Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

Does it matter why my employer says they fired me?

Yes — but what they say is not always the real reason. Many wrongful terminations are disguised as performance issues, layoffs, or restructuring. The question is whether the stated reason is pretextual — a cover for the real, illegal motivation. Evidence of inconsistent treatment, suspicious timing, and prior positive reviews can expose pretext.

I was fired right after reporting harassment — is that retaliation?

Yes, almost certainly. Being fired shortly after engaging in protected activity (reporting harassment, filing a complaint, requesting leave) is among the strongest evidence of retaliation. The timing alone creates a strong inference of causal connection. You likely have both a discrimination/harassment claim and a retaliation claim.

Can I be fired during a probationary period?

Generally yes — probationary employees in Louisiana are still at-will and can be fired for any legal reason. However, probationary employees are still protected from illegal discrimination and retaliation. If you were fired during probation because of a protected characteristic or in retaliation for protected activity, you have the same legal rights as any other employee.

What should I do immediately after being fired?

1) Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney — especially a severance agreement that may waive your claims; 2) Request a copy of your personnel file; 3) Preserve all emails, texts, and documents while you still have access; 4) Write down your account of events immediately; 5) File for unemployment benefits; 6) Contact an employment attorney immediately — the EEOC clock starts running from the date of termination if discrimination is involved.

Employment Law Guide

Was I Wrongfully Terminated?

Louisiana Employment Law · Signs, Evidence & Next Steps

In Louisiana, you may have been wrongfully terminated if you were fired for an illegal reason — discrimination based on race, sex, disability, age, or religion; retaliation for reporting harassment or safety violations; for taking protected FMLA leave; or in violation of an employment contract. Louisiana's at-will rule does not protect illegal firings. The 300-day EEOC deadline runs from the date of termination if discrimination is involved.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Employment Law — Wrongful Termination · Last Updated: September 30, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

Red Flags That Suggest Wrongful Termination

🚩 Fired shortly after reporting harassment, discrimination, or safety violations

Suspicious timing is strong evidence of retaliation — one of the most powerful indicators of illegal motive.

🚩 Performance issues appeared suddenly after years of positive reviews

Fabricated performance issues are one of the most common pretexts for disguising discriminatory or retaliatory terminations.

🚩 Fired shortly after requesting disability accommodation, FMLA leave, or workers' comp

Each of these is a protected activity — adverse action following the request suggests illegal motive.

🚩 Similarly situated employees outside your protected class kept their jobs

Comparator evidence showing disparate treatment is powerful proof of discriminatory intent.

🚩 Employer changed the reason for your firing multiple times

Shifting justifications suggest the stated reason is pretextual — a cover for the real, illegal motivation.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Jonathan M. Rhodes can evaluate the facts of your termination and tell you whether you have a viable legal claim. Free, confidential consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Related Employment Law Resources

Wrongful Termination Attorney

Full wrongful termination service page.

Workplace Retaliation

Fired for protected activity.

Workplace Discrimination

Fired because of a protected characteristic.

EEOC Claims

Filing your EEOC charge.

Employment Law Hub

All employment law services.

Was I Wrongfully Terminated? — FAQ

Protect Your Workplace Rights

Free case evaluation. Do not sign a severance agreement or miss the EEOC deadline without speaking to an attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975