What would a lawyer do? From what I understand they are correct they don't owe you a reference. Employment verification is all they are required to do. Most

What would a lawyer do? From what I understand they are correct they don't owe you a reference. Employment verification is all they are required to do. Most places see giving references as a liability. After all what happens if they gave you a reference and it didn't work out at the new place, could they be on the hook for it? Move on and try not to poison the well. Heck maybe one of your coworkers would be willing to be a reference. Typically the reference just needs to be from someone familiar with your work not necessarily your boss.