Retaliation is one of the most common problems workers face. In fact, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that retaliation is the most frequently alleged basis of discrimination in the federal sector.
It happens when an employer punishes someone for doing the right thing, like reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or asking for accommodations. Retaliation can take many forms, from being fired or demoted to being harassed or passed over for opportunities. Under both federal law and New Jersey protections like the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), retaliation is illegal.
Employers have lawyers on their side. You deserve a family of lawyers on yours.
From our Northfield office, Castellani Law helps workers across South Jersey. Thousands of retaliation and whistleblower claims are filed in New Jersey each year, and many come from right here in South Jersey. When powerful employers push back, we level the playing field.
Every employee has the right to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Both federal law and New Jersey law protect workers who stand up for their rights. When an employer punishes you for taking that stand, it’s called retaliation, and it’s against the law.
The law calls these protected activities, and they can include:
Without these protections, many workers would remain silent out of fear of losing their jobs. Retaliation laws exist to make sure you can speak up, cooperate in investigations, and demand fair treatment without intimidation or punishment.
At Castellani Law, we believe no one should face retaliation for doing the right thing.
Retaliation can take many forms, and it doesn’t always look the same. In South Jersey, we regularly see cases involving:
We’re not a giant corporate law firm with a bunch of gatekeepers. We’re a small, fierce, local team that puts people first. We’ve been fighting for South Jersey workers for over three decades and we’re proud of the results we’ve delivered.
Retaliation doesn’t just threaten your paycheck. It can derail your career, put your family under stress, and make you feel powerless. You don’t have to face that alone
Here’s why so many people choose our Castellani Law Firm for their Workplace Relation cases
For more than three decades, we’ve stood with South Jersey workers in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties when powerful employers cross the line. We know the local courts and the tactics employers use. That knowledge helps us fight smarter.
David Castellani is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney, a distinction held by less than 2.5% of attorneys in the state. It signals courtroom skill that employers respect.
At Castellani Law, you are not a case number. David works side by side with his family, Connor and Caroline. Together, we give every client personal attention and treat every case like family.
We prepare every retaliation case as if it will go before a jury. That preparation sends a message to employers: settle fairly, or face us in court.
While no two cases are the same, here are outcomes we’ve secured for clients:
Disclaimer: Results depend on the facts of your case. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Your call is private and pressure-free. We explain your options under NJLAD, CEPA, and federal law.
We collect records, emails, HR documents, and witness testimony to build your claim.
We deal directly with your employer’s lawyers to pursue a fair settlement.
If settlement fails, we are always ready for trial. With a Certified Civil Trial Attorney on your side, you’ll have courtroom strength employers cannot ignore.
From casinos in Atlantic City to hospitals in Camden and retail centers in Cherry Hill, retaliation happens everywhere. We proudly represent workers in:
Under New Jersey law, you cannot be punished by your employer for asserting your rights, including wage & hour laws, minimum wage, overtime, or workplace safety laws. These protections are part of the state’s retaliation laws.
You usually have one year from the date of retaliation to file a CEPA claim. If you miss that deadline, the law may prevent you from bringing the claim.
Yes. Retaliation protections can apply if you speak up, report informally, or even refuse to participate in illegal activity. What matters is that you engaged in an action you reasonably believed was protected, and your employer knew about it.
Actions like firing, demotion, negative review, reduced hours, being excluded from work opportunities, or other adverse treatment can count if they happen after a protected activity.
At Castellani Law, there are no upfront fees. We handle retaliation cases on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win compensation for you.
Bring any records that show what happened, emails, text messages, HR complaints, performance reviews, or notes you kept. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.
It depends on the facts and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others may take a year or more if they go before a jury.
No. Your consultation with us is private. We will not contact your employer without your permission. You can safely explore your options and decide if you want to move forward.
Yes. If your employer punishes you for filing a charge or cooperating with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), that is retaliation. In New Jersey, both federal EEO laws and state protections like the NJ Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) make this conduct illegal.
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.
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