Can I be reprimanded for speaking to previous employee's lawyer?

[ana5587]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I currently work for an employer who is being sued by a previous employee. The previous employee's law firm has been contacting me to speak to me in regards to that previous employee's employment. I'm more than willing to speak to them but I am wondering if I can be reprimanded for doing so by my employer? What are the laws for this? Can I be fired/written up for speaking to the previous employee's lawyer?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[cbg]

Before I answer any of your questions, please identify (1) your role in the company and (2) your connection with the other employee. It makes a difference to the answers.

 

[Just Blue]

Before I answer any of your questions, please identify (1) your role in the company and (2) your connection with the other employee. It makes a difference to the answers.

Agreed.

**************..

 

[ana5587]

Before I answer any of your questions, please identify (1) your role in the company and (2) your connection with the other employee. It makes a difference to the answers.

1) I am an sales associate in the company. I have been with the company for over 8 years now.
2) The former employee is my previous store manager.

Thank you!

 

[cbg]

That being the case, yes, you can be reprimanded or even fired.

I would be careful about speaking to them without either written permission to do so or a subpoena.

 

[ana5587]

That being the case, yes, you can be reprimanded or even fired.

I would be careful about speaking to them without either written permission to do so or a subpoena.

I know this may sound ridiculous but what would the most likely reasoning used by my employer for the reprimand? If I am sent a subpoena would there still be reprimand for that?

 

[eerelations]

Please re-read cbg's response. She advised that you should be careful unless you're sent a subpoeana - this means you're unlikely to be reprimanded for this because it's beyond your control.

But if you're just talking to the former employee's attorney of your own free will? You can legally be fired (let alone reprimanded) for this.

If I was you, I'd definitely be seeking guidance and instruction from my employer before speaking to anyone involved with the case.

 

[cbg]

Because depending on what you say, you could conceivably screw up their case for them, of course. The PLAINTIFF'S attorney wouldn't be looking to speak with you if your testimony was likely to be helpful to your employer.

You don't think that's worth a reprimand if you speak to them without their knowledge or consent?