They are about integrity, accountability, and standing up for what is right.

Contact Romero Law for a Free Consultation

If your employer has failed to honor your employment contract, you do not have to face them alone. The attorneys at Romero Law, APC can help you understand your rights, assess your contract, and determine whether a breach occurred.

Call 626-396-9900 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. Our firm represents employees throughout California in all types of contract disputes. We will fight to ensure that your employer fulfills their promises and that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.