Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland

Offer Rescinded

After 3 face-to-face interviews and several pre-screening interviews by a retained search firm, I was hired by a company in Bethesda, MD on Thurs 5/3/01. The offer was verbal, not written. After accepting the offer, I was to begin work today (5/7/01). However, when I reported to the office this morning, I was told the offer had been rescinded and that the position is on indefinite hold.

This obviously threw me for a loop. The company's failure to honor their offer not only cost me that job, but I also told another prospective employer I had accepted this position. So I'm now out of 2 jobs. And with the current condition of the job market, it will be a difficult proposition to acquire another job at the level and salary I'm at.

I believe I've been wronged in such a way that has caused both financial and mental hardship. After speaking to a family friend who's an attorney in IL, I understand their state law is an ''employment at will'' state and that I would have no legal recourse as a result. I believe Maryland is as well.

Can anyone provide any insight as to whether I have any legal recourse in this situation?


Asked on 5/07/01, 3:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Lease Smith, Lease & Goldstein, LLC

Re: Offer Rescinded

Generally, employment is "at will" unless otherwise stated. While your job offer was oral, the representations made by the employer could provide you with a cause of action. For example, if at the time the offer was made, the employer knew it might rescind the offer but failed to disclose that fact; a misrepresentation claim could be made. Also a claim for promissory estoppel may have merit.

As with all legal cases, the particular facts and circumstances with control. If you would like to discuss this matter in more detail, you can call me at (301) 838-8950.

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Answered on 6/20/01, 10:40 am


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