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.
New Jersey employers may not punish you for complaining about discrimination or harassment, or for reporting unlawful conduct. The Law Against Discrimination carries a two-year deadline to sue. Whistleblower retaliation under CEPA carries a one-year deadline, so the law that applies changes how long you have.
NJLAD retaliation covers people who oppose discrimination or harassment, file a complaint, or help someone else's case. The original complaint does not have to succeed. You need a reasonable, good-faith basis for it.
CEPA retaliation covers employees who report or refuse to take part in conduct they reasonably believe is unlawful, fraudulent or a threat to public health or safety.
Choosing matters. Filing under CEPA gives up other claims that depend on the same retaliation, so this is a decision to make with a lawyer.
Firing and demotion are the obvious cases. It can also be a pay cut, a schedule change, a transfer, exclusion from meetings, or a sudden run of write-ups after years of good reviews.
Write down the date you complained or reported, and to whom.
Write down everything that changed afterward, with dates.
Keep your earlier reviews and any praise you received.
Keep doing your job as well as you can.
Talk to a lawyer soon. The CEPA clock is short.
What if my original complaint turns out to be wrong? You can still be protected. The question is whether you had a reasonable belief.
How do I prove the reason was retaliation? Timing helps, along with changes in how you were treated and any comments from decision-makers. Employers rarely say it outright.
Can I be fired while my complaint is pending? Filing a complaint does not make you immune from discipline, but your employer needs a real reason unrelated to the complaint.
Related: discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower claims.
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.