Kalandra Wheeler - Houston, TX

Kalandra N. Wheeler is a trial lawyer with the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C. Ms. Wheeler is Board Certified in the area of labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a certification obtained by less than 10% of attorneys in the state Texas.

Ms. Wheeler has nearly 20 years of experience representing clients in difficult situations. Ms. Wheeler understands that it is challenging and stressful for individuals to deal with legal issues. Accordingly, Ms. Wheeler has dedicated her career to the pursuit of justice and works diligently to protect the rights and interests of her clients.

In 2014, Ms. Wheeler joined the Dallas office of Rob Wiley, P.C. before moving to Houston in 2016 to its office there, now Wiley Wheeler, P.C.

Since joining the firm, Ms. Wheeler has represented employees in various disputes and negotiations with employers. She has negotiated terms and conditions of employment to resolve internal disputes between her clients and their employers. She has negotiated severance agreements for employees departing their jobs. Ms. Wheeler has represented employees in all manner of legal claims, including but not limited to those falling under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (e.g., race, national origin, gender, and religious discrimination claims), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Ms. Wheeler's representation of employees also includes wage and hour disputes until the Fair Labor Standards Act – when employers fail to pay proper wages or overtime – and disputes arising from medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Ms. Wheeler's representation includes attempting to negotiate resolutions of these claims, as well as representation of employees in pursuing their claims through administrative agencies or courts in litigation.

Prior to entering her practice as a plaintiffs' employment lawyer, Ms. Wheeler worked as a criminal defense lawyer. Through hard work and aggressive defense strategies, Ms. Wheeler was successful in helping many clients avoid criminal convictions, obtain reduced charges, and avoid jail time and/or prison sentences. Additionally, Ms. Wheeler represented clients in administrative proceedings where her attention to details resulted in countless favorable rulings. As a result of her experiences practicing before the administrative law judges of the State Office of Administrative Hearings, Ms. Wheeler had the opportunity to educate other attorneys on winning strategies by presenting to the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association. This dedication to protecting the rights of individuals is what she brought with her to her practice in employment law.

Ms. Wheeler believes that successful representation of clients comes with continuing her legal education, but understands that her responsibilities require more than legal knowledge. Over the years, Ms. Wheeler has had the opportunity to counsel many clients. Ms. Wheeler knows that a listening ear and an honest assessment of each client’s case in terms relative to their needs is necessary for clients to understand their options and make informed decision with their best interests in mind. Even in instances where the law may fail to protect an employee, she hopes that people walk away from any meeting with her armed with more knowledge than they had coming in.

Over the years, Ms. Wheeler has been recognized by her peers and the legal community. She was voted by her peers to Fort Worth Magazine’s 2013 Top Attorney list. Then, each year from 2017 through 2019, she was named a Rising Star on Thomson Reuters' Super Lawyers list in the area of labor and employment law. Now, each year since 2020, she has been named on its Super Lawyers list.

Ms. Wheeler received her law degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Arkansas. While attending law school, Ms. Wheeler maintained a place on the Dean’s List. Ms. Wheeler was a member of Arkansas’ 2005 Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Team, which won the mid-west regional championship and finished as semi-finalist in the national competition. Ms. Wheeler was also a member of W. B. Putman American Inns of Court and was nominated for the Jessup Moot Court Team. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Wheeler obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Houston. She also obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College, where she was also a member of the Apache Belles.