Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Harassement by ex-employer

Background: Worked for company X for 7 years. Each year I've earned high performance grades. No issues with HR or managment during my tenure.

Recently moved to Company Y which is a direct competitor.

Now, my former employer is sending me letters and insuating that I've shared or planning to share sensitive information to Company Y, which I have and will not.

Question: How do I put a stop to the letters and communications? Do I have to respond to their letters?

Second Question: Is this grounds for a defamation suit?

I've also heard from my former colleagues that their managers are communicating to them that I'm being sued (I have yet to be served with any legal papers) and that I had a conversation during an exit interview with Company X's attorney that never happened.

It's my opinion that they are trying to intimidate the others so that no one else leaves the company. i.e. You better not leave the company because if you do, ''this'' could happen to you.

Thank you in advance for your reply.


Asked on 7/23/06, 6:27 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Harassement by ex-employer

A cease-and-desist letter from an attorney might get them to stop.

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Answered on 7/27/06, 3:30 pm
Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

Re: Harassement by ex-employer

Hire an attorney to write a strongly worded letter back to the employer. Former employers rarely sue former employees unless they have evidence that the employee actually has used trade secret information with competitors. These cases are even more rarely successful. But you are correct, they usually send these letters and share information with former co-workers to intimidate. It often works.

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Answered on 7/27/06, 7:14 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Harassement by ex-employer

IF the past employer sues you, immediately hire counsel. Right now, you may be able to prevent that, and stop the 'harassment' by having counsel write them. Contact me if interested in doing so.

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Answered on 7/27/06, 9:54 pm


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