I sued my previous company and won. Our legal agreement included that they would not defame me. However, I believe that I have been unable to secure employment due to what they are saying about me. Three employers refused to return my calls after the previous employer reference check was completed. Prior to this check, HR told me I was the best candidate. I am a highly qualified Executive in my field. Attended Top 5 U.S. University. Excellent work record prior to suing my previous company. However, Michigan is a "small town"...everyone knows someone working in my field.
1.) What is the best way to get the prior potential employers to tell me what they were told? Can they be forced to tell me?
2.) Is there a Michigan company that I can hire to do a reference check for me to learn what they are saying or what questions they are being "silent" to?
3.) Is there a lawyer in Michigan who has dealt with this specific type of retaliation (as it is tricky to prove)? I need someone who knows what these companies could be doing and prove my case based on experience.
Thank you.

