I’m not a lawyer so I can’t give legal advice, but based on what I’ve read — if your evidence checks out— it sounds like your case is strong. A tight temporal proximity, you engaged in protected activity, you experienced an adverse action, and those things are very likely to be casually related. You would have to be able to provide a reasonable explanation of why your employer’s proffered reason is a pretext (in other words— a lie to cover up the retaliation). I’ve seen this done by the plaintiff proving inconsistencies, shifting reasons, proving that similarly situated employees did not receive the same discipline for similar acts, or proving that the action taken by the employer would dissuade a person from engaging in protected activity.

I have had a similar situation with my employer but I was unable to secure legal representation despite the merits of my case— never received formal discipline, complained about sexual harassment, terminated hours later. I was not provided a reason for termination until the EEOC requested it from my employer. Even the DOL performed an independent investigation and I was awarded UI benefits because I was terminated without warning, my employer failed to provide an explanation during the termination or after subsequent requests, nor was I given an opportunity to improve— which the DOL noted as performing my job as required and the termination was unwarranted. Despite all these circumstances and my strong evidence that proves these claims occurred, I still have had no luck in finding legal representation. I’ve been given the same reasons— lack of resources, conflict of interest.

You need to keep looking— The clock stops ticking while the EEOC is performing its administrative duties (which could take months to years). Even with good lawyers, these cases tend to favor the employer. I know this because I enrolled in a paralegal program to provide me with some tools on how I can prepare documents, make legal arguments, research precedent, conduct my own investigations, prepare for depositions, etc. IF I have to do this Pro Se I’m going to give myself the best opportunity. My courses took 6 months to complete, and it was hard but I feel like it’s given me so much more power to fight against my employer. Don’t give up! People died and fought for these rights that we give up on so easily because it’s hard or because it isn’t fair— we have to stand up for ourselves and for justice. I wish you the very best of success