Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Re: Bad-mouthing an ex-employee

Former employers can legally provide truthful information regarding employees to prospective employers. However, an employer cannot maliciously "badmouth" a former employee; that would be defamation. There are employment reference checking services that will contact your former employer and seek a reference; the service will then provide you with a written report regarding the reference. Often, these written reports can be used as evidence to establish the employer's liability for defamatory statements. You should consult with a local employee rights attorney for further assistance.

Re: Bad-mouthing an ex-employee

If they are giving out false info, they are risking a defamation action. Truthful info being given out is generally protected. Either way, a letter from an attorney would likely stop it from recurring. Contact me if interested in pursuing either avenue.