When workplace issues escalate from frustration to legal concern, the quality of your representation can make all the difference. Employment law is not a side practice—it is a highly specialized field that demands deep knowledge of statutes, court procedures, and evolving regulations. That is why employees and businesses alike turn to The Best NJ Employment Lawyers when their careers, reputations, and financial futures are at stake.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has earned a reputation across New Jersey for focused advocacy, strategic litigation, and meaningful results. With a practice devoted exclusively to employment law, the firm understands the complexities of workplace disputes and how to position clients for success.
Focused Practice, Stronger Outcomes
Employment disputes are rarely straightforward. Claims often involve multiple overlapping laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and federal anti-discrimination statutes.
An attorney who handles employment law every day develops insight into how judges evaluate cases, how employers defend claims, and how to gather persuasive evidence. That depth of experience allows for smarter case strategy from the very beginning—whether the matter involves discrimination, retaliation, wage violations, or wrongful termination.
Castronovo & McKinney’s team approaches each case with detailed preparation. They analyze employment records, review internal communications, assess policy compliance, and identify witnesses who can support a claim or defense. That preparation strengthens negotiation leverage and enhances trial readiness.
Discrimination Claims Require Strategic Precision
Workplace discrimination can occur in hiring, promotions, compensation, discipline, or termination. Employees may be treated differently based on race, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.
Proving discrimination often requires demonstrating patterns of unequal treatment or showing that an employer’s stated reason for an adverse action was merely a pretext. Skilled employment lawyers know how to compare similarly situated employees, analyze performance reviews, and uncover inconsistencies in employer explanations.
For businesses facing discrimination allegations, experienced counsel is equally important. Employers must demonstrate compliance with state and federal law, maintain documentation, and respond appropriately to internal complaints. Strong representation helps protect both operational integrity and reputation.
Handling Retaliation and Whistleblower Cases
Retaliation claims frequently arise when employees report misconduct, safety violations, harassment, or wage issues. Under CEPA and other statutes, employers are prohibited from punishing workers for engaging in protected activities.
These cases often hinge on timing and causation. Was the adverse action closely connected to the employee’s complaint? Was the employer aware of the protected activity? Was there a legitimate reason for the decision?
The attorneys at Castronovo & McKinney, LLC understand how to establish or defend against these elements. By carefully reviewing timelines, communications, and disciplinary records, they build compelling narratives that support their clients’ positions.
Wrongful Termination in an At-Will Environment
New Jersey’s at-will employment doctrine allows employers to terminate employees without cause. However, termination cannot be based on discriminatory motives, retaliation, or violations of public policy.
Wrongful termination cases require a thorough analysis of employment contracts, employee handbooks, and internal procedures. Sometimes, implied promises or policy violations can strengthen a claim. Other times, the case may focus on whether performance-based justifications were applied consistently.
Having knowledgeable counsel ensures that every relevant factor is examined before pursuing or defending a claim.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Wage violations—including unpaid overtime, misclassification of employees, and unequal pay—can significantly impact financial stability. Both federal and New Jersey laws provide remedies for employees who are not compensated properly.
Employment attorneys evaluate payroll records, job duties, and classification status to determine whether violations have occurred. In many cases, employees may be entitled to back pay, liquidated damages, and attorneys’ fees.
Severance Agreements and Negotiation Strength
Severance packages often include complex legal language that limits future claims. While employers are not generally required to provide severance, once an offer is made, it may be negotiable.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has reviewed and negotiated hundreds of severance agreements. Their familiarity with standard provisions—such as non-compete clauses, confidentiality terms, and release language—allows them to secure stronger financial terms and protect clients’ future opportunities.
Prepared for Negotiation and Litigation
Many employment disputes are resolved through settlement discussions or mediation. However, meaningful settlement often requires credible trial preparation. Castronovo & McKinney prepare each case as though it may proceed to court, ensuring that clients are positioned from a place of strength.
The firm’s track record includes significant verdicts and settlements in discrimination, retaliation, and harassment matters. This history reinforces their reputation as trusted advocates in New Jersey employment law.
Serving Employees and Employers Across New Jersey
Based in Morristown, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents clients throughout Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Morris County, and surrounding communities, including Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, and Morristown.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973-920-7888
Email: tom@cmlaw.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Whether you are protecting your career or defending your business, working with experienced employment counsel provides clarity, confidence, and strategic advantage in even the most challenging workplace disputes.
