Legal Question in Employment Law in California

I signed an educational reimbursement agreement that required me to pay back the tuition if I was terminated "for cause." "For cause" is not defined in the agreement or in the company employee handbook. The company, a subcontractor on a government contract, asserts that I was terminated "for cause" and has sued me for the tutition. Therefore, where would I find the legal definition of "for cause"? Thanks.


Asked on 10/12/09, 12:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

"For cause" is a term that is often spelled out in employment contracts. If it is not defined in the contract, a finder of fact must look elsewhere for a definition.

One place you can look is at Cal. Labor Code Section 2924, which requires employers to show that an employee committed a willful breach of duty or habitual neglect of their duty, in order to be terminated, where cause is necessary because of employment for a specified term.

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Answered on 10/12/09, 5:44 pm


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