Somerset Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Charles Z. Schalk is an experienced Somerset workplace discrimination lawyer. With the knowledge and expertise needed to handle all types of discrimination—from race to sex to age to sexual orientation to disability status—we are here to protect your rights. If you or your family member was the victim of discrimination in the workplace, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential consultation with a top-tier New Jersey employment lawyer.

Workers are Protected Against Discrimination Under Federal and State Law

Workplace discrimination refers to the unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on a legally protected characteristic(s). Common examples include race, gender, age, religion, disability, and/or sexual orientation. Workers in New Jersey may be protected against discriminatory practices in the workplace under New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

• New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). 

Understanding Employment Law Protections in Somerset County

Employment law provides multiple layers of protection for employees in Somerset County. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination offers broader protections than federal statutes in many cases. Employment discrimination can take many forms, including wrongful termination, workplace harassment, and denial of reasonable accommodations. Our law firm helps workers understand their rights under both state and federal law.

We Handle All Types of Workplace Discrimination Claims in Somerset & throughout New Jersey

There are few things more frustrating, even enraging, than being subject to discrimination by an employer. No legally protected characteristic should be used to deny you a job opportunity, a promotion, a raise, or better working conditions. Every employee in New Jersey deserves fair and equitable opportunities. Charles handles the full range of job discrimination cases. Along with other types of cases, our top-rated New Jersey discrimination attorney has experience with:

• Race & National Origin: Race discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfavorably because of their race or characteristics associated with race (such as hair texture, skin color, or facial features). National origin discrimination involves unfair treatment based on a person’s birthplace, ancestry, or ethnicity. It can affect hiring, promotions, job assignments, salaries, and other issues. 
• Sex & Pregnancy: Sex discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of their sex or gender. While women are disproportionately victims of sex-based discrimination, men also have the right to bring such a claim. Pregnancy discrimination involves treating a woman (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Employees are also entitled to pregnancy leave under applicable labor laws. 
• Sexual Orientation: Sexual orientation discrimination refers to unfair treatment based on an individual’s real or perceived sexual orientation—whether they identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual. LGBTQ employees deserve equitable opportunities. 
• Age: Age discrimination entails treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of their age—specifically targeting individuals who are 40 years old or older. Contact our New Jersey age discrimination attorney for a confidential consultation. 
• Disability: Disability discrimination occurs when an employer or other entity covered by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or similar laws, treats a qualified individual unfavorably because they have a disability. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
• Religion: Religious discrimination occurs when employees or applicants are treated unfavorably because of their religious beliefs, practices, or because they lack certain religious beliefs. An employee must have a bona fide, good-faith religious belief to be protected by the law.

Additional Employment Law Practice Areas

Our Somerset County employment lawyers also handle cases involving the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), which protects whistleblowers from workplace retaliation. We represent clients in wage and hour violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, cases involving independent contractors misclassified by employers, and disputes over severance agreements. Our practice areas extend to helping employees obtain unemployment benefits and addressing issues with a former employer.

You Have the Right to Report Discrimination in Violation of the Law

You have the legal right to report any acts of discrimination in the workplace that violate federal or state laws, without fear of retaliation. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who file a discrimination complaint or participate in an investigation regarding such claims. This protection ensures that you can speak up against unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics, and seek justice and remediation without risking your employment or facing adverse consequences. If you were unlawfully retaliated against for reporting discrimination, contact our workplace discrimination lawyer in New Jersey for immediate help.

Workplace retaliation can include demotion, reduced hours, negative performance reviews, or termination. Our employment lawyer team understands retaliation tactics and will fight to protect your rights.

How to Prove Discrimination: Connect Discriminatory Animus to Adverse Action 

To prove discrimination in the workplace, it is important to establish a clear connection between discriminatory animus and an adverse employment action. Discriminatory animus refers to the prejudiced attitudes or intentions against an employee based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, age, or disability. An adverse action could be any negative employment decision, such as termination, demotion, or denial of a promotion.

An experienced discrimination attorney in New Jersey can fully investigate your case and help you gather all of the evidence needed to prove 1) You were subject to unfavorable employment action and 2) That happened because of a protected characteristic. Evidence is key. Direct evidence includes explicit statements or actions that clearly indicate bias, such as derogatory comments or emails directly related to the adverse action. On the other hand, circumstantial evidence might involve showing that similarly situated employees not sharing your characteristic were treated more favorably under similar circumstances.

Building a Strong Employment Discrimination Case

Our Somerset employment lawyers gather documentation, including emails, performance reviews, witness statements, and company policies, to build your case. We may file claims with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights or pursue legal action in state court or federal court. Our goal is to recover damages, including back pay, front pay, emotional distress compensation, and punitive damages when appropriate.

Why Employees Rely On Somerset Discrimination Attorney Charles Z. Schalk

Every employee deserves an opportunity to be assessed on their own merits—not on unfair stereotypes. A proud member of the New Jersey Association for Justice and the National Employment Lawyers Association, Charles Schalk is committed to delivering justice to clients. Attorney Schalk takes a proactive, personalized approach to each and every case. Our firm has extensive experience representing workers throughout Central New Jersey and Somerset County. Along with other things, our New Jersey workplace discrimination lawyer is ready to:

• Listen to what you have to say and answer questions about your rights/options;
• Investigate the incident—gathering the evidence you need to prove discrimination 
• Represent you and advise you in any settlement negotiations with your employer; and
• Develop a comprehensive strategy designed to help you get the best possible outcome. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Discrimination in Somerset County

What types of employment discrimination are illegal in New Jersey?

Employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, religion, age (40 and over), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and genetic information is illegal under New Jersey law. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination provides broader protections than federal law in many areas. Our Somerset County employment lawyers can evaluate whether you have been subject to illegal employment discrimination and help you understand the following practice areas that may apply to your situation.

How long do I have to file an employment discrimination claim in NJ?

In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a claim under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. For federal claims under Title VII or the ADA, you must file with the EEOC within 300 days. Time limits vary based on the type of claim, so contact our employment lawyers promptly to protect your rights.

Can I be fired for reporting workplace harassment or discrimination?

No. Employers cannot legally retaliate against employees who report workplace harassment, discrimination, or other violations of employment law. Workplace retaliation is illegal under both state and federal law. If you experienced wrongful termination or other retaliation after reporting harassment or discrimination, our Somerset employment lawyers can help you pursue legal action against your employer.

What damages can I recover in an employment discrimination case?

You may be able to recover damages, including lost wages, future lost earnings, emotional distress compensation, attorney fees, and punitive damages in cases of intentional discrimination. The specific compensation available depends on the facts of your case and the laws under which you file your claim. Our New Jersey employment lawyers will work to maximize your recovery.

Do I need a lawyer for an employment discrimination case?

While not legally required, having an experienced employment lawyer significantly improves your chances of success. Employment law cases involve complex legal standards, strict deadlines, and sophisticated employers with their own attorneys. Our law firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Contact us through our confidential contact form to speak with a Somerset County discrimination attorney today.

Contact Our Somerset Discrimination Attorneys Today

Charles is a New Jersey workplace discrimination lawyer with a commitment to proactive, justice-focused legal advocacy. If you have any questions about a workplace discrimination claim, we are here to help. Contact our office today for a completely confidential initial appointment using our confidential contact form or by phone. We represent employees in workplace discrimination cases throughout all of New Jersey.