Kalandra Wheeler
Texas Employment Lawyer Kalandra Wheeler

When employees look for an employment attorney, they are looking for someone to advise them on the law as it relates to an employment matter. The ultimate goal and hope is for the employee to find and choose an attorney that they trust to counsel them and give them sound advice. Of course, it goes without saying that providing sound advice does not always mean that the lawyer is there to tell the employee what they want to hear. Instead, a lawyer is there tell them what they need to hear. The lawyer is there to assess the situation and provide their take on the pros and cons or possible outcomes, as well as access the viability of claims if any exist. 

Navigating employment relationships can sometimes be very difficult. When things turn sour at work, it can be like a bad marriage. When it comes to work separation, it can be similar to a divorce. After 10, 20, or 30 years of dedication to an employer, it is understandable that an employee can become emotional about their job and career. Feeling betrayed and hurt is not uncommon when it comes to a place where one has spent so many hours. When this happens, it is best to seek the counsel of an experienced employment attorney early – before making any final decisions. However, it is important to remember, as is in any area of the law, whether it be employment, family, or personal injury law, sometimes the news is good, other times the news is not so good. Whatever the news may be, the attorney is not there to sugarcoat things and make false promises. The attorney is there to prepare the person seeking legal advice to make an informed decision once they know how the law applies to their circumstances and understands their options.

As employment attorneys, we are often outraged by the stories that we hear. Sometimes, in these stories, we learn that an employer has violated the rights of an employee and we want to give the employee a plan of action and means of fighting back. Conversely, with at-will employment, some employees find that when an employment issue arises, they have very few rights. In some instances, they have no rights – no laws that protect them from mistreatment. This is of course not to say that the employer’s actions are justified, moral, or right but simply that there is little to no legal recourse for the employer’s unethical behavior. When this happens, we still aim to provide sound advice and put those that seek our counsel in the best possible position to make decisions.  

When you consult with an attorney, their goal is to give you advice based on their experience and knowledge of the law as it relates to your facts. When you hire an attorney, you have hired them to represent you based upon that same experience and knowledge. It is the hope that you have done so with the intention of listening to the advice you have paid for. Though outraged we might be, we must often set aside those emotions to best represent our clients to put them in the best possible position or to help them make the best decisions based upon their circumstances. This is not always an easy job, but it is what is required of us if we are to truly help those in need.

At the end of the day, your employment attorney cannot force you to do anything. However, as stated above, when seeking an employment attorney, it is important to find an attorney whose advice you feel you can trust. This person is going to be someone providing you with valuable guidance in an area of the law in which they regularly practice and/or specialize.  If you’ve hired them, you have asked them to be your advocate and advisor.  It is the hope that you’ve done so with the intent of letting them be the lawyer, while you be the client. At Wiley Wheler we specialize in labor and employment law, and we are well versed in the nuances of the situations that can arise within that realm. If you have concerns regarding your employment or feel like your rights have been violated, feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation. 

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Photo of Kalandra N. Wheeler Kalandra N. Wheeler

We asked Kalandra N. Wheeler, a Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C., to provide her sincere answers to a range of questions.  After reading, you will be more more abreast with the understanding and competency that Ms. Wheeler

We asked Kalandra N. Wheeler, a Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C., to provide her sincere answers to a range of questions.  After reading, you will be more more abreast with the understanding and competency that Ms. Wheeler brings.

1.Why did you start practicing labor and employment law?

I wanted to be able to help people that otherwise might not find help. Labor and employment laws affect most of society.  And – whether our results help one or many – our work and efforts as employment lawyers touch people in a real way in their every day lives.

2. Who is your favorite Supreme Court Justice?

Thurgood Marshall.

3. What do you think is the most important part of a good case?

The client. Good facts and evidence are definitely important. But good clients are a lawyers’ most valuable asset.  A good client: (1) is invested in their case; (2) works or worked hard for their employer; (3) can tell their story clearly and concisely; and (4) is someone that a jury will find sympathetic and relatable.

4. If you could write a new law, what would it do?

The Texas Workplace Anti-Bullying law.  I hear the stories, the ones told by employees looking for help. And in far too many of those stories the law offers no solution.  Every employee that goes to work and works hard to do the job they are hired to perform should be able to do so without abuse, harassment, and bullying. There is no justification for bullying, not in our schools, and not in our workplaces.

5. Besides Rob Wiley, P.C., what is the most interesting job that you have had?

For a year before law school, I worked as a lube tech for Jiffy Lube.  I spent hot summer days, working on hot cars, changing oil or flushing transmissions or radiators.  I never had a customer come back with a complaint.

6. How do you market yourself differently than others?

I tell clients what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. Before a client begins down any path toward resolving an employment dispute, they need thoughtful, honest advice. I am a believer in justice and everyday people deserve competent representation in an arena that is difficult for non-lawyers to navigate.

7. What do you do when you’re not practicing law?

I spend time with family and friends.  I read true crime books.  I sew and draw.

8. How would you describe the color yellow to someone who could not see?

It’s not the intense heat of the sun during the month of August, but instead the softness of the sun on your skin just as the seasons change from Summer to Fall.  It’s warm. And soft to the touch.  It’s fresh squeezed lemonade with a hint of sugar.  Slightly cool, inviting, and happy.

9. What’s your favorite legal TV show?

Law & Order: SVU

10. If you could argue any case in history, what would it be?

The Karen Silkwood case. But really, I think that would be more about arguing and trying a case alongside Gerry Spence for the learning experience.

Kalandra N. Wheeler is a Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C.  She graduated from The University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in political science.  Ms. Wheeler went on and received her law degree from The University of Arkansas.