Questions To Ask A New Jersey Employment Lawyer Before Hiring

By the Employment Law Team at Attorneys Hartman, Chartered | New Jersey Workplace Discrimination Lawyers

Important questions to ask before choosing an employment lawyer for a workplace discrimination or wrongful termination case in New Jersey.

When you lose your job unfairly due to discrimination or workplace harassment, it can put you in a difficult financial place. It can also leave you with a lot of questions, which an employment lawyer can help you navigate. If you believe your employer violated your rights, do not wait to get answers. Call Attorneys Hartman, Chartered at 856-393-6073or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New Jersey employment lawyer today.

Consider these questions as you prepare for your upcoming appointment with an employment lawyer.

When Do You Need an Employment Lawyer in New Jersey: Signs It Is Time to Seek Legal Help?

If you recently reported discrimination or harassment at work and were fired or pushed out as a result, you may be dealing with illegal retaliation. Employers are prohibited from punishing employees for speaking up about workplace mistreatment, and if that happened to you, an employment lawyer can help you understand your options. Some of the key benefits of working with an employment lawyer include:

Providing you legal guidance: It is not always clear how to handle workplace discrimination or harassment
Maintaining court filing dates: In New Jersey, you generally have two years to file a discrimination claim in state court under the NJLAD, or 180 days to file with the NJ Division on Civil Rights. Acting quickly is critical.
Managing communications: Many employees who have been wrongly treated in the workplace may feel uncomfortable communicating with their employer
Seeking compensation: If you were wrongly dismissed, it can put you in a difficult financial place. Depending on the details, you may be eligible for compensation

Employment lawyers manage all legal concerns in the workplace. This might include wrongful termination, unpaid overtime, workplace harassment, family medical leave act (FMLA) concerns, sexual harassment, employee retaliation, discrimination, or even employer payment or salary disputes.

What's New in 2025–2026: Expanded Employee Protections in New Jersey

AI & Algorithmic Discrimination: In January 2025, the NJ Division on Civil Rights confirmed that the NJLAD applies to AI-driven hiring tools and screening software. If an employer uses an algorithm that disproportionately screens out a protected class, that may constitute illegal discrimination, even without intent.
Disparate Impact Rules: In December 2025, New Jersey adopted new rules making it easier to challenge workplace policies that seem neutral but disproportionately harm protected groups without needing to prove discriminatory intent.
Remote Workers: NJ has clarified that the NJLAD may apply to remote employees working outside New Jersey for NJ-based employers.

If any of these situations apply to you, speaking with an employment lawyer as soon as possible is especially important.

What to Do After a Wrongful Termination in New Jersey: Practical Steps Before Your First Legal Consultation

Losing a job under unfair or discriminatory circumstances is disorienting. You may be unsure what to say, what to save, or who to contact. Taking the right steps early can make a meaningful difference in how your case moves forward.

Document everything you remember: Write down dates, conversations, witnesses, and incidents as soon as possible while the details are still fresh. Include emails, text messages, and any documentation your employer gave you related to your termination.
Avoid signing anything without legal review: Employers sometimes present severance agreements quickly after a termination. These documents may include language that limits your ability to file a legal claim. Do not sign anything until you have spoken with a lawyer.
Keep copies of your employment records: Gather pay stubs, offer letters, contracts, and any disciplinary records you have access to. These materials help your lawyer understand the full picture of your employment relationship.
Do not discuss your case on social media: Statements made publicly online can be used against you. Keep your situation private until you have received legal guidance.
Contact an employment lawyer promptly: New Jersey's filing deadlines are strict. Missing them can affect your ability to pursue a claim entirely.

Employees across Burlington County, Camden County, and communities throughout South Jersey have successfully pursued employment discrimination claims by acting quickly and working with a knowledgeable legal team from the start. If you are based in Moorestown, Marlton, or anywhere else in the greater Burlington County area, the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your position.

Choose the Right Employment Lawyer in New Jersey: Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Here are a six important questions to ask your employment lawyer:

What experience do you have? Lawyers tend to have different areas of knowledge. Make sure you pick a lawyer that has specific knowledge of employment laws in New Jersey. Find out what types of cases they have worked on, specifically in the employment law field. You might ask what percentage of their cases are currently employment related.
How do you charge? It is important to understand how a lawyer charges for their services before you commit to working with them. Some charge clients a retainer fee on a monthly basis, whereas others work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they won’t charge anything unless you win your case and receive compensation.
What can I expect to happen during my case? The employment law process can be complex. Find out what you can expect to happen during the process.
Do I have a case, and what are my legal options? Your lawyer should advise you on whether or not they believe you have a case. Find out what type of results you can expect. A good lawyer should always be honest with you, helping you to navigate your case every step of the way.
Who will work on my case? Find out who will specifically work on your case. You don’t want to choose a lawyer and find out someone else will work with you.
Do you have reviews? It is possible to learn a lot about a potential lawyer from their reviews. Pay attention to what previous clients have said about the lawyer.

Most lawyers, including employment ones, offer a free initial consultation. This is an important step in the process that allows you to learn more about your legal options.

Protect Your Workplace Rights With a New Jersey Employment Lawyer: Why Acting Quickly Can Make a Difference

If you were treated unfairly in the workplace, you may have legal options available to you. We encourage you to reach out to an employment lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate your legal options. You have a limited time to file a lawsuit against your employer, so it is important that you consider your options.

New Jersey Employment Discrimination Claims: Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as workplace discrimination under New Jersey law?

Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), it is unlawful for an employer to treat an employee unfairly based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or military status. Discrimination can take many forms, including wrongful termination, demotion, pay disparities, and hostile work environment conditions.

How long do I have to file a workplace discrimination claim in New Jersey?

You generally have two years to file a claim in New Jersey state court, or 180 days to file a complaint with the NJ Division on Civil Rights. These deadlines apply from the date of the adverse action, such as your termination. Because the timeline begins immediately, it is important to speak with an employment lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I file a claim if I am still employed but experiencing harassment?

Yes. You do not have to be fired to have a valid legal claim. Ongoing harassment, a hostile work environment, or retaliatory treatment can all form the basis of a claim under New Jersey law, even if you are still employed at the time you file.

What compensation might I be eligible for in an employment discrimination case?

Depending on the circumstances, employees who prevail in discrimination or harassment cases may be eligible for back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, attorney fees, and in some cases punitive damages. Every case is different, and an employment lawyer can give you a clearer picture of what may apply to your situation.

Does it matter if my employer claims my termination was for a different reason?

It can, but it does not necessarily prevent you from having a case. Employers often provide a stated reason for a termination that may not reflect the true motivation. An employment lawyer can help you evaluate whether the stated reason holds up and whether the underlying facts suggest something different was at play.

Contact a Burlington County Employment Lawyer From Attorneys Hartman, Chartered: What to Do When Your Workplace Rights Have Been Violated

Workplace discrimination or wrongdoing can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from working. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable employment lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the legal process. The experienced employment attorneys at Attorneys Hartman, Chartered represent clients in Burlington County, Camden County, and all across New Jersey. Call 856-393-6073 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation about your employment matter. Our main office is located at 68 East Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057.

Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

6 Important Questions to Ask Your Employment Lawyer