For the more self-righteous startups (the kind that will grill you on engineering ethics when the job is to make a plugin to add a squiggly line filter to insta

For the more self-righteous startups (the kind that will grill you on engineering ethics when the job is to make a plugin to add a squiggly line filter to instagram), you are probably screwed as they will basically invoke Godwin's Law instantly. Similarly, for the companies that have to deal with real ethical concerns(government/charity work, etc) you are also probably screwed just because you are a liability (nobody wants to be the one who hired a Theranos employee if poop hits the fan). But for the majority of firms, it is just a job. Just be very clear on what your job responsibilities were and that you did them. But one thing to be very wary of that others haven't addressed (and have basically given horrible advice on): Be careful. What you say can be viewed in a very negative light if poop continues to hit the fan. Do not "dish" or air any dirty laundry. Depending upon how your branch is handled, consider actually talking with your manager/HR on the proper way to respond to any questions. Yes, it can screw you there. But they will know you are leaving the moment a reference is checked so it might be worthwhile to cover your butt. I am not a lawyer and this may actually be a case where consulting one is not a bad idea, but my personal suggestion from similar (but not as high profile) situations is: "I am not at liberty to discuss any ongoing investigations or court cases. And besides, even if I was, I wouldn't know anything anyway. I was just responsible for coding widgets 4-30 and improving our infrastructure for STUFF." Covers your butt as you aren't disclosing anything and reasserts that you were a code monkey.