I just quit a job that has a terribly toxic and petty work environment. I want to write a review to warn others.

Question

I want to be honest about my experiences but dont want to be pursued for defamation. Its a small team and it would be easy to figure out that i wrote the review, especially since the person in charge is the owners mother, the only manager and the one that im writing about. These people are really good at intimidation and i want potential future employees to know what they are stepping into. The person in question likes to tear down employees self esteem and call them names to them and behind their back to other employees to the point of bullying. I want to convey this but am terrified that theyd pursue me as they use their lawyers being good as a back handed threat quite often. I went to the HR about it and was told it was private which in turn they went straight to the manager and told them(the HR is the manager daughter) ive written a draft of the review but am afraid. Please help me understand my limitations as to what i can and cant say.

Tim Akpinar · Answer

Good luck in your new career endeavors. An employment attorney could advise you as to the employment-related attributes of your question. As for the Libel & Slander category issues, I do not believe an attorney would be willing to give you a green light as to "understanding your limitations."  There is no predicting what the other side would do, even if your position is defensible from the standpoint of defamation law. It might even burn bridges in terms of hoping for a neutral commentary for a future employer. Good luck 
 
Tim Akpinar

Q: I just quit a job that has a terribly toxic and petty work environment. I want to write a review to warn others.