Legal Question in Business Law in California

You can of course be sued for anything and everything by anybody that can scribble out a minimal complaint and shove it over the court clerk's counter along with the several hundred bucks in Superior Court filing fees.

Whether or not the plaintiff can win is, obviously, another matter. Nevertheless, if you are sued and don't defend properly, you will likely lose, perhaps by default judgment, irrespective of whether the complaint had merit.

In this particular instance, you paint a picture of innocence and lack of liability. Your potential adversary will, very possibly, have an entirely different, and possibly very convincing, view of the facts.

In view of the risks involved, including the rather unusual and perhaps way off base threat that the suit might interfere with your graduation, I would strongly advise you to obtain high quality (not "legal aid" or paralegal coaching) representation if you are served with a summons and complaint by these turkeys.

You need to report this to your school department that coordinates internships. If you have accurately stated the facts, this is something the school should be aware of and should help protect you. The owner's threat to interfere with your graduation could possibly create a cause of action against the owner/employer for defamation.

Yes bring it to the attention of the university. If they will not defend for you, then this office can prepare your defense for an affordable fee. Contact me directly.