Legal Question in Business Law in California

Company promises job, then changes mind...

A California company flew me down for an interview a month ago. During the interview, I was made a verbal offer (which I accepted), and was to receive a written job offer by FAX or FEDEX later.

Believing that the offer was for real, I've sold or given everything away, given notice for my apartment, turned away tens of thousands of dollars in contract work, put a car on the road, bought a trailer, etc. etc.

When the written offer was not forthcoming, I repeatedly emailed and telephoned them, and they assured me that everything was fine, and that I should not worry, and that I should get everything in order for the move.

I received a call today (a month later) saying that there was some 'hold up' from the director responsible, and that my future boss didn't have approval to hire me anymore.

So now, I've sold everything, don't have a place to live, have given away all work that I would have had, have no work lined up, and now have no job to go to.

I'm leaving for Russia on Monday the 2nd to be with my wife. I had counted on having the job, so I could get my wife into the United States and/or Canada -- now, without a job, she's stuck there! Thanks!


Asked on 10/30/98, 7:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert E. Drescher Law Offices of Robert E. Drescher

Re: Company promises job, then changes mind...

If you have the E-Mails, FEDEX letter and other documentation as you have ndicated, you may have a very good case against the employeer for (at least) Breach of Contract and maybe Fraud..

You need to hire an attorney to review and possibly file an action against the company.

Robert E. Drescher

Law Offices of Robert E. Drescher

23958 Avenida Crescenta


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Answered on 1/05/99, 11:18 am
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Company promises job, then changes mind...

Employers who renege on job offers are generally liable for the damages incurred by the prospective employee, so long as he acted reasonably in reliance on the offer. It is not likely, however, that they would be ordered to give you the job.

From what you have said, it sounds like you have a pretty good case against the employer for the financial losses you sustained after the offer fell through.

I don't think you have a claim based on your wife's situation in Russia, however, as she was not placed in that situation by the company.

Edward A. Hoffman

Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

11620 Wilshire Boulevard, #340

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310-575-3540

310-575-6107 (Fax)

[email protected]

Edward Hoffman

Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

11620 Wilshire Boulevard, #340


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Answered on 1/05/99, 1:48 pm


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