Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

Refusal of a headhunting company to pay a referral fee

I was offered a $1000 referral fee by a representative of a recruiting company if I could find him a candidate for a job. I referred a former co-worker to him who was eventually placed in the job position. I had to wait 5 months before I could collect the fee due to me. When it came time to collect, the company vice-president notified me that the original representive was no longer with the company, and that I would be paid only half of the full amount promised as that is the standard referral fee. I received a check for only $500 in the mail., When I protested, I was told that the original representative had made a personal deal with me, and now that he was gone there was no reason the company should pay up. The original e-mail from the representive promising the fee used the company server, e-mail address, and even had the company name and phone number under his name. Do I have a case and is it worth pursuing in small claims court? If I do go after them in small claims court, what can be done for claimants who live in another state - I live in Florida?Can I request additional damages for breach of contract?


Asked on 5/23/07, 4:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Noelle Ansley Noelle Ansley

Re: Refusal of a headhunting company to pay a referral fee

This sounds to me like more hassle than it is worth, especially when you consider the costs of filing fees, sheriff's service fees, and your time to pursue it.

And what do you mean by "additional damages for breach of contract"? That's what your claim is -- one for breach of contract. If you were to pursue this, I can't imagine you would get an award for anything more than $500 and maybe your filing fees, if that. You did not hit the jackpot with this one.

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Answered on 5/23/07, 5:12 pm


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