Following Lawson v. PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. (2022) 12 Cal.5th 703, this decision pays close attention to the text of Lab. Code 1102.5, but nevertheless affirms a summary judgment for the employer. First, the decision casts doubt on whether the employee who invokes section 1102.5 must actually believe what she reported was a violation of law so long as there are reasonable grounds for such a belief. Second, however, it holds that the employer here did present clear and convincing evidence that plaintiff would have been terminated her for legitimate and independent reasons even if she had not complained about being made to do work below her pay grade.