Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is a highly respected employment and labor law practice serving clients in Morristown, New Jersey. Because our main office is here, we understand the challenges facing employers and employees and work to help them resolve all types of disputes, such as:
- Sexual harassment
- Hostile work environment
- Employment discrimination
- Employment agreements
- Wage violations
- Retaliation and whistleblower violations
- Severance agreements
- Non-compete agreements
- Wrongful termination
We believe that employers and employees can and do work together to create positive work environments. When the employment relationship breaks down, however, we step in and help our clients find real-world solutions. From discrimination and harassment to wrongful termination and harassment, we are the experienced choice in employment law.
Common Employment-Related Disputes in Morristown, New Jersey
Workplaces in Morristown are governed by federal, state, and local law; however, disputes between employers and employees are not uncommon. These include:
Sexual Harassment
All employees have a right to a work environment free from sexual harassment, but harassment is pervasive in many workplaces and industries. Sexual harassment involves more than offhand comments and misunderstandings. In some cases, it may involve unwanted sexual advances by a supervisor (quid pro quo harassment); in others, harassment involves offensive comments, conduct, or displays by anyone in the workplace that are severe and pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.
Employment Discrimination
Employers in Morristown, New Jersey are prohibited from discriminating against employees and job applicants based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, sexual identity, and other characteristics when making employment decisions (e.g. hiring, compensating, promoting, firing).
Wage Violations
Employers must abide by federal and state wage and hour laws, but wage violations are common, including:
- Failing to pay the state minimum wage
- Misclassifying employees and independent contractors
- Failing to pay overtime
- Withholding commissions
- Taking illegal deductions
Our firm represents employees in wage and hour claims through individual and class-action lawsuits.
Wrongful Termination/Retaliation
Being fired is a humiliating experience, and you can be fired in Morristown at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, because New Jersey is an “at-will” employment state. However, you cannot be fired for an illegal or discriminatory reason.
For example, if you were fired because you are disabled, you complained about discrimination or harassment, or you participated in a legal proceeding involving your employer, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim based on retaliation. Because employers have the upper hand when it comes to firing employees, it takes a skilled New Jersey employment lawyer to protect your rights.
Severance Agreements
If you have been fired and asked to sign a severance agreement, don’t sign anything before you talk to an experienced employment lawyer. These agreements are designed to protect employers from wrongful termination lawsuits by including a provision in which you waive your right to sue in exchange for severance pay.
Our attorneys can review the agreement, make sure your rights are protected, and negotiate for the maximum amount of severance pay. In some cases, we may even be able to convince your former employer to extend your health benefits for a period of time and provide you with a positive recommendation letter.
At Castronovo & McKinney, we represent clients in administrative proceedings before the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the New Jersey Department of Labor (DOL) and have a proven history of achieving positive outcomes. When the parties cannot resolve the matter at this stage, we are fully prepared to litigate in state and federal court. Above all, we are committed to protecting the rights of employees and ensuring that they are treated fairly.
Representing Employers in Morristown
Given myriad laws governing New Jersey workplaces, business owners in Morristown often turn to us for trustworthy advice. We provide comprehensive legal services to employers on all types of employment-related matters, including:
- Preparing employee handbooks and policies
- Creating training programs (e.g. sexual harassment prevention)
- Investigating alleged workplace misconduct
- Negotiating and litigating employment and commercial claims
Knowing that employers can be unfairly accused of misconduct by disgruntled employees, our attorneys work with clients to mitigate liabilities and protect their interests.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Employment Lawyers
At Castronovo & McKinney, we work to help employers and employees resolve the most complex disputes. While we often recommend seeking negotiated solutions through the arbitration process, we are always ready to try any case to achieve the best possible outcome. Regardless of the dispute facing you, we will make sure your interests are protected. Contact our office today for a consultation.