Waldorf, MD asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Maryland

Q: Can my former employer prohibit me from talking to current employees?

I quit do to family issue. It was abrupt and I sent out a message to apologize for my sudden departure. A GM I trained reached out to me and asked for advice. I told them my advice and some other things they should be mindful of. Today my DO who had not said a world to me when I left due to family problems sent me a text saying he would contact legal and HR if I spoke to anyone on his team. Can he do that?

1 Lawyer Answer
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: He can send you texts, letters and talk to whomever he wants. You can do the same. Unless you signed an NDA, the only thing to worry about is a defamation suit--and the truth of what you say is a complete defense to a defamation claim. If you signed an NDA, have a lawyer review it to determine whether it is enforceable or even applies to your actions. Freedom of association and freedom of speech are protected rights in this country, last time I checked.

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