Received a cease-and -desist letter from prior firm

Shouldn’t have done this but - when I left my previous firm, I sent myself some materials from company laptop as helpful job aid for the next role. Nothing MNPI, just old deal stuff and I wasn’t going to share w anyone. One month later, HR at my old firm sent me a cease-and-desist letter noting I must immediately delete and not share anything. The worst part is they cc’ed HR at my current firm, a guy who heads recruitment.

Now should I be concerned this might impact my current job? And should I communicate this with current HR in any ways? Or should I just leave them out, keep the convo bilateral b/w me and my old firm? Looking for some advice!

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Impact on Your Current Job: Yes, this situation could potentially impact your current job, especially since your previous firm's HR has already looped in your current HR. This could raise concerns about your professional ethics and adherence to compliance policies. It's crucial to address this proactively to mitigate any potential fallout.

  2. Communicating with Current HR: It’s advisable to communicate with your current HR department. Transparency is key here. Acknowledge the situation, explain that the materials were not MNPI (Material Non-Public Information), and emphasize that you’ve complied with the cease-and-desist letter by deleting the materials immediately. This shows accountability and a willingness to resolve the matter professionally.

  3. Keep the Conversation Professional: When dealing with your old firm, keep all communication professional and in writing. Confirm that you’ve complied with their request and deleted the materials. Avoid any emotional or defensive responses.

  4. Legal Considerations: If you’re unsure about the implications or how to handle this, consult with a lawyer. They can guide you on how to navigate this situation without jeopardizing your current role or creating further complications.

  5. Future Precautions: Learn from this experience. Avoid taking any materials from a previous employer, even if they seem harmless. It’s always better to err on the side of caution to protect your professional reputation.

By addressing this head-on with your current HR and ensuring compliance with your old firm’s request, you can demonstrate integrity and minimize potential risks.

Sources: Caught interviewing and asked to leave, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/suing-a-former-employer?customgpt=1, Suing a former employer

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Anonymous Monkey:

Definitely a dumb move - just reply all and confirm that you destroyed everything and apologize for the mixup. Actually delete everything too.



If you comply it’s probably not an issue - just play dumb and say some old coworkers said you could do this or something


Congrats on Compliance!

 

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