I was terminated from a job late last year and now want to get vital information from my employee file. Do I have this right? Its been nearly 4 months since I left. I need documents like performance reviews, awards etc which are being requested by a new potential hire.

I neglected to make copies of these when I was terminated. Any help would be great! thanks.

California law allows current & former employees to inspect or copy personnel files.

You do have the right to review your personnel file and get copies of documents that YOU SIGNED. If you did not sign the document then you do not have a right to have a copy of it. Contact the HR person and request to see the file.

Even if you cant have copies, that doesn't mean you can't take notes on everything in it stating exactly what each item says. You would have something contradicting if company adds or withholds anything,

but we know that never happens.:D

You still have the right to copy the file while you are inspecting it.

You still have the right to copy the file while you are inspecting it.
You only have the right to make a photocopy of things that you signed. Which is why it is a good reason to sign written warnings, even if you disagree.