[huhtenberg]

Try and talk to them about (back-dated) expense reports, but that's probably it if you in fact want to keep relationships with the founders.

PS. If I read between the lines correctly, the "tiny equity package" basically reflects their opinion of your contributions to the business, i.e. it wasn't much. This in turn implies you were let go because of that rather because "things changed" and you weren't a "good fit anymore". If this is close to reality, then I can certainly appreciate the general mood you are in, but take it as a valuable experience and learn from it. If money is an issue, just tell them exactly that - "I'm in a crunch, please help." The chances are that they will. I saw an absolutely abysmal programmer get hired back on a short contract as a favor, because he would've lost his home otherwise. Just don't lawyer up for crissake (or do it very discreetly), that's an ass move that will not make things any better.

[zobzu]

asking a lawyer is good to know one's options. doesn't mean you're going to yell it at every door. you gotta know your rights. blaming people for that is just wrong. Talking like "i spoke to my lawyer and ur in troubles!" is just as wrong obviously.