If you live and work in New Jersey, you should be fully aware of your rights under both federal and state wage and hour laws. At The Lacy Employment Law Firm, we specialize in helping employees in New Jersey recover unpaid wages, overtime, and other wage‑and‑hour violations—backed by the experience and dedication of founding attorney Andrew Lacy Jr., Esq., who brings Biglaw expertise in service of working people.
Which Laws Govern Wage and Hour in New Jersey?
Employees in New Jersey are protected by federal and state statutes—including:
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets national standards for minimum wage, overtime (time-and-a-half for hours beyond 40/week), record‑keeping, and more The Lacy Employment Law Firm.
New Jersey wage and hour laws, which frequently impose stronger protections than federal law—such as higher minimum wage thresholds, stricter rules on deductions, and timely payment requirements.
Common violations include misclassification of employees (exempt vs. non‑exempt), failure to pay overtime, illegal wage deductions, skipped pay periods, and improper tip pooling.
How Can New Jersey Wage and Hour Lawyers Help?
A skilled New Jersey wage and hour lawyer can:
Explain Your Rights: Help you navigate the interplay between federal and state laws to understand what you’re owed.
Negotiate with Employers: Act as your advocate to resolve disputes informally and secure owed wages—often without needing to sue.
File Administrative Claims or Lawsuits: Assist in filing with the New Jersey Department of Labor or in court, especially for FLSA or NJ-specific wage claims.
Pursue Class Actions When Appropriate: If multiple employees are affected, we can explore collective legal action to amplify your ability to recover damages.
Seek Liquidated Damages: Under the FLSA, you can often recover twice the unpaid wages in the form of liquidated damages The Lacy Employment Law Firm.
How Do I File a Wage and Hour Claim in New Jersey?
Gather Documentation: Collect your pay stubs, time records, job classifications, any tip or deduction records, and employer communications.
File a Complaint: Submit a claim with the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s Wage and Hour Division—within the applicable statute of limitations.
Consult an Attorney: A wage and hour lawyer can guide you through gathering further evidence, filing the complaint, negotiating settlements, or going to court if necessary.
Who Can Bring a Wage and Hour Claim?
Any New Jersey employee who has not been properly paid may have a claim, including:
Workers not receiving minimum wage.
Employees denied overtime pay (more than 40 hours/week) or misclassified as exempt.
Workers facing improper deductions, including for uniforms or training—unless explicitly allowed in writing and not reducing pay below the minimum wage.
Individuals experiencing late or missing paychecks, unfair tip pooling, or unauthorized payroll deductions.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s wage and hour laws are designed to protect you. If your employer has shorted you—whether through unpaid wages, overtime denial, or illegal deductions—you may be entitled to full compensation—and then some. At The Lacy Employment Law Firm, we stand with you. We operate on a contingency model: you pay nothing unless we recover on your behalf. Let us fight for the wages you’ve earned.
