In the News

Use Variances in New Jersey: What Developers and Property Owners Should Know

A promising New Jersey real estate deal can stall quickly when the intended use does not match the zoning ordinance. A buyer may want to convert an older commercial building into a different use. A landlord may have a strong tenant ready to sign a lease. A developer may see opportunity in an underused parcel near Route 46, Route 23, Route 80, Route 3, or the Garden State Parkway. But if the proposed use is not permitted in the zoning district, the project may require a use variance before it can move forward. For commercial property owners, developers, investors, landlords, tenants, and businesses in Morris County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Wayne, Parsippany, and surrounding municipalities, understanding the use variance process early can help avoid expensive surprises.  

Sep 28, 2026 • 15 min read

LEGAL ALERT: Proposed New Jersey ADU Legislation Could Significantly Affect Municipal Zoning Authority

Proposed New Jersey legislation could significantly change how municipalities regulate accessory dwelling units. If enacted, S-1786 would require many municipalities to permit qualifying ADUs under statewide standards, limit certain local zoning restrictions, and review applications without a public hearing or risk automatic approval after 60 days. Mark J. Semeraro, Esq. examines the proposed requirements, concerns surrounding municipal zoning authority, and what the legislation could mean for local officials, property owners, developers, and land use professionals.

Sep 21, 2026 • 2 min read

Mark J. Semeraro Named a 2026 Columbian Foundation Honoree

Semeraro & Fahrney, LLC is proud to congratulate Founding Partner Mark J. Semeraro, Esq. on being selected as an honoree at The Columbian Foundation’s 84...

Sep 15, 2026 • 1 min read

Semeraro & Fahrney Secures Site Plan Approval for 113 Unit Affordable Housing Development in Wayne, NJ

Semeraro & Fahrney is thrilled to announce Wayne’s first redevelopment project, a site plan approval of a 113 unit affordable housing project. This 113 u...

Jun 30, 2026 • 1 min read

A Major NJLAD Shakeup: Third Circuit Predicts End of the “Background Circumstances” Rule in Massey v. Borough of Bergenfield.

In a March 6, 2026 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit predicted that the New Jersey Supreme Court would no longer apply the judge-mad...

Jun 08, 2026 • 3 min read

New Jersey’s E-Bike Law Starts in July 2026: What Riders and Parents Must Know

That e-bike in your garage may soon be regulated more like a motorized vehicle than a regular bicycle. Here’s what you need to know about New Jersey’s new law. 

May 18, 2026 • 2 min read

What Are My Legal Rights If My Child Is Being Bullied at School?

When your child is being bullied, it is scary, emotional, and frustrating. New Jersey does have strong laws to protect students, but those protections only help if you know how they work and how to use them. This article gives a straightforward overview of your child’s legal rights under New Jersey’s school bullying laws and what to do if the school is not doing enough.

May 11, 2026 • 4 min read

At-Will Employment in New Jersey: Can I Be Fired for Any Reason?

By: Mark J. Semeraro, Esq., May 4, 2026 At-a-Glance New Jersey is an “at-will” employment state: most employees can be fired at any time, for almost any re...

May 04, 2026 • 5 min read

Is Your Child Being Bullied Online? What New Jersey Law Says About Suing for Cyberbullying

The rise of digital communication has unfortunately led to an increase in cyberbullying, posing significant challenges for children and their families in New Jersey. Understanding the legal avenues available to address such harmful behavior is crucial for protecting your child's well-being.

Apr 29, 2026 • 2 min read

Types of Workplace Harassment and How New Jersey Law Protects You

No one should have to endure harassment at work. If you’re dealing with offensive comments, unwanted touching, or other toxic behavior, you might wonder: is this just a bad work environment, or is it illegal? New Jersey has strong laws against workplace harassment, but not every rude remark or tough boss qualifies. It depends on the type of harassment and whether it crosses the legal line.

Apr 20, 2026 • 3 min read

What Is Workplace Retaliation in New Jersey (and What Is Just a Bad Day at Work)?

When something at work suddenly changes after you speak up, your schedule is cut, your boss turns cold, or a promotion disappears, it’s natural to wonder: Is this illegal retaliation, or just unfair (but legal) management? In New Jersey, retaliation laws are strong, but they don’t turn every bad workplace decision into a lawsuit. This guide explains the difference between unlawful retaliation and ordinary management decisions, what counts as “protected activity,” and why documentation is critical if you think something is wrong.

Apr 14, 2026 • 5 min read

So You Want to Open a Business in New Jersey? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Opening a café in Montclair, a salon in Wayne, or a boutique in Jersey City should be exciting, not a guessing game about zoning, parking, and permits. Yet many owners sign a lease, start renovations, or order signage before confirming whether the town will actually let them operate there. That can lead to delays, surprise costs, or, in the worst cases, a business that never opens. Here is a practical, New Jersey-specific roadmap for opening a brick-and-mortar business in NJ, from zoning and site plan approvals to sign permits, parking, and Certificates of Occupancy (CO).

Apr 06, 2026 • 6 min read

What Counts as Workplace Harassment? What Is Just a Bad Boss?

If you’ve ever gone home from work and wondered “is this harassment or is my boss just mean?” you’re not alone. A lot of New Jersey employees feel stressed, singled out, or bullied at work, but aren’t sure if what they’re experiencing is illegal or simply an unhealthy workplace. This guide explains how New Jersey law defines harassment, what “hostile work environment” really means, and how to tell the difference between unlawful conduct and a boss who is simply rude, demanding, or micromanaging.

Mar 23, 2026 • 6 min read

“Is This Retaliation?” 7 Warning Signs After You Complain at Work

You spoke up at work: maybe about discrimination, harassment, unsafe conditions, or something you believe is illegal. Now things feel…different. Your schedule got changed. Your boss suddenly says your performance is a problem. You’re being left out of meetings. Is that just normal workplace friction, or is it illegal retaliation?

Mar 17, 2026 • 5 min read

Hurt at Work in New Jersey: Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you’ve been hurt on the job in New Jersey, one of the first questions you may have is: “Can I sue anyone for my injury, or is this just workers’ comp?” The answer is usually: your primary claim is through workers’ compensation, not a lawsuit. But in many cases, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against a third party, like another driver, a product manufacturer, or a property owner. This article explains the difference between workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, when it’s strictly workers’ comp, and when you may have both.

Mar 10, 2026 • 6 min read