Wrongful termination is illegal in Virginia and the District of Columbia, but it is narrowly defined so as to apply in only limited circumstances. Virginia employers can only be sued for wrongful discharge (also called wrongful termination) under limited circumstances.Virginia "atwill" employees have a claim for wrongful termination only in narrow exceptions against public policy or federal law. 1. Consultation with an attorney: The first step in a wrongful termination lawsuit is often to consult with an experienced employment lawyer. If you believe you've been unlawfully dismissed, consult a lawyer immediately to assess the potential for a wrongful termination lawsuit. If you wish to start a civil action in federal court, but do not have an attorney to represent you, you may bring your case on your own. Learn about Virginia job protections against illegal firings. Find out if you have been wrongfully dismissed and are protected under Virginia labor laws. In this guide, we'll discuss how to file a lawsuit for termination, the critical stages involved, and what to anticipate during the legal process. Because representing yourself in a lawsuit is difficult, the Court urges you to think seriously about getting an attorney, if at all possible.