What is the current state of the law on "particularized" freedom of speech?

The balancing that must be undertaken to find constitutional protection for the speech is "particularized" and depends "upon the nature of the employee's expression." Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138, 150, 103 S.Ct. 1684, 75 L.Ed.2d 708 (1983). "When close working relationships are essential to fulfilling public responsibilities, a wide degree of deference to the employer's judgment is appropriate." Id. at 152-53, 103 S.Ct. 1684.