New Jersey Gender & Sex Discrimination Lawyers
Employee Rights Advocates in Northern New Jersey
Despite social progress toward gender and sex equality in the business world, many employees still are subjected to unfair treatment in the workplace. This can manifest in many ways, impacting your professional growth, work environment, and overall well-being.
This type of discrimination can cause high stress, low morale, and can undercut productivity. It can affect not only you as the targeted individual but also the culture and productiveness of the organization.
As a law firm focused entirely on state and federal employment law, Green Savits fights to protect employee rights and promote the fair treatment of all New Jersey employees and job applicants. Our team understands the professional and emotional impact of discrimination in hiring, firing, work duties, and other aspects of employment. We are well-versed in the laws applicable to discriminatory practices and work diligently to pursue justice in these matters for our clients.
Arrange for a consultation with a New Jersey gender and sex discrimination attorney at Green Savits by phone at (973) 965-8571. You can also reach a team member on our online contact form.
Gender & Sex Discrimination in the Workplace
Gender and sex discrimination can manifest in various ways in the workplace, such as:
- Hiring: Preferring one gender over another for a job role, even when both candidates have similar qualifications and experience.
- Pay disparities: Paying employees of one gender less than those of another for performing the same or similar job with similar qualifications and experience.
- Promotion and advancement: Overlooking qualified candidates for promotions based on gender or promoting less qualified individuals of a different gender.
- Job assignments: Tasks or roles are assigned based on gender stereotypes, such as assuming women should handle administrative tasks or men should take on leadership roles.
- Harassment: Subjecting employees to unwanted comments, jokes, or behavior related to their gender creates a hostile work environment.
- Pregnancy: Treating a pregnant employee unfavorably, such as failing to accommodate a pregnant employee, denying promotions, forcing unpaid leave, or firing them due to pregnancy.
- Retaliation: Punishing employees for complaining about or reporting gender discrimination, such as demoting them or creating a hostile work environment.
- Dress codes: Enforcing dress codes that disproportionately affect one gender or are based on gender stereotypes.
- Benefits and leave: Offering different benefits or leave policies based on gender, such as parental leave policies that favor one gender over another.
- Exclusion from opportunities: Excluding employees from training, networking, or professional development opportunities based on gender.
Legal Protections in New Jersey
You are protected against gender and sex discrimination in New Jersey and statewide by the following laws:
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): This state law prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. It is one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the United States.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: A federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees and covers various aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, and harassment.
- Equal Pay Act of 1963: This federal law requires that men and women be paid equally for equal work in the same establishment. The jobs need not be identical, but they must be substantially equal. The jobs need not be identical, but they must be equal for substantially similar work.
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act: An amendment to Title VII, this federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, ensuring that pregnant employees are treated equally in all aspects of employment.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This federal law provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons, including the birth of a child or to care for a newborn.
These laws collectively provide protection against gender and sex discrimination, giving you legal recourse if you experience such discrimination.
Remedies for Discrimination Practices in New Jersey
In New Jersey, individuals who experience discriminatory practices have several remedies available to them under the law:
- Filing a complaint: Victims can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies investigate claims and can facilitate settlements or pursue legal action.
- Monetary damages: Victims may be entitled to compensatory damages for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly egregious conduct.
- Reinstatement or promotion: If the discrimination affected employment status, remedies might include reinstatement to a former position or a promotion that was denied due to discriminatory practices.
- Policy changes: Employers may be required to change discriminatory policies or practices and implement training programs to prevent future discrimination.
- Legal fees: Successful claimants may be awarded attorney's fees and legal costs, making it financially feasible to pursue a claim.
- Injunctive relief: Courts can issue orders to stop ongoing discriminatory practices or to take specific actions to prevent future discrimination.
These remedies aim to address the harm caused by discrimination, prevent future occurrences, and advance a fair and equitable environment for all individuals.
Request a Consultation
If you have experienced gender or sex discrimination, our team can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve under the legal protections you have in our state.
Call (973) 965-8571 or email us on our contact form to speak with a New Jersey gender and sex discrimination attorney today.
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“I cannot recommend them enough.”
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“Best in Class”
“They were exceptionally professional, highly responsive, balanced empathy with straightforward input, and always seemed to be one step ahead by looking around corners to ensure all facets of the issue were addressed.”- Steve F. -
“Blew my expectations out of the park”
“He was always easy to reach and quick to answer and genuinely cared about what I had to say - and took the time to research my issue to make sure there wasn't something he missed. Very personable and easy to get along with as well!”- Alexandra W. -
“I highly recommend Jon Green and Green Savits Firm for any employment related matter.”
“Jon and Glen discussed with me as a team and grasped the key of my case already with their superb professional expertise, and I walked out of the door knowing that my case was in good hands.”- Nancy Z.
What Makes Us Different
Proven Results. Experienced Team. Personal Commitment.
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A History of SuccessOur attorneys have prevailed in landmark New Jersey Supreme Court cases, making a significant impact on employment law with decisions involving issues like pregnancy and religious discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and more.
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Experienced Trial AttorneysWith a strong reputation for success, we bring the exerience and determination necessary to fight for your rights every step of the way.
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Leadership in Employee AdvocacyOur attorneys have influenced legislation for New Jersey workers and have successfully argued in eleven New Jersey Supreme Court cases on critical issues like pregnancy discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and sexual harassment.
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Strength in Facing Powerful OpponentsWe don’t shy away from challenging large, well-resourced corporations. Our firm has successfully taken on Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, ExxonMobil, and Pfizer, achieving justice for our clients in the face of tough opposition.
