New Jersey Wrongful Termination & Employment Lawyers
Your rights in the workplace are protected by law. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment, our firm is here to fight for you. Led by experienced trial attorney Kevin Buchan, we represent employees across Monmouth County and New Jersey who have been treated unfairly. We understand the courage it takes to stand up to an employer, and we provide the strong legal advocacy you need.
Protecting Employee Rights in New Jersey
Employment law in New Jersey provides important protections for workers, but navigating these complex statutes requires experienced legal counsel. At Buchan & Cardamone, our employment law practice is led by Alychia Buchan, a seasoned litigator with over 15 years of experience representing employees in disputes with their employers. Her background includes serving as a Senior Associate at a major international law firm, where she handled high-stakes employment litigation in both state and federal courts.
New Jersey is generally considered an "at-will" employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all—with important exceptions. You cannot be fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination based on protected characteristics, retaliation for whistleblowing, refusing to engage in illegal activity, or exercising your legal rights like taking family medical leave. These exceptions form the basis of most wrongful termination claims.
If you believe you've been treated unfairly at work, it's important to act quickly. Employment law cases are subject to strict deadlines, and evidence can be lost or destroyed if you wait too long. We offer confidential consultations to evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action. Whether your case involves negotiating a severance agreement, filing a complaint with an administrative agency, or pursuing litigation, we have the experience and resources to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Led by an Accomplished Employment Litigator
Alychia Buchan's background sets our practice apart. Before joining our firm, she was a Senior Associate in the Labor & Employment Department for a major international law firm. She has extensive experience in New Jersey and New York state and federal courts, appellate courts, and administrative agencies like the Department of Labor and the Division on Civil Rights. This deep experience ensures your case is handled with the highest level of skill and strategic insight.
Our Employment Law Services
Wrongful Termination
If you believe you were fired for an illegal reason—such as discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or for taking legally protected family leave—you may have a case. Our wrongful termination lawyer in NJ will fight to hold your employer accountable.
Workplace Discrimination
We represent clients who have faced discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Severance Agreements
We review and negotiate severance agreements to ensure the terms are fair and your interests are protected.
Understanding the Employment Law Process
Employment disputes can be resolved through several different channels, depending on the nature of your claim and your goals. Some cases are handled administratively through agencies like the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Other cases proceed directly to court. We will evaluate your situation and recommend the best approach based on your specific circumstances.
Many employment cases involve negotiation and settlement rather than trial. Employers often prefer to resolve disputes confidentially to avoid negative publicity and the expense of litigation. Our extensive experience in negotiating employment settlements allows us to advocate effectively for fair compensation and favorable terms on your behalf. However, if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
The discovery process in employment litigation typically involves reviewing company policies, personnel files, emails, and other documents, as well as taking depositions of key witnesses. This process can uncover important evidence that strengthens your case. We work diligently to build a compelling record that demonstrates the illegal conduct you experienced and the harm you suffered as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as wrongful termination in NJ?
In New Jersey, which is an "at-will" employment state, wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for a reason that violates a clear mandate of public policy. This includes being fired as retaliation for reporting illegal activity (whistleblowing) or for reasons that constitute illegal discrimination.
How do I know if I have a workplace discrimination case?
To have a potential discrimination case, you must belong to a protected class and have suffered an adverse employment action (like being fired, demoted, or not hired) because of your membership in that class. An attorney can help you evaluate the specifics of your situation to determine if you have a valid claim.
Ready to Fight for Your Rights?
Contact our office today to discuss your employment law matter with an experienced attorney.
Schedule a Consultation