Hi, Jennifer - I feel that reference checks are an outdated practice.  There is too much liability on all sides.  Also, how can you guarantee that the person you are talking with is legitimate?  I have found that a better alternative is to allow the candidate to shadow prior to making an offer.  Let me them experience the environment firsthand and get some of your rock star employees involved in the process.  This is much more telling as to how they will perform and ensure fit compared to the information gathered from a reference check.