New Jersey Wrongful Termination Attorney — Essex & Warren County
“At-will” does not mean your employer can fire you for an illegal reason. If you were fired because of discrimination, retaliation, or in violation of a contract — you have rights. Sean Branigan has handled over 1,000 employment cases and knows exactly how to fight for them.
Available in English and Spanish. Serving Essex County, Warren County, and all of New Jersey.
Was Your Termination Wrongful?
You may have a claim if you were fired because of:
Types of Wrongful Termination
Every Category of Illegal Termination in New Jersey — Sean Handles Them All.
Discriminatory Termination
Fired because of your race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. New Jersey's NJLAD is broader than federal law — and Sean knows how to use it.
Retaliatory Termination
Fired after reporting illegal activity (CEPA), filing a discrimination complaint, taking protected leave (FMLA/NJ FLA), requesting a disability accommodation, or complaining about wage theft. Retaliation is illegal — and often more valuable than the underlying claim.
Whistleblower Retaliation
New Jersey's Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) is one of the strongest whistleblower protection statutes in the country. If you were fired for reporting illegal activity, fraud, safety violations, or regulatory violations, CEPA may provide powerful remedies.
FMLA / Medical Leave Retaliation
Fired for taking or requesting medical leave under the FMLA, NJ Family Leave Act, or NJ SAFE Act. Employers who terminate employees for exercising protected leave rights face significant liability.
Pregnancy Discrimination
Fired because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. New Jersey law provides strong protections for pregnant employees — including the right to reasonable accommodations and protection from termination.
Breach of Employment Contract
Fired in violation of an employment contract — written or implied. An employee handbook that promises progressive discipline, a verbal assurance of job security, or a long history of employment can all create contractual rights that limit at-will termination.
The Branigan Advantage
Over 1,000 Employment Cases. Both Sides. One Commitment.
Sean has represented both employers and employees in wrongful termination matters — advising employers on termination decisions, defending employers against claims, and representing employees who were fired illegally. That dual-side experience gives him an unmatched understanding of how these cases are built, defended, and won.
He knows exactly how employers document termination decisions — and how to find the evidence that shows the real reason. He knows how insurance companies evaluate employment claims — and how to maximize the value of your case. He knows which arguments work in front of New Jersey juries — and which do not.
He has been selected as a Top Lawyer in North America three times. He has earned Super Lawyers Rising Stars honors three consecutive years. He has handled over 1,000 employment cases across 20+ years. And he is available 24/7 for a free consultation.
Free Consultation: 973.519.3332NJLAD & Federal Law Expertise
Sean knows New Jersey employment law — the NJLAD, CEPA, FMLA, NJ FLA, NJ SAFE Act — and federal law — Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FLSA. He uses every available tool to maximize your recovery.
Both Sides Experience
Sean has represented employers in hundreds of termination decisions. He knows exactly how employers document these decisions — and how to find the evidence that shows the real reason.
Trial Lawyer Threat
Employers and their insurance companies know Sean prepares every case for trial. That reputation is your leverage — it is what forces fair settlements without having to go to court.
Top Lawyer in North America — 3×
An exclusive designation earned by fewer than 1% of attorneys. The recognition reflects the results.
Free Consultation — No Obligation
Sean will give you an honest assessment of your situation and your options — at no charge, with no obligation. Call 24/7: 973.519.3332.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrongful Termination Law in New Jersey — Answered.
What is wrongful termination in New Jersey?
Wrongful termination in New Jersey occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason — including discrimination based on a protected characteristic, retaliation for protected activity, or violation of an employment contract. New Jersey is an at-will state, but at-will employment has significant exceptions that protect employees from illegal termination.
What is the NJLAD and how does it protect me?
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) prohibits termination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and other protected characteristics. The NJLAD is broader than federal law and provides stronger protections for New Jersey employees — including significant emotional distress and punitive damages.
What is CEPA and who does it protect?
The Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) is New Jersey's whistleblower protection statute — one of the strongest in the country. CEPA protects employees who report illegal activity, fraud, safety violations, or regulatory violations to a supervisor or a public body. If you were fired for blowing the whistle, CEPA may provide powerful remedies including reinstatement, back pay, and attorneys' fees.
How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in New Jersey?
Under the NJLAD, you generally have two years from the date of termination to file a lawsuit. For EEOC charges, you have 300 days. For CEPA claims, you have one year. These deadlines are strictly enforced — do not wait. Call Sean for a free consultation immediately after your termination.
What damages can I recover in a wrongful termination case?
Damages in wrongful termination cases can include back pay (wages lost from the date of termination), front pay (future lost wages), 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 employment statutes in the country.
What if my employer gave a legitimate reason for firing me?
Employers rarely say "we fired you because of your race." They give a reason — performance, restructuring, budget cuts. The legal question is whether that stated reason is the real reason, or whether it is a pretext for discrimination or retaliation. Sean has handled hundreds of cases where the employer's stated reason was technically true but the real reason was something else entirely.
Should I sign a severance agreement after being fired?
Not without first consulting an attorney. Severance agreements typically require you to waive your legal claims against the employer in exchange for a payment. Before you sign, Sean will review the agreement and advise you on what you are giving up — and whether the severance offer reflects the value of your claims.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?
No. Firing an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim is illegal in New Jersey. It is a form of retaliation that can give rise to a wrongful termination claim. Sean has successfully pursued these claims against New Jersey employers.
What if I was an independent contractor, not an employee?
New Jersey has strict rules about worker classification. Many workers who are classified as independent contractors are actually employees under New Jersey law — and are entitled to the same protections as employees. Sean will assess whether your classification was proper and whether you have claims as a misclassified employee.
Does Sean handle wrongful termination cases in Essex County specifically?
Yes. Essex County is Sean's home base. He has handled wrongful termination cases against employers throughout Essex County — in Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, Belleville, Nutley, Livingston, Millburn, Maplewood, South Orange, East Orange, Irvington, and West Orange. He knows the courts, the judges, and the defense firms that operate in Essex County.
Free Consultation — 24/7
You Were Fired Illegally. You Deserve to Be Made Whole.
No obligation. No charge. Just an honest assessment of your case from an attorney who has handled over 1,000 employment matters and who is available right now.
Available in English and Spanish. Serving Essex County, Warren County, Morris County, Hudson County, and all of New Jersey.