Jersey City
Workplace Discrimination Lawyers
Jersey City Employment Discrimination Attorney – Fighting for Fairness at Work
You deserve to go to work without worrying about being judged, mistreated, or fired because of who you are. Unfortunately, discrimination still exists in workplaces across Jersey City—from downtown office buildings near Journal Square to warehouses and service jobs throughout Hudson County.
If you’ve been targeted because of your race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected trait, you may have a legal case. Our
Jersey City employment discrimination attorneys help workers hold employers accountable for violating their rights. Whether you’ve been fired unfairly or are enduring ongoing harassment, we’re here to listen, advise, and take action.
Know Your Rights – NJ Law Protects You From Discrimination
New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD) is one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. It protects workers from being treated differently based on:
- Race or color
- National origin or ancestry
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Religion or creed
- Age
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Disability, perceived disability, or medical condition
- Marital or domestic partnership status
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You are protected not just from being fired, but also from being passed over for promotions, harassed, demoted, paid less, or excluded from job opportunities. Federal laws like Title VII and the ADA offer additional protections, but NJ’s LAD lets you go straight to court without first filing a charge with the EEOC.
Recognizing Discrimination on the Job
Discrimination isn’t always blatant. Sometimes it shows up in patterns or decisions that don’t seem fair. Examples include:
- A woman with excellent performance reviews is consistently denied promotions, while less-qualified male coworkers move up
- An older employee is laid off shortly before retirement eligibility while younger employees are retained
- A qualified job applicant with a disability is rejected after requesting a reasonable accommodation
- A Muslim worker is harassed by coworkers after requesting prayer breaks, and HR does nothing
- A Latino worker is regularly assigned the worst shifts while others with less experience get better ones
If this sounds familiar, it’s worth talking to a lawyer—even if you’re not sure it “counts” as discrimination. We’ll help you make sense of what’s happening and whether it violates the law.
The Power of the Law – How NJ LAD Holds Employers Accountable
New Jersey’s LAD applies to most employers, including private businesses, schools, and public agencies. It prohibits discrimination at any stage of employment: hiring, training, discipline, evaluation, promotion, pay, and termination. Importantly, the LAD:
- Allows lawsuits to be filed directly in court—no EEOC filing required
- Has no cap on damages for emotional distress
- Permits punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct
- Requires employers to prevent and address harassment in the workplace
- Prohibits retaliation against employees who speak up or file complaints
You typically have two years to file a discrimination lawsuit under NJ law—but waiting can hurt your case. Don’t delay in getting legal advice.
Building a Strong Discrimination Case
Employers rarely admit to discrimination outright. That’s why we look beyond the surface to find proof. Our team works to:
- Identify patterns (e.g., women consistently paid less, older workers forced out)
- Collect documents, emails, performance reviews, and schedules
- Interview witnesses who saw or experienced similar treatment
- Show that similarly situated employees without your protected trait were treated better
- Guide you in documenting harassment or bias if you’re still employed
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We take extra care in cases where the client is still working at the company. You’re not alone—many people fear retaliation, but retaliation itself is illegal and gives rise to another legal claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful employment discrimination claim can result in:
- Back pay for lost wages
- Front pay if you can’t return to your job
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages (in extreme cases)
- Attorney’s fees (the employer may be required to pay them)
Some cases settle out of court through negotiation. Others go to trial. We prepare every case thoroughly so you’re ready for either path—and we work with you to decide what’s best.
Employment Discrimination FAQs
Do I need to file with the EEOC first?
No. Under NJ’s Law Against Discrimination, you can file a lawsuit directly in court. You may also choose to file with the NJ Division on Civil Rights or EEOC, but it’s not required. We’ll help you decide the best option.
Can I sue if I still work at the company?
Yes. Many people file claims while still employed. It’s illegal for your employer to retaliate—and if they do, that’s another claim. We’ll help you plan the next steps and protect your rights.
How much is a discrimination case worth?
It depends. Factors include how much you lost in wages, how long the discrimination lasted, how severe the conduct was, and whether punitive damages apply. Settlements can range widely, but we’ll give you an honest assessment based on our experience.
Contact Us
Fired, Harassed, or Treated Unfairly at Work? Let’s Talk.
You don’t have to accept discrimination as part of the job. If you’re facing bias or harassment in the workplace, reach out to a Jersey City workplace discrimination lawyer today. We’ll listen to your story, review your options, and help you decide how to move forward.
The consultation is free and confidential—and you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.