New Jersey is an at-will employment state. In simple words, this means that your employer can choose to fire you for any reason that they find right. However, your employer cannot discriminate against you based on your age, religion, nationality, race, disability, sex, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, a significant number of workplace discrimination cases are reported in the state every year. If you believe that you have suffered discrimination at work, you should consider talking to an experienced New Jersey employment lawyer. We have answered a few questions about hiring an attorney for your case.
When should you consult an employment lawyer?
There are several reasons for consulting an employment lawyer. You may want to lawyer up if –
- You were wrongfully terminated from your job
- You have suffered discrimination because of your age, race, religion, or sex
- You have been subjected to a hostile work environment
- You have suffered sexual harassment at work
- You have suffered retaliation because of whistle-blowing activities
- You have been denied employee benefits
- Your employer has violated the terms & conditions of your employment contract
- Your employee has retaliated against you for other reasons
Just because you believe that you have suffered discrimination at work doesn’t always mean that you have a valid case. It is equally important to know the worth of your case and various legal options available, for which an attorney is important.
How much do employment lawyers charge?
It depends. Some employment lawyers work on a contingency fee. The lawyer will only get paid if you win a settlement. In other cases, the lawyer may work on a retainer fee or charge an hourly rate. You have to consider asking about the lawyer’s fee and other expenses in advance.
How to find a local lawyer in NJ?
Your best bet is to ask around. If you know colleagues or people who have worked or have hired employment lawyers in the past, get references. You can also consider checking online on websites like Nolo, Justia, and Avvo, where ready listings are available. Always check reviews of a law firm on Google before you hire them for your case. Also, most employment lawyers would be happy to offer a free overview of your case, and therefore, it is wise to meet the lawyer for an initial consultation.
Finally, ensure that your lawyer specializes in employment law and has worked on cases of similar nature.
