[ca] Fired After The Conclusion Of An Hr Investigation/complaint That I Initiated

Location: California

I have already been in contact with employment lawyers, but the situation just feels very odd to me. So I guess I just wanted like potential reasoning for why this would happen.

I am keeping this very vague intentionally. I decided to report my previous supervisor to HR a few months ago. This includes sexual harassment (weak evidence), wage issues (I have photo evidence), and a hostile work environment (decent amount of evidence?).

The investigation was launched and I was reassured there wouldn't be retaliation and a no-contact order was put in place between myself and my old boss. I was in the dark about everything during the investigation. Recently, I had a meeting with HR where she told me the investigation concluded and that the company has decided to terminate my employment. Not because of the investigation, specifically, but because of the at-will employment. No reason was given. They offered me a severance package (if I agreed not to sue) and even upped it to try to get me to sign. I didn't sign anything except acknowledgement of final paycheck and that was it. They packed my things up and I had to leave. (I wasn't offered COBRA, but I'm not sure if that's required or not.)

As a side note, I don't have any performance issues or any other marks on my record to my knowledge. No warnings nor was I in a probation period. I was doing my work well, despite the issues.

Of all my friends that I've told and the attorneys that I've called, they all say it sounds very much like retaliation, but that's the part that's really confusing to me. The company has a legal counselor and I was reassured throughout the entire process I wouldn't be retaliated against. Why would they fire me in a situation like this? Why even offer severance or something?

I guess I also want advice on how to pick a lawyer to go with. I've contacted many and have several consultations lined up, but I have no idea how to pick who to go with. Or even exactly what I want to do in this situation.