Alex,
I have no legal advice to offer you, but please, before you do this, is there a person in your life that you respect or admire that might hold an independent viewpoint - whom you could speak to about what your considering? The GAL your working with seems like a sharp fellow, and has advised you that what your thinking of doing will have adverse consequences not just to you, but your family. Are you really so backed into a corner as all that?
I'm just an anonymous voice on the internet, but please, give some thought to what your about to do. I'm not saying you were or weren't wronged, but be honest about the outcome you want, and make sure this action will help - not harm - your ultimate goal. Be realistic about this; a plywood sign is not going to bring the world rushing to your doorstep anymore than such signs "bring the world to Jesus!" or cause the "world to rise up against {insert current administration here}" when they get put up by religious nuts or anti-government types. At best, you'll get some chuckles (make sure the spelling on the sign is correct), and at worst you'll really piss some people off who hold your fate and your future in their hands.

