New Jersey Workplace Discrimination Lawyer
Discrimination in the workplace is more than unfair—it’s unlawful. Despite the progress in civil rights over the past decades, many employees in New Jersey still face unequal treatment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristics. At Greenberg Gross LLP, our New Jersey workplace discrimination lawyers are dedicated to representing employees who have been harmed by illegal discrimination. We advocate fiercely for your right to a workplace free from bias, retaliation, and inequity.
When an employer takes adverse action against you based on who you are, the legal system offers remedies—and we’re here to help you access them.
Understanding Workplace Discrimination Under New Jersey and Federal Law
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently based on a protected characteristic, in violation of state or federal anti-discrimination laws. Discrimination can be subtle or overt and may appear in hiring practices, job assignments, promotions, salary decisions, or wrongful termination.
Both New Jersey employment law and federal law—including the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and others—protect employees from discriminatory actions. State-specific statutes like the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and the New Jersey Family Leave Act often provide even broader protections.
Common Forms of Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination Based on Race, National Origin, or Ethnicity
Federal and state laws prohibit treating an employee unfavorably because of race or ethnic background. Whether it’s racial slurs, unfair evaluations, or denying promotions, such actions are illegal. New Jersey employment attorneys help employees who experience discrimination tied to their national origin.
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Discrimination
New Jersey law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Employees have a right to be treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of how they identify. Our attorneys work with clients facing sexual orientation discrimination in hiring, discipline, or daily workplace interactions.
Disability and Medical Conditions
Under the Disabilities Act and state laws, employees with a mental or physical disability are entitled to reasonable accommodations unless doing so creates undue hardship. Denying accommodations, mocking disability status, or treating disabled employees unfairly is unlawful discrimination.
Age Discrimination
Older employees are often targeted due to their age, particularly when companies attempt to cut costs. Federal and state laws protect employees over 40 from age-based discrimination in layoffs, hiring, and promotion practices.
Employment Discrimination Tied to Family or Medical Leave
Employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking protected leave under the Medical Leave Act or the New Jersey Family Leave Act. Our New Jersey employment lawyers help clients assert their rights when they are penalized for prioritizing health or family responsibilities.
Signs of Unlawful Discrimination in the Workplace
- Receiving a lower salary than coworkers with similar job duties and qualifications
- Being denied promotions without a valid explanation
- Experiencing derogatory comments related to race, gender, or disability
- Facing disciplinary action for behavior tolerated from other employees in the same protected class
- Being excluded from meetings or communications that are essential to your role
- Sudden changes in performance reviews following the disclosure of a disability or family leave request
These may be grounds for a legal claim. If you’ve experienced any of these issues, contact a qualified employment lawyer who understands both federal and New Jersey law.
Our Approach to Employment Discrimination Cases
At Greenberg Gross LLP, we approach each case with strategic focus and deep empathy. Our New Jersey employment attorneys and legal team represent employees—not employers. We focus on combating discrimination by helping clients document the adverse employment action, collect evidence, and pursue legal representation that holds employers accountable.
We prepare every case for trial, with a strong focus on obtaining justice—whether that means recovering lost wages, negotiating severance agreements, or pursuing a full civil trial before the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Legal Services We Offer
- Filing discrimination claims with state and federal agencies
- Pursuing litigation for employment discrimination and workplace retaliation
- Advising on unemployment insurance benefits related to discriminatory terminations
- Helping clients request and enforce reasonable accommodations
Each client relationship begins with a confidential consultation, during which we assess your legal rights and options. Whether the discrimination involved sexual harassment, national origin, physical disability, or another protected characteristic, we ensure you understand every step of your legal claim.
Who Is Protected Under Anti-Discrimination Law?
Employees in New Jersey are protected from discrimination based on:
- Race, ethnicity, or national origin
- Gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation
- Mental or physical disability
- Marital status or civil union status
- Religion
- Age (over 40)
- Participation in protected activity under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act
- Requests for accommodations under the Medical Leave Act
Employers must treat all employees fairly and equally. When they fail to meet that standard, our employment attorneys are here to intervene and protect employees across the state.
Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP?
Our law firm has deep experience representing employees in employment law disputes. We are committed to providing accessible legal services and creating an attorney client relationship rooted in trust and results. We believe in representing clients with dignity and pursuing the full range of remedies under federal and state laws, including:
- Compensation for lost wages and benefits
- Reinstatement to former roles
- Legal representation in front of the New Jersey Appellate Division or relevant court
- Emotional distress damages
- Corrective workplace reforms to prevent future discrimination
We stand beside every client with a promise to advocate fiercely, ethically, and effectively.
Don’t Let Discrimination Go Unchallenged
Workplace discrimination threatens your livelihood, health, and dignity. If you’ve experienced unfair treatment or unlawful discrimination, Greenberg Gross LLP is ready to stand by your side. We help New Jersey employees assert their rights and challenge injustice, ensuring that no worker stands alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as employment discrimination?
Employment discrimination includes any unfair treatment based on a protected characteristic such as race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. It can appear in hiring, firing, promotions, salary decisions, and more.
Can I sue my employer for discrimination?
Yes. If your rights under New Jersey employment law or federal anti-discrimination laws were violated, you can file a claim. Remedies may include lost wages, emotional damages, reinstatement, and attorney’s fees.
What protections do I have under federal and state laws?
Federal laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act, along with New Jersey laws such as the Law Against Discrimination, protect workers from discrimination. They also prohibit retaliation for asserting these rights.
How do I prove discrimination?
Proof often involves showing a pattern of unfair treatment, discrepancies in employer behavior, derogatory statements, or evidence that similarly situated employees were treated differently. Our legal team can help build your case.
What should I expect during a consultation?
During your initial consultation, we’ll review the facts of your case, discuss your legal rights, and determine whether you have a claim. Our goal is to provide clarity and a path toward obtaining justice.