Examples of our attorneys’ past accomplishments, and providing insights to help you better understand New Jersey law.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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?
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.
Can My Boss Fire Me for What I Post on Social Media? Short answer in New Jersey: often yes, but not for any reason, and not in any situation. This is where at-will employment, free speech, discrimination laws, and social-media privacy rules all collide.
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) is one of the strongest workplace protection laws in the country, giving employees real power to challenge discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the job. If you’re facing a hostile work environment or unfair treatment because of who you are, the NJLAD may allow you to recover compensation and hold your employer accountable. This article breaks down how NJLAD works in the workplace, who is protected, what a hostile work environment looks like under New Jersey law, and what to do if you think your rights have been violated.
By: Mark J. Semeraro, Esq. January 23, 2026 Unpaid prep time, skipped lunches, and late-night emails in New Jersey You clock out at 5:00 p.m., but your boss ...
By: R. Scott Fahrney, Esq. January 12, 2026 If you’ve been hurt in a fall on someone else’s property, a grocery store, apartment complex, office building, si...
When your workplace turns toxic and you’re dreading going in every day, you don’t just need sympathy, and you shouldn’t wait for things to “get bad enough” before you act. You need a New Jersey employment lawyer who understands how these cases are really built, defended, and won. This article is designed to help you see where the legal line is under New Jersey law and what to do if your employer has already crossed it.
After a car accident, many individuals believe that their insurance company will act in their best interests. However, it's crucial to understand that insurance companies are businesses primarily focused on minimizing payouts and maximizing profits. Recognizing this reality can help you take the necessary steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
If you’re injured because of something a town, county, school, or other government agency did (or failed to do), your case does not follow the same rules as a typical car accident or slip-and-fall against a private business.
Hiring or accepting a new role should feel clear, not risky. A well-drafted employment contract sets expectations, reduces disputes, and protects both sides.
New Jersey now requires most employers to show their cards on pay. If you post for a new role or advertise a promotion, you’ll likely need to disclose the pay range and a general description of benefits, plus make reasonable efforts to alert current employees to promotional opportunities.
New space should accelerate your business, not stall it in permits, delays, or surprise costs. Before you sign, here’s a practical New Jersey specific checklist to protect your timeline and budget.
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries and lasting consequences. Learn how New Jersey premises liability law works, what counts as a dangerous condition, and how to prove property owner responsibility. Our attorneys explain your rights and next steps after a fall.
Learn how New Jersey law protects employees from workplace sexual harassment and retaliation. This guide explains the two main types of harassment, steps you should take to document and report misconduct, and why consulting an experienced employment attorney can make a difference. At Semeraro & Fahrney, LLC, we help workers across Northern New Jersey stand up to harassment and secure the justice they deserve.
Tenants in New Jersey may consider withholding rent when facing significant habitability issues in their rental units. However, it's crucial to understand the legal framework and proper procedures to avoid potential risks such as eviction or credit damage.
