Champions of Employee Rights & Civil Justice.
Recent posts
Written by Tanner Michelle Scheef
Understand sexual harassment in the workplace. Protect your rights in Chicago.
Sometimes, when companies mistreat their employees, it goes beyond just legal violations—it becomes personal. They make you feel like you're bad at your job, and it gets in your head. It can really take an emotional toll, leaving people upset and doubting themselves. This is where we step in, offering more than just legal advice—we help clients regain control over their situation. One of the most rewarding aspects of what we do is seeing the transformation in our clients. By the end of a consultation, many say, “I feel like I’m back in the driver’s seat of my career and my life.” It’s empowering to give people clarity, even in a single hour, by breaking things down into clear categories. We’re there to help them make informed decisions and move past a bad situation toward something better. It’s about getting unstuck and reclaiming control. Helping clients in this way is truly an honor—it feels amazing to collaborate and make a real difference in their lives. When things start going wrong at work, it can feel overwhelming. There’s often a mix of problems—some that look bad but aren’t actionable and others that may involve real legal violations. That’s where we come in. We help cut through the fog, sorting out the issues into clear categories: What’s unfair but not illegal. What is illegal and actionable. What steps you can take, potential outcomes, and damages you might expect. Our goal is to guide clients to the next step as efficiently as possible, ideally with more clarity, confidence, and money in their pockets. We’re not career coaches, but we do offer strategic planning for people who feel stuck. It’s important to understand that if your company is taking advantage of you, they likely have lawyers advising them on how to do it. You don’t want to be caught flat-footed. That’s why having your own lawyer, even for just an hour-long consultation, is invaluable. We make this process easy. You can book online and often get an appointment as soon as the next day. During the consultation, we’ll assess your situation, explain your rights, and provide actionable next steps. Sometimes, clients find out that what’s happening isn’t illegal, but we still offer practical advice to put them in the best possible position. And let’s be honest—most people have a story about a time they wish they had consulted a lawyer. Even I was misclassified and underpaid before law school and didn’t realize it. I signed documents without understanding my rights, and I missed out. That experience inspired us to create a system where anyone can access a lawyer quickly, affordably, and with peace of mind. Not every consultation leads to a legal claim, but the information and strategy you gain are always valuable. Even if the issue isn’t illegal, knowing your options can help you move forward with confidence. So, if everything at work is great, you probably don’t need us. But if things are going wrong, and you’re relying on advice from non-lawyers, random people on the internet, or just your gut, you might be missing something critical. Our service is unique—we’ve built it specifically to help current employees navigate these challenges and take back control of their careers. That’s how we approach these situations. It’s not just about the immediate fix—it’s about bringing years of expertise to the table so our clients can move forward with confidence and success.
Almost every salesperson knows the drill: if your commission isn’t paid, you email, call, or escalate the issue to HR or your manager. You make a fuss and try to get the money you’re owed. Unfortunately, in states like Texas, there’s little protection if you’re fired for speaking up. Shockingly, it’s not illegal in many cases. Most people try to handle it themselves, which is understandable. But if that approach doesn’t work, and there’s a significant amount of money at stake, it’s time to consult an attorney. A lawyer can review your situation and help determine if your rights have been violated. For example, if your commission was withheld under a discretionary commission plan, there may not be a strong case. However, there could be other legal violations—like unpaid overtime—that you’re unaware of. In fact, we often uncover additional issues during our consultations, making it worthwhile to check in with a lawyer. One common mistake we see is people relying on advice from unqualified sources. Sales workers often turn to LinkedIn or other platforms for guidance, listening to "talking heads" offering free advice. The problem? Most of these individuals aren’t attorneys, and their advice is often incomplete or outright incorrect. This misinformation can lead to missed opportunities for salespeople to recover what they’re owed. Even at Kaplan Law, we don’t offer cookie-cutter advice. Each case requires a detailed analysis to understand how the law applies to your specific circumstances. That’s why taking the time to consult with a qualified attorney is critical. To put it in sales terms: there’s a lot of money on the table, and sales professionals are leaving it there by not seeking proper legal guidance when something feels off. If you suspect a problem with your pay or treatment, consulting with an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in getting what you deserve. If you’re a salesperson who feels mistreated or underpaid, here are the steps you should take: Understand Your Pay Structure: Review your employment contract, commission plan, and any policies regarding overtime or bonuses. Track Your Hours: If you’re inside sales, document the hours you work, especially overtime, to identify potential violations. Keep Records of Communication: Save emails, texts, and other documentation related to commission disputes, quotas, or workplace grievances. Know Your Rights: Learn about your protections under the FLSA and local labor laws. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to a law firm experienced in employment rights. We can help assess your case and guide you through your legal options. Why It Matters Sales employees deserve to be compensated fairly for their hard work. Companies that exploit their sales teams not only violate the law but also undermine the value of their workforce. In Austin, where tech companies frequently relocate for cost savings, ensuring fair treatment for sales employees is more important than ever. If you’re a sales professional facing unfair pay or workplace mistreatment, know that you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation and respect you deserve.
