Discriminatory work dress codes are a contentious issue in many workplaces. Dress codes may unfairly target certain groups of employees based on their gender, race, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics. These dress codes can take many forms, such as: requiring women to wear high heels, dresses, or makeup; banning
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 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.
Self-Care: The Life of an Employment Attorney, Not That of a Superhero
We do the work because we love the work. We chose to become plaintiff’s employment lawyers because we want to fight to protect the rights of hardworking individuals. We have ups and downs. There will be great successes and victories. On the flip side, in this fight, we will also…
Holidays and Parties and Drinking, Oh My!
We are in the midst of the holiday season. As the holidays roll by, businesses everywhere are having their year-end holiday parties. Millions of people everywhere are going to restaurants, bars, and banquet halls to mix and mingle, to celebrate victories, and to close out the…
Thankful for “Overtime (Bonus) Pay” on Holidays and Merry for Paid Holidays
When workers are considering employment, they often take into consideration the benefits and perks of a job. Whether these perks are big or small, they add value to one’s employment. They even influence one’s quality of life outside of work. Some employees may take things for…
Election Time Again: Every Vote Counts
Early voting began on Monday, October 24, 2022, and continues until November 4, with Election Day – and the final opportunity to vote – being Tuesday, November 8. It is crucial that everyone take advantage of their opportunity to be heard. Historically, during midterm elections, voter…
Fair Trials for Employees with Intellectual Disabilities
We often think of a fair trial in terms of having an impartial judge and jury, effective assistance of counsel, the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses, and the ability to cross-examine the adversary’s witnesses and present rebuttal evidence. However, trials are much more complicated than…
The Sesame Place Disaster: The Lesson Businesses and Employers – Own It and Address It!
Over the past few days, I have been outraged by the Sesame Place disaster. I’m not only outraged by what has happened to these young children, but am outraged by the Sesame Place response.
It is sad when any character at a theme park has to…
Remembering the Death of a Constitutional Right
June 24, 2022 is a day to remember. Sadly, it is not to be remembered for justice. Instead, it is to be remembered for its striking blow to women’s rights. On this day, the United States…
Find an attorney you trust. Then, listen.
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…
Consult with an Attorney Before Deciding Whether to Fight or Walk Away
When it comes to employment in the state of Texas, it is governed by the doctrine of at-will employment. This means that for many employment disputes, employees will have no recourse. There are occasions when businesses hire or promote bad employees into supervisory or management positions.