The Law Offices of Richard M. Pescatore are located in both Vineland and Marlton, New Jersey. The firm has successfully achieved verdicts of one million dollars and more on behalf of its clients, together with multi-million dollar settlements.
The Law Offices of Richard M. Pescatore are located in both Vineland and Marlton, New Jersey. The firm has successfully achieved verdicts of one million dollars and more on behalf of its clients, together with multi-million dollar settlements.
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination bars employers of any size from treating workers worse because of a protected trait such as race, sex, age, religion or disability. You generally have two years to sue in Superior Court, or 180 days to file with the Division on Civil Rights.
The NJLAD protects people based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy or breastfeeding, marital status, civil union or domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, and service or liability for service in the Armed Forces.
It can be a firing, a demotion, a denied promotion, lower pay, worse assignments, or a refusal to accommodate a disability or pregnancy. Direct statements are rare. Most cases are built from comparisons and timing: who got the job, who was disciplined for the same conduct, and what changed after your employer learned something about you.
Write down what changed, when, and who made the decision.
Note how coworkers in the same position were treated.
Keep your reviews, schedules and pay records.
Ask in writing for the reason behind the decision, if it is safe to do so.
Talk to a lawyer before you sign anything.
Is every unfair decision discrimination? No. An employer can make a bad decision for a lawful reason. The claim requires a link to a protected trait.
Should I file with the Division on Civil Rights or go to court? They are different paths with different deadlines. The Division has no jury, and a final Division decision can bar a later lawsuit on the same grievance. Get advice before you file.
Does it matter if my employer is small? The NJLAD covers employers of any size.
Related: retaliation, hostile work environment, wrongful termination.
Call (856) 507-1000 or use the contact form. The firm has offices at 1055 East Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360, and 2 North Maple Avenue, Marlton, NJ 08053.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines and outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
Last updated November 4, 2026.