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The Role of Performance Reviews in Wrongful Termination Lawsuits

By: | May 2, 2025.
The Role of Performance Reviews in Wrongful Termination Lawsuits

Performance reviews are often presented as routine evaluations. However, these reviews can become critical evidence in legal disputes, especially those involving wrongful termination. We’ve helped many clients uncover the truth behind their termination by reviewing past evaluations and identifying inconsistencies or manipulation.

Our dedicated Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer knows that performance reviews can support your claim or be used against you. That’s why it’s important to fully understand how these documents are created, stored, and used.

Unfair Reviews Can Signal Unlawful Behavior

When employers want to build a case to fire someone, performance reviews are often used as a tool. A sudden shift from positive to negative evaluations without cause can be a red flag. It can show retaliation, bias, or a cover-up for an unlawful firing. In 2023, 56% of all EEOC charges were attributed to retaliation, frequently triggered by sudden negative reviews following an employee’s complaint, accommodation request, or protected leave.

Nicholas Sarris, one of our experienced attorneys, emphasizes the importance of tracking every review, meeting, or write-up. These records form the foundation of many successful legal cases. We help our clients gather and analyze these materials to build the strongest possible argument.

The Legal Value of Performance Documentation

At JML Law, APLC, we work with clients to identify inconsistencies between their actual job performance and what’s written in their reviews. This comparison can reveal discrimination, retaliation, or violations of employment law. Whether it’s a one-time review or a pattern of declining ratings, we examine every detail.

Our legal team works hard to ensure the full story is told. Reviews that lack documentation, ignore positive feedback, or are based on subjective opinions can often be challenged. In some cases, coworkers and witnesses may help prove that an employee was unfairly targeted. JML Law, APLC, brings together legal skill and experience to make these points clear in your case.

How We Use Reviews in Wrongful Termination Cases

We’ve handled numerous wrongful termination cases where performance reviews played a major role. Sometimes the review is overly vague. Other times, it’s completely inconsistent with prior praise. In both situations, it raises legal concerns. As your Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney, we gather facts, compare timelines, and build a solid strategy around your employment history.

If your employer began writing up false complaints or retroactively created documentation after you filed a complaint or requested leave, these can also support a wrongful termination claim. We know what to look for and how to make your side of the story undeniable.

Know Your Rights and Act Fast

When you’re let go under suspicious circumstances, the first step is to collect and preserve your records. Save your reviews, emails, and any communication related to performance. Then, speak with a legal team that understands how to interpret these documents and connect them to the law.

Wrongful termination isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal. You have rights, and we are here to help you assert them. Whether your dismissal involved discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract, our team is prepared to fight on your behalf. Call 818-610-8800 to schedule a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and how we can help you move forward.

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