South Jersey Contract Dispute Lawyer
Justice. Family. Results.
Contract Dispute Attorneys in South Jersey
When your employment contract is ignored, breached, or misinterpreted, you deserve counsel who treats your promises seriously. Whether it’s a written agreement, a verbal commitment, or policies from your employer’s handbook, Castellani Law Firm defends South Jersey workers when contract terms are broken. From our Northfield office, our South Jersey employment law & labor lawyers help clients across Atlantic, Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, Gloucester, and Cape May Counties enforce their rights and get what they were promised.
Or Call Us Now: (609) 641-2288Standing Up for Your Rights When Contracts Are Broken
You trusted your employer. They promised you certain pay, benefits, promotion paths, or renewal terms, and you held up your end. But then they failed. Maybe you weren’t paid bonus commissions, maybe you were terminated before the contract expired, or maybe your role changed in violation of agreed-terms. These are contract disputes in employment law. You deserve an advocate who understands the contracts, the law, and how to hold employers to account.
Contract breaches can take many forms, including:
- Wage & Hour Disputes – When an employer refuses to honor the pay terms in your agreement, such as base wages, salary increases, or promised benefits.
- Wrongful Termination – Being fired before your contract ends or in violation of its terms can turn a job loss into a legal claim.
- Workplace Retaliation – If you’re punished for insisting your employer follow the contract, retaliation may add another layer to your case.
- Unpaid Overtime – Contracts that set overtime rules or commission structures must be followed. If you worked the hours, you should be paid.
- Whistleblower Retaliation – Some contracts provide protections for employees who report wrongdoing. If your employer ignored those terms, it may be both a retaliation case and a contract dispute.
What Is a Contract Dispute in Employment?
What Is a Contract Dispute in Employment?
A signed contract is the clearest type of agreement. It often covers salary, job duties, benefits, and timelines. But even without paperwork, verbal agreements may still be enforceable under New Jersey law if you can show proof that promises were made and relied on.
Implied Contracts and Employee Handbooks
Sometimes, company policies themselves act like contracts. If an employee handbook contains rules or protections and lacks a clear disclaimer, courts may view it as binding. This was highlighted in Nicosia v. Wakefern Food Corp., where an unclear handbook disclaimer led to contractual obligations being recognized.
Common Types of Contract Disputes in South Jersey Jobs
Contract disputes take many forms. Some of the most frequent issues we handle include:
- Unpaid salaries, bonuses, or commissions
- Termination before the contract term ends
- Broken promises of promotions or benefits
- Employers refusing to honor severance agreements
- Unlawful enforcement of restrictive covenants or non-compete clauses
- Misclassification that contradicts contract terms
Legal Remedies in Contract Dispute Cases
Workers have rights when contracts are breached. Depending on your case, you may seek:
- Damages for unpaid wages, lost bonuses, or benefits
- Enforcement of promises if the agreement can still be carried out
- Rescission or reformation of terms when fraud or mistakes are involved
- Court declarations clarifying what your contract requires
In New Jersey, most written contract claims must be filed within six years of the breach (NJ Legislature, N.J. Rev. Stat. 2A:14-1).
How Castellani Law Firm Helps Employees in Contract Disputes
People-Focused Representation
We treat every client like family. From your first call, we listen to your story and explain your rights in plain language. We keep you updated throughout the process so you are never left in the dark.
Proven Results Across Employment Law
- $3,000,000 Million Settlement secured for a victim of corporate negligence and misconduct in Atlantic City
- $280,000 Settlement secured for a CEPA whistleblower claim
- $210,000 Settlement secured for a wrongful termination victim
- $110,000 Settlement secured for a wrongful termination client in South Jersey
(Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on the unique facts and circumstances of your case. Past case results are not a guarantee of future outcomes, and should not create an expectation that similar results can be achieved in your matter.)
Certified NJ Civil Trial Attorney
David Castellani is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney, a distinction held by fewer than 2.5% of lawyers in the state. This certification signals skill, preparation, and proven trial experience.
Local Experience & Commitment
Our office in Northfield has served South Jersey workers for more than three decades. We know the courts, the Division on Civil Rights, and the agencies that handle cannabis and workplace issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a breach of an employment contract in New Jersey?
A contract breach happens when your employer fails to follow clear terms you depended on. That could include not paying promised bonuses, ignoring a written or verbal agreement about job duties, or terminating your employment before a fixed contract ends. If your employer made specific promises, and you trusted and relied on them, you may have legal recourse.
Are verbal agreements enforceable in New Jersey employment law?
Yes, they can be. Even without a written document, courts may enforce verbal promises if there is proof. That proof might come from emails, messages, witness statements, or behavior that confirms the agreement. It helps if you acted in reliance, like turning down another job, based on the promise.
How long do I have to bring a claim for breach of employment contract?
For most written contracts, you have six years under New Jersey law to file a lawsuit once the breach occurs. If your agreement was verbal or implied, proving it may be tougher, but the six-year window often still applies.
What evidence should I gather if I believe my employment contract was breached?
Here is what helps build a strong case:
1. A copy of the contract, handbook, or written agreement
2. Communications (emails, texts) about what was promised
3. Records of pay, bonuses, or benefits you were owed
4. Performance evaluations and any employer feedback
5. Names of people who witnessed the promises or actions
Do I have to go to court if my employer breaks a contract?
Not always. Many contract disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. At Castellani Law, we try to settle when possible. But if your employer refuses to deal fairly, we are ready to file legal claims, represent you in court, or take the case to arbitration if contract terms require.
Leaders In The Legal Industry
With over 35 years of legal experience, Castellani Law Firm family of attorneys are proud to be recognized by respected legal organizations. These honors reflect our commitment to delivering trusted, results-driven representation to individuals and families across New Jersey & Pennsylvania.
Please click on the awards to learn about the selection methodology for each.
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Please reference the individual accolade selection process disclaimers which are located at the bottom of this page.
Contact a South Jersey Contract Dispute Lawyer Today
If your employer broke their promises, don’t wait. Call Castellani Law in Northfield for a free and confidential consultation. We will fight for the wages, benefits, and agreements you earned.
We’d love to help you answer your questions and get you the help you deserve.
