New Jersey Civil Rights Attorney — The Equalizer
When Your Rights Are Violated, the Law Is on Your Side. Sean Makes Sure It Stays There.
Civil rights violations are not abstract legal concepts. They are real injuries — to real people — that affect careers, families, housing, and dignity. When an employer discriminates, when a landlord refuses to rent based on race, when a government official violates constitutional rights — the law provides powerful remedies. But only if you have an attorney who will fight for them.
Sean Branigan is the Equalizer. He has spent his career fighting for those whose rights have been violated — in the workplace, in housing, and in every arena where discrimination has no place. He has been featured in the Star-Ledger as a champion for victims' rights. He has fought for the forgotten — the people who were told their case was too hard, too complicated, or not worth pursuing.
New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) is one of the most expansive civil rights statutes in the country — providing broader protections than federal law in many areas. Sean knows the NJLAD inside and out, from both sides of the table. He knows what it takes to win these cases — and he is not afraid to take them to trial.
If your rights have been violated — in the workplace, in housing, in a public accommodation, or by a government actor — Sean is the attorney who will fight for you without flinching.
Reach Sean Directly
Direct Cell
973.519.3332
Office
973.744.2223
Free diagnosis & strategy session available.
Strategic consultation: $1,000.
True victims & the wrongfully accused are never turned away.
Bilingual — English & Spanish.
Scope of Representation
What Sean Handles in Civil Rights & Discrimination
Workplace Discrimination
Race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity discrimination in employment — Sean pursues these claims under the NJLAD and federal law with the aggression they deserve.
Housing Discrimination
Landlords who refuse to rent, impose different terms, or harass tenants based on protected characteristics violate the NJLAD and the Fair Housing Act. Sean pursues housing discrimination claims aggressively.
Disability Discrimination & Accommodation
Employers and landlords have obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities. When they fail, Sean pursues claims under the NJLAD, the ADA, and the Fair Housing Act.
Age Discrimination
Age discrimination in employment — including forced retirement, demotion, and termination of older workers — violates the NJLAD and the ADEA. Sean has successfully pursued age discrimination claims against major New Jersey employers.
Section 1983 Civil Rights Claims
When government officials violate constitutional rights — through excessive force, unlawful arrest, or other misconduct — Section 1983 provides a federal remedy. Sean pursues these claims against municipalities and individual officers.
Public Accommodation Discrimination
New Jersey law prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation — restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Sean pursues these claims on behalf of individuals who have been denied equal access.
Retaliation for Civil Rights Activity
Employers and others who retaliate against individuals for asserting their civil rights face significant liability. Sean pursues retaliation claims — and defends against them — with equal precision.
Pattern & Practice Claims
When discrimination is systemic — affecting multiple employees or tenants — Sean pursues pattern and practice claims that can result in significant damages and institutional change.
Who Calls Sean
This Practice Area Is Built for You If…
Fighting for civil rights throughout New Jersey — with particular depth in Essex County (Newark, Montclair, East Orange, Irvington), Hudson County (Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City), and Ocean County.
- You were discriminated against in the workplace based on your race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristic.
- You were denied housing or subjected to different rental terms based on a protected characteristic.
- Your employer refused to provide a reasonable accommodation for your disability.
- You were retaliated against for reporting discrimination or asserting your civil rights.
- Your constitutional rights were violated by a government official.
- You were denied equal access to a public accommodation.
- You are an older worker who was pushed out, demoted, or terminated because of your age.
- You were told your civil rights case was too hard or not worth pursuing. Call Sean before you accept that answer.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD)?
The NJLAD is New Jersey's primary civil rights statute, prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, and other protected characteristics. The NJLAD is broader than federal law in many respects — and Sean knows how to use it.
What is the difference between disparate treatment and disparate impact discrimination?
Disparate treatment discrimination occurs when an employer intentionally treats an employee differently because of a protected characteristic. Disparate impact discrimination occurs when a facially neutral policy has a disproportionate adverse effect on a protected group. Both are illegal under the NJLAD and federal law.
What damages are available in a civil rights case?
Damages in NJLAD cases can include back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, punitive damages (in egregious cases), and attorneys' fees. The NJLAD is particularly powerful because it allows for significant emotional distress and punitive damages — making it one of the most potent civil rights statutes in the country.
What is a Section 1983 claim?
Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871 provides a federal remedy for violations of constitutional rights by government officials acting under color of state law. Claims can include excessive force, unlawful arrest, First Amendment violations, and other constitutional deprivations. Sean pursues these claims against municipalities and individual officers.
How long do I have to file a civil rights claim in New Jersey?
Under the NJLAD, you generally have two years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a lawsuit. For EEOC charges, you have 300 days. For Section 1983 claims, the statute of limitations is also two years. Acting quickly is critical — call Sean for a free diagnosis before any deadline passes.