Job reference laws can be bypassed. Under job reference laws your former employer may not be able to say anything definitive, but do not put it past them to carefully take a shot at you while still in accordance with the law. Job reference laws may not always entirely protect you. Many times a former boss or an HR staffer has said, “Hold on a minute while I get the legal file to see what I am allowed to say about Mr. Smith.” Although not allowed to divulge anything as stated by job reference laws, they just let on that there was legal hassle. Many prospective employers may be uncomfortable hiring someone who has a legal history, dashing your job prospects.