Essex County Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights in New Jersey

Workplace sexual harassment is a serious issue that impacts employees in every industry. In Essex County, New Jersey, workers are protected under some of the strongest state and federal employment laws in the country. If you’ve been subjected to unwelcome sexual advances, hostile work environments, or retaliation at work, you need an experienced Essex County sexual harassment lawyer to protect your rights and pursue justice.

At the Law Office of Charles Z. Schalk, we represent employees across Newark, East Orange, Montclair, Irvington, Bloomfield, West Orange, and surrounding Essex County towns, helping victims of workplace harassment secure compensation and hold employers accountable. Get in touch with our law office today!

What is Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of gender-based employment discrimination. Under both New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and federal law, harassment includes:

  • Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
  • Quid pro quo harassment: when promotions, raises, or continued employment are conditioned on sexual conduct.
  • Hostile work environment harassment: when offensive sexual comments, jokes, touching, images, or threats create an intimidating or humiliating workplace.
  • Retaliation: punishing an employee for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation.

Importantly, harassment can occur between any genders and even a single severe incident may qualify as unlawful.

Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

This occurs when a manager or supervisor abuses authority to demand sexual favors in exchange for job benefits. Examples include:

  • Promising promotions, raises, or better assignments if you comply.
  • Threatening demotion or termination if you refuse.
  • Withholding deserved opportunities because advances were rejected.

Hostile Work Environment

This occurs when unwelcome sexual behavior is so severe or pervasive that it alters your ability to work. Examples include:

  • Sexual jokes, comments, or rumors.
  • Lewd texts, emails, or inappropriate images.
  • Unwanted touching, staring, or sexual gestures.
  • Repeated invitations for dates or sexual encounters.

If a reasonable employee would find the workplace intimidating or offensive, you may have a valid sexual harassment claim in Essex County.

Your Legal Protections in New Jersey

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD)

The LAD is one of the most powerful anti-discrimination laws in the U.S. It provides Essex County employees with:

  • Broad coverage – applying to nearly all employers.
  • Employer liability – holding companies responsible for failing to prevent or address harassment.
  • Individual liability – supervisors and managers may also be held personally liable.
  • Retaliation protection – safeguarding employees from being fired, demoted, or harassed for reporting misconduct.
  • Compensation – including back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.

Federal Law: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VII also prohibits sexual harassment and allows claims through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). While Title VII generally applies to employers with 15+ employees, New Jersey’s LAD is broader.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Harassment Claims

Timing is critical. In Essex County, victims must act quickly:

  • LAD lawsuits – generally within 2 years of the last act of harassment.
  • NJ Division on Civil Rights (DCR) complaints – within 180 days.
  • EEOC complaints – within 180 or 300 days, depending on circumstances.

Missing these deadlines can prevent you from filing a claim, making it essential to consult an Essex County sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Essex County have a legal duty to prevent and correct harassment. They must:

  • Implement anti-harassment policies.
  • Provide training to employees and supervisors.
  • Offer safe and effective reporting systems.
  • Conduct prompt investigations and take corrective action.

Failure to uphold these responsibilities may increase their liability.

How Our Essex County Sexual Harassment Lawyers Help

At the Law Office of Charles Z. Schalk, we provide full legal support for sexual harassment victims, including:

  • Confidential case evaluations to review your claim.
  • Thorough investigations, gathering evidence, witness testimony, and employer records.
  • Guidance on internal complaints and navigating HR processes.
  • Negotiation and settlements with employers to secure fair compensation.
  • Aggressive litigation in New Jersey and federal courts.
  • Representation in DCR or EEOC proceedings.

We fight to recover damages for:

  • Lost wages and benefits.
  • Emotional distress and psychological harm.
  • Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct.
  • Attorney’s fees and costs.

Why Choose Charles Z. Schalk in Essex County?

  • Extensive experience in employment law and sexual harassment litigation.
  • Proven results in protecting employees against powerful employers.
  • Compassionate support during an emotionally difficult process.
  • Personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation.
  • Local knowledge of Essex County courts and employment practices.

We proudly serve clients across Essex County, including Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, West Orange, East Orange, and beyond.

Steps to Take If You’re Experiencing Sexual Harassment

  1. Document everything – keep notes, emails, texts, and witness information.
  2. Report the harassment – to HR or a supervisor if possible.
  3. Seek medical or counseling support if needed.
  4. Consult an Essex County sexual harassment attorney immediately to protect your rights and prevent retaliation.

Contact an Essex County Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

If you are facing workplace sexual harassment in Essex County, NJ, you do not need to suffer in silence. The law is on your side. At the Law Office of Charles Z. Schalk, we are committed to fighting for employees across Essex County who have been subjected to harassment, retaliation, and discrimination.

We offer confidential consultations to discuss your case, explain your rights, and outline your legal options.

📞 Call (908) 526-0707 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation with an experienced Essex County sexual harassment lawyer today.