I get that it's tough to find a law firm willing to take on anything that isn't an injury case on a contingency basis, but my situation is pretty unique.
So, some shady lawyers started a data center and brought me in from across the country to sort out their chaotic facility.
I did such a good job that they rewarded me with cash, stock options, and promotions.
Eventually, I ended up as the Chief Information Officer until some Silicon Valley investors got played into losing millions, and suddenly, I was in the crosshairs.
I had no prior management experience, and soon enough, they were playing dirty, making up weak reasons to fire me without severance or notice.
All the effort I put into fixing a dangerous mess and turning it into a functioning operation was just thrown away.
Now, I'm stuck in the Canadian subarctic and can't afford a lawyer since my big paycheck went into settling in this new province, and I was cut off just a year later, even after getting two promotions and being told to uproot my life over 2000 kilometers away.
Since the Atlantic provinces are basically a boys' club, even if I had the cash for a lawyer, I've been turned down due to conflicts of interest.
I have a contract that says I'm owed $250k if terminated without proper cause and another $15k that they didn't pay me, which is a clear breach of contract.
Doesn't seem very much related to Bitcoin itself, unless I missed out on something. Was the chain of events leading up to the decision to release you in any way caused by Bitcoin's price (or were you paid in Bitcoin or is your contract only in dollar values?).
If contractually you're owed then that's already sound basis so you should first take it up with your union (Canada, many unionised work places, yours one?).
If not, start with some good, free advice from paralegals at least. Here's a starting point: Google "pro bono employment law advice Canada". I see quite a few hits on my end.
The data center in question is actually just a bitcoin mine despite the owners recent ramblings about "AI" processing which they actually have little to no actual understanding of.
I've been involved in crypto in some capacity since discovering the alt.cypherpunk newsgroup and later the distributed.net challenges that came about but am not a "business man" of any capacity.
Just was psyched to turn a hobbey into large production and help secure the network but really dissapointed to find the greed and ignorance driving industry right now.
I have consulted many and feedback from unbiased and honest parties is that this company would crumble under legal scrutiny of this matter.. but being previous attournies the directors will do all they can to tie the matter up in courts for as long as possible.
Unfortunately they are unbiased because for one reason or another, despite their expertise they are unable to represent me in this matter.
Ultimately the generous contract means an outcome is worth while and its more than likely that a bid to hit the toronto stock exchange will force negotiations to a quick conclusion.
I don't think the Bitcoin nature of business would affect the proceedings or the outcome, the sort of legal advice you're likely to find here in this forum section are all otherwise Bitcoin related, typically on tax and income. I'm surprised you're saying that those you've reached out to (especially if it's pro bono or social non-profit) would decline to to represent you. If everything is as you say, then it's just a clear cut breach of contract and possibly, wrongful termination (or at least no solid grounds for it). All the same, wish you luck. Maybe someone will PM you after all.
Thanks..
I agree the nature of the business will have little outcome on the matter, but i'd think the fact that it's a bitcoin mine would make it relevant for this forum, coupled with the nature of the query.
I can be contacted at council@writeme.com if anyone prefers to avoid having documented pm's on this forum.
Hey there not sure how much searching you've done or organisations you've reached out to.
You may be able to use the Provincial governments Labour board or standards office, hard to say with the title of CIO. Either way it may be worth a few calls/emails to clarify if you are covered in that manner as you wouldn't need a lawyer and it would be more of an arbitration situation.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/labour-standards/reports/unjust-dismissal.html
Here is a site that gives a rundown and has "preferred" legal specialists. You may at least be able to score a few pro bono tips/advice, maybe even someone willing to work for your situation. I can't vouch for this site so use and trust at your own risk.
https://www.legalline.ca/legal-answers/employee-rights-on-termination-of-employment/
They might be a good starting point. Either way best of luck in sorting this out.