New Brunswick Employment Attorneys

new brunswick employment lawyers discrimination

New Brunswick, New Jersey,  known for its ethnic diversity, is the county seat of Middlesex County. The city is a regional commercial hub for the Central New Jersey region and home to numerous medical centers, churches, and the renowned Rutgers University. At the same time, workers in New Brunswick face numerous challenges including employment-related disputes.

Whether your employment rights have been violated due to discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or wrongful termination, turn to the employment law attorneys at Castronovo & McKinney, LLC. We regularly represent clients in employment claims in New Brunswick and throughout New Jersey and have a proven history of achieving positive outcomes in arbitration and court proceedings. 

When you consult with us, we will explain your rights and explore all of your legal options. While we work to resolve disputes through negotiations, we are equally adept at prosecuting employment litigation in state and federal courts. Contact our Morristown or Manhattan office today so we can start working on your claim. 

Representing New Brunswick Workers in Employment Law Claims

Our firm handles a wide range of employment-related disputes, including:

Wage and Hour Claims 

All employees in New Jersey are entitled to earn the state minimum age and eligible (nonexempt) employees must also be paid overtime at a rate of time-and-a-half for all hours over 40 in a workweek. State regulations also require employers to pay earned sick leave and pay earned commissions, properly classify employees as exempt or nonexempt, properly classify independent contractors, implement time-keeping systems, and keep pay records.

Common wage violations in New Brunswick include:

  • Failing to pay the minimum wage
  • Miscalculating rates of pay
  • Misclassifying employees
  • Taking illegal deductions 

Our employment lawyers work to hold employers accountable through individual and class-action lawsuits. 

Sexual Harassment

All employees in New Brunswick have a right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Generally, there are two forms of harassment – quid pro quo and hostile work environment:

  • Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a supervisor, hiring manager, or another person in a position of authority makes sexual demands in exchange for a benefit of employment (e.g. job offer, raise, promotion)
  • A hostile work environment arises when an employee is subjected to offensive comments, conduct, or displays to such an extent that these actions interfere with his or her ability to ability to fulfill the duties of the job

While sexual harassment is illegal, many victims are reluctant to come forward out of fear of retaliation. Trust our legal team to help you fight back and protect your rights.

Employment Discrimination 

Federal, state, and local laws prohibit employers from making employment decisions (e.g. hiring, compensating, firing) based on protected characteristics such as:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Sex
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity

Whether you have been denied a job opportunity because of your sexual orientation, terminated because you are disabled, or discriminated against in any other way, we know how to hold your employer accountable and can help you obtain just compensation. 

Wrongful Termination

New Jersey is an “at-will” state for purposes of employment, meaning that employees in New Brunswick can be fired with or without cause. On the other hand, employers cannot fire workers for illegal or discriminatory reasons, or in violation of an employment contract or public policy. This means that you cannot be fired because you are a member of a protected class, for exercising a legal right (e.g. complaining about harassment), reporting illegal conduct or safety violations by your employer, or for jury duty or service in the military reserves. If any of these things have happened to you, our employment lawyers can help you pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit

Severance Agreements

Employees who are terminated by an employer are often asked to sign severance agreements. These agreements typically include a release and waiver provision in which you waive your legal right to file a lawsuit in exchange for severance pay. If you have been presented with a severance agreement, talk to an employment lawyer before you sign anything.

How Our Firm Can Help

We represent employees in administrative proceedings before the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the New Jersey Department of Labor (DOL), and in state and federal court. While we often recommend seeking negotiated settlements to employment-related disputes, we have the skills, experience, and determination to litigate any matter. Above all, we are committed to protecting your employment rights and helping you obtain just compensation. 

Contact Our Experienced New Brunswick, New Jersey Employment Lawyers

Although taking legal action against an employer is never easy, standing up for your employment rights is the right thing to do for yourself and others who are in the same situation. Trust Castronovo & McKinney to guide you through the process and achieve the best possible outcome. Contact our office today for a consultation.