I'll have to hope that personal references will be enough and try to come up with some story about how my employer is legally hamstrung not to give a reference

I'll have to hope that personal references will be enough and try to come up with some story about how my employer is legally hamstrung not to give a reference No! If you are asked about it (which to be honest, I find unlikely) just tell the truth - they're paranoid about being sued. Hell, I got told off at my last company (of 12 people) for asking as an interview question "What was your biggest IT mistake." The paranoia is pervasive unfortunately, but that's also your biggest strength - if there was a reason to fire you, within 10 years you would have been fired. A simple "they're paranoid about the law" will be both truthful and sufficient.