Some terminations come with a paper trail of excuses, awkward timing, or sudden accusations that do not align with your employment record. Others arrive without that much effort; just a locked login, a short meeting, and a feeling that something is off. If you suspect your firing was illegal, speaking with a Paradise Valley wrongful termination lawyer is often the first real step toward a resolution. 

Paradise Valley Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Wrongful discharge is not always immediately apparent, but the law provides employees with solid protections when employers cross the line. Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC has spent decades litigating these disputes on behalf of Arizona workers, and we do not hesitate to stand up in court when negotiations fail. If you need answers now, our attorneys can review your situation and help you determine whether you have a viable claim.

What Counts as Wrongful Termination in Arizona?

Arizona is an at-will employment state, but that does not give employers a free pass to ignore state and federal law. When it comes to choosing a wrongful termination attorney, Paradise Valley firm Shields Petitti & Zoldan evaluates whether a firing violates any of the following:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This 1964 law prohibits termination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA blocks discharges specifically tied to disability status, perceived or actual.
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This law protects workers aged 40 and older from age-based firings.
  • The Arizona Civil Rights Act. This mirrors many federal protections and allows claims at the state level.
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA shields workers who take qualified leave from retaliation or dismissal.
  • Public policy. Employers cannot fire someone for reporting illegal conduct, serving on a jury, or refusing to engage in unlawful acts.

One of an employment lawyer’s roles is to identify which laws the employer violated and build a strategy around that misconduct.

What Are Signs My Firing May Be Illegal?

Most employees know when something feels wrong, but it helps to understand how those instincts translate into evidence. Common red flags include:

  • Sudden termination soon after filing a harassment or wage complaint,
  • Shifting explanations or contradictory statements about performance,
  • Unequal application of company policy,
  • Replacement by someone outside your protected class, and
  • Punishment for taking medical or family leave.

Every situation is different. A wrongful discharge lawyer in Paradise Valley will compare your circumstances to statutory standards, past case law, and available documentation to determine your options.

What Damages Can I Pursue?

The remedies depend on the facts, but Arizona employees may seek:

  • Lost wages and lost benefits,
  • Compensation for emotional harm,
  • Reinstatement or front pay,
  • Attorney fees and costs, and
  • Punitive damages when the conduct is egregious.

A Paradise Valley wrongful termination lawyer with trial experience understands how to calculate these amounts and present a strong case for your right to compensation for your employer’s bad behavior. 

Working with a wrongful termination attorney early allows for prompt document preservation, interviews with witnesses, and filing deadlines that keep your claim alive. Shields Petitti & Zoldan uses litigation as both a shield and a sword, pushing for fair compensation before employers settle into denial.

Choosing the Right Paradise Valley Wrongful Termination Lawyer: What Makes Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC Different?

Selecting counsel is more than just about credentials. You want someone who listens without judgment but does not sugarcoat the law. You need a firm willing to calculate risk, negotiate when beneficial, and take legal action when the other side refuses to cooperate. Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC offers:

  • Nearly $25 million in verdicts and settlements;
  • Five decades of combined employment law experience;
  • Recognition by Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and Best Lawyers;
  • An AV-Preeminent rating;
  • Features on NBC News, Fox News, AZ Central, and Phoenix New Times; 
  • Membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum; and
  • Five-star Google reviews across multiple wrongful discharge cases.

These results reflect a law firm that values rigorous preparation and takes cases to trial when justice demands it. When an employer underestimates a claim, Shields Petitti & Zoldan will not back down.

Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC: When You Need the Best Employment Lawyer in Paradise Valley, Arizona

Terminations that violate the law deserve a legal response, not silence or second-guessing. To understand your rights and take action, contact Shields Petitti & Zoldan for a consultation today. Our team can assess your situation, explain your options, and guide you through what follows.