Understanding your rights in the workplace is essential for every employee. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we frequently receive questions from workers across New Jersey about what constitutes discrimination, how to respond to unfair treatment, and what legal remedies are available. This blog aims to answer some of the most common questions we receive, helping you make informed decisions about your employment rights.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of a protected characteristic. These include:
- Race or ethnicity
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Age (40 and over)
- Religion
- Disability
- Pregnancy
- National origin
- Military service
- Marital status
Discrimination can take many forms—unequal pay, denial of promotions, wrongful termination, or creating a hostile work environment. Both intentional actions and policies that disproportionately affect certain groups may be considered discriminatory under New Jersey law.
What Laws Protect Me from Discrimination in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the primary law that protects employees from workplace discrimination is the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). This comprehensive legislation applies to employers of all sizes and offers stronger protections than many federal laws. NJLAD covers not only full-time employees, but also part-time workers, interns, and independent contractors in many cases.
Under NJLAD, employees have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, and they are also protected from retaliation for asserting their rights.
How Do I Know If I’m Experiencing Discrimination?
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between an unpleasant work environment and illegal discrimination. Red flags include:
- Consistent negative treatment compared to colleagues of different backgrounds
- Offensive comments or jokes related to race, gender, age, or religion
- Unwarranted discipline or poor evaluations
- Being passed over for promotions without justification
- Sudden termination without cause following a protected action (e.g., filing a complaint)
If you suspect that your treatment may be due to a protected characteristic, it is important to document all interactions and consult with a qualified employment attorney as soon as possible.
What Steps Should I Take If I’m Being Discriminated Against?
- Document Everything: Record dates, conversations, witnesses, and incidents of discrimination.
- Report Internally: File a formal complaint with your human resources department, if your company has one.
- Consult Legal Counsel: Contact an experienced employment law firm to evaluate the strength of your case and explain your options.
- Act Promptly: Legal deadlines (called statutes of limitations) may limit how long you have to file a claim.
What Can I Recover in a Discrimination Lawsuit?
Successful discrimination claims can result in a variety of remedies, including:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Reinstatement to your job
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Attorney’s fees
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct
Each case is unique, so the outcome depends on the evidence, severity of the discrimination, and other factors.
Where Can I Learn More?
For additional answers to common questions about employment discrimination in New Jersey, visit our dedicated Discrimination FAQ page. It provides clear and concise explanations to help you understand your rights and the legal process.

Why Choose NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC?
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we are committed to empowering employees throughout New Jersey. Our team brings years of experience in both state and federal courts and has a deep understanding of the complex laws that protect workers. We are proud to offer compassionate, aggressive representation to employees who face injustice in the workplace.
Whether you’re just beginning to question your treatment at work or are ready to file a legal claim, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today
If you’re dealing with workplace discrimination and don’t know where to turn, NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is here to provide trusted guidance and dedicated legal support.
Contact Information:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 358-7027
