Legal Question in Employment Law in Virginia

I live in an at-will state and was recently terminated for telling my boss she was manipulative, scheming and a liar. (She was also a friend for 20 years, so a line got crossed there.). However, she was also continually trying to discuss my personal life at work and amongst my colleagues. After I left work the day I was let go, she emailed my husband. Was that over the line? Did she have a right to email my husband or my other personal contacts? Thanks.

Asked on 4/25/10, 1:18 pm

Jonathon Moseley Moseley & Associates Law Firm

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In Virginia, unless you fave a contract with your employer, an employer can terminate employment for any reason at all or NO reason at all.

Virginia is a strict 'at will" State.

However, Virginia is also a strict "enforce the contract" State if there is a contract.

On the other hand, the right to terminate employment does NOT give anyone the right to engage in defamation or slander.

For an employer to share any information without outsiders risks commiting defamation or slander.

If the statements are true, or mere opinion, then you probably could not sue.

However, if any statements were untrue or reckless, this might be defamation.

There is a one-year statute of limitations for defamation in Virginia

Answered on 4/30/10, 7:27 pm

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