His motives seem obviously to be malign, but what's the theory under which he's liable for damages?
If I say "tortious interference" is that adequately specific?
If the OP doesn't get fired, it might be tough for him (her?) to prove that he suffered any damages, a sine qua non of that kind of claim. [1]
[1] E.g., http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/intentional_interference_with...
I guess. You'd have to demonstrate malice on the part of the recruiter, since simply sharing the fact that the client is looking for work probably isn't independently tortious. I guess I see it, now.
Well, like if said I'm not a lawyer, but if the recruiter acted to malign and it resulted in termination, I feel like there may be something there. Certainly in that case it would be at least worth consulting someone.
I'm not too worried about losing my job. I told my employer I was planning on leaving, then changed my mind. I'm part of the hiring committee for my current employer. So I was surprised when I saw my own resume sent out by my boss. I was able to piece together the timeline when my boss told me when the recruiter sent my resume to him.
Really, there's nothing immoral about speaking to recruiters when you're employed. It's within your rights to know what's out there, and what your current worth is.
That said, I'm not a lawyer, but if you lose your job over this (and I don't think a reasonable employer should fire you over it), it wouldn't hurt to speak with one. The recruiter would have a hard time explaining his motives for pitching you to your current employer, other than incompetence or maliciousness.