Advice Needed: Us Startup Phantom Shares - No Payout After Acquisition, Seeking Affordable Us Attorney For Non-us Shareholder

Hi r/legaladvice, I could use some advice from the community, especially from anyone familiar with US startup equity or phantom shares. I’m a non-US resident who worked for a US startup (let’s call it Company A). When I left in 2018, I was granted 100 shares (stock options) and paid cash to keep them (about $870 USD equivalent). When Company A was acquired by a smaller US company (Company B), my 100 shares were converted into 10 phantom shares, which I was told would track the value of Company B’s stock. Fast forward, Company B was recently bought by a major European company (Company C). When I reached out to Company B’s founders to check on my phantom shares, they said there’s no payout for them. This feels off, especially since I paid real money for the original shares. Here’s what’s bugging me: The conversion from 100 shares to 10 phantom shares seemed rushed during the first acquisition, and I’m not sure if it fairly preserved the value of my original investment.

If Company B’s actual shareholders got paid in the sale to Company C, why are phantom shareholders like me getting nothing?

Some former colleagues (also granted stock options) are saying the shares were “revalued to negative,” but I’m skeptical. Just last year, post-acquisition by Company B, a founder responded to my email about the shares, which makes me think they still had value.

I suspect the founders are avoiding payouts to multiple former employees with phantom shares to save costs or dodge accountability.

My Questions:
Has anyone dealt with a similar situation where phantom shares were denied payouts after an acquisition? What steps did you take?

Are there any US attorneys who specialize in startup equity issues (e.g., stock options, phantom shares) and offer affordable or nominal rates for non-US shareholders? I’m based outside the US, so remote consultation would be ideal.

What rights do phantom shareholders have in a US acquisition, especially if I paid cash for the original options? Could the founders be violating the phantom share plan or US laws (like ERISA or tax rules)?

Any tips on how to approach this? Should I negotiate with the founders, coordinate with other ex-employees, or go straight to legal advice?

I’m worried that if I push for a payout, the founders will have to address similar claims from others, which might explain their stance. But I don’t want to lose out on what I’m entitled to. Any insights, experiences, or recommendations (especially for low-cost legal help in the US) would be hugely appreciated!

My Location: Bangalore, India

Thanks in advance