Age should never be a barrier to opportunity. Yet every year, experienced employees across New Jersey face discrimination simply because they are 40 or older. Whether it’s being passed over for promotion, wrongfully terminated, or pushed out of the workplace, age discrimination is illegal.
At The Lacy Employment Law Firm, we stand with workers—not corporations. Founding attorney Andrew Lacy Jr., Esq. brings high-level legal training and a client-first mission to every age discrimination case. If your age has become a liability in your employer’s eyes, we’re ready to help you fight back.
Legal Protections Against Age Discrimination
Employees in New Jersey are protected by both federal and state laws:
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The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law that prohibits age-based discrimination against workers 40 years and older in companies with 20 or more employees.
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The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) offers even broader protections, applying to employers of all sizes and allowing for greater types of damages, such as emotional distress compensation and punitive damages.
Learn more about how these protections apply broadly across New Jersey workplaces on our Employment Law page.
What Does Age Discrimination Look Like?
Age discrimination can be overt or subtle. Common examples include:
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Being passed over for promotions in favor of younger, less experienced colleagues
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Layoffs or terminations targeting older employees
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Negative comments about retirement, energy levels, or outdated skills
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Refusal to train or invest in older workers
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Pressure to resign or retire early
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Being replaced by a younger worker after termination
These behaviors may also be accompanied by retaliation—learn more on our Retaliation page.
How Our New Jersey Age Discrimination Lawyers Can Help
We provide comprehensive representation and support:
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Review your employment history and identify discriminatory patterns
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Analyze employer communications and behavior for signs of age bias
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File complaints with the EEOC or New Jersey Division on Civil Rights
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Negotiate a settlement or litigate your case for damages, back pay, and reinstatement
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Protect you from retaliation after asserting your legal rights
If you’re in the early stages of an EEOC complaint, check out our EEOC Conciliation guide to understand the resolution process.
When Should You Contact an Age Discrimination Lawyer?
Time matters in employment law. Contact an attorney if:
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You’ve been terminated, demoted, or denied a promotion after age 40
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Your employer hires or promotes younger workers with less experience
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You’ve received age-related remarks, jokes, or pressure to retire
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You feel targeted in a layoff or reorganization
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You’re unsure how to document your situation or proceed with a legal claim
Strict filing deadlines apply, especially under federal law—don’t wait.
How to Protect Yourself
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Document everything: Write down comments, emails, evaluations, and incidents.
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Compare treatment: Look for younger employees in similar roles being treated differently.
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Submit internal complaints and retain a copy for your records.
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Consult a New Jersey age discrimination lawyer to evaluate your options and build your case.
Why Choose The Lacy Employment Law Firm?
We don’t work for corporations—we work for you.
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No win, no fee: You owe nothing unless we win or settle your case
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Elite legal background: Andrew Lacy Jr. brings Biglaw precision to worker-focused litigation
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Remote-first model: Tech-forward processes make legal access simple and stress-free
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Transparent strategy: You’ll always know where your case stands, and what’s next
Visit our About the Firm page to learn more about our mission and values.