Legal Question in Employment Law in New York

Re: unfavorable job reference

You might be able to sue for defamation (slander or libel) if the reference contained a false statement of fact. Most attorneys will not take such cases on a contingency, but if you find one who will, you might give it a try. In the course of pretrial proceedings, you will then have an opportunity to find out from the former employer and prospective employers, what it was the person said or wrote. The courts give some protection to job references, but not complete. It will be very helpful, however, if you can find out from one of the prospective employers, what it was that was said. Then you'll have a better case to present to an attorney.