The statute of limitations varies depending on what type of employment lawsuit is being brought, and whether it is being brought under federal or state law. Under federal law, for example, you have 180 days to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC, but this period is extended to 300 days when your state or local government has a law prohibiting the same type of discrimination. Each state has its own statute of limitations for bringing a discrimination suit.Similarly, lawsuits brought for a breach of an employment agreement are subject to state statute of limitations for breach of contract claims. Usually the statute of limitations for a breach of a written contract is longer than for an oral contract because documentary evidence, and not just witness testimony, will serve to prove or disprove the claims.If you are suing for defamation or wrongful termination in violation of public policy, you will have to consult your state law to determine how long the statute of limitations period is. In California, for example, the statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit for wrongful termination in violation of public policy is within two years of termination, as set forth in Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.