Best Employment Lawyers in New Jersey

Thomas A. McKinney, Esq.

Employment Lawyer

Tom McKinney is an experienced NJ Employment Lawyer in all major areas of labor and employment law, including discrimination, harassment, overtime violations, wage and hour claims, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, LAD, FLSA, and all other employment law claims.

In 2019, Tom won a $6,000,000 verdict for his client in a race discrimination case in Bergen County. This was the 8th highest verdict in 2019 in the entire State of New Jersey for all cases and the only employment law case in the top 10. In 2017, Tom won $1,281,443 for a disability harassment case in Somerset County. In 2014, Tom had the largest sustained employment law jury verdict in New Jersey with a multi-million dollar award. In 2011, Tom had the second largest Discrimination verdict in the State of New Jersey. Tom has won more than $11.4 million in jury verdicts and judgments for his clients in employment law cases. In 2017, Tom won the first jury trial on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act – a case of first impression in the State of New Jersey (Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances).

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Tom has been selected by his peers to the Super Lawyer Rising Stars lists and Super Lawyer lists. Tom was named one of the Top 40 under 40 Trial Lawyers in New Jersey by the National Trial Lawyers.

Tom spends a significant amount of time working with clients on their severance packages and other employment agreements. He has reviewed and/or negotiated over 2,000 severance agreements and has worked to improve the severance packages for his clients. He has also worked with clients regarding their offer packages from companies to improve the terms of the offer.

Robert W. Smith

Employment Lawyer

Robert W. Smith represents clients in all aspects of employment law and litigation. Mr. Smith has successfully litigated cases on behalf of employees involving claims of sexual harassment, disability discrimination, FMLA, New Jersey Family Leave Act, race discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, hostile work environment and whistle blower laws. Mr. Smith also represents corporate clients in areas of human resource administration and personnel issues. Corporate representation includes, disciplines, leave of absence, disability issues, harassment, creation/monitoring of HR policies/procedures, employee training, workplace investigations, drafting/negotiating severance agreements, employee contracts, non-compete and restrictive covenants. Prosecuting and/or defending litigation involving restrictive covenants and trade secrets, commercial litigation, real estate litigation, and construction litigation. Mr. Smith is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association, National Employment Lawyers Association and New Jersey Association for Justice.

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J.D., Seton Hall University School of Law, Newark, New Jersey
cum laude

B.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

New Jersey
U.S. District Court District of New Jersey

Alan H. Schorr

Employment Lawyer

Mr. Schorr has repeatedly achieved high value settlements and verdicts on behalf of employees who have suffered discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other work-related problems. He routinely negotiates enhanced severance packages and complex employment contract issues such as restrictive covenants and arbitration clauses. In addition, Mr. Schorr has a very high success rate in representing clients at unemployment appeals, disciplinary appeals, and other administrative hearings. Mr. Schorr has been responsible for expanding the laws protecting the rights of persons suffering as a result of sexual harassment and discrimination in landmark cases such as Connolly v. Burger King Corp, Stomel v. Camden, and Silver v. Board of Review. Mr. Schorr has written many articles and instructional materials, which can be viewed on this website. He is a Past-President of NELA-NJ (National Employment Lawyers Association), where he heads NELA-NJ’s Legislative Committee.

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Mr. Schorr is also a civil mediator, trained by the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators, and is on the New Jersey Superior Court list of approved mediators

Prior to establishing his law firm in 1993, Mr. Schorr owned and operated a series of successful businesses. He has attained both a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University. Mr. Schorr’s combination of legal knowledge, extensive business experience, and his M.B.A. are invaluable when tackling complex financial matters and in settlement negotiations, where financial knowledge and negotiation skills are essential.

Francine R. Foner, Esq.

Employment Lawyer

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In July 2003 Ms. Foner opened a solo practice concentrating in employment law, primarily representing plaintiffs in actions involving discrimination, wrongful discharge, harassment, hostile work environment and civil rights violations. In 2004 she became a qualified mediator of the New Jersey Superior Court and as such has mediated numerous matters in the employment law area. She continued with her solo practice until May of 2008, when she joined Hyderally & Associates, P.C. as an associate. Ms. Foner is admitted to practice in New Jersey State and Federal courts and in New York State court, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Amy C. Blanchfield

Employment Lawyer

As an associate attorney at Mashel Law, I am devoted to protecting vulnerable employees from unlawful and unethical employer practices. In doing so, I zealously advocate for the rights of workers who are treated unjustly. Our dedicated team of lawyers work long, hard and effectively to obtain for our clients the recoveries they deserve. This is the way we practice law and represent clients at Mashel Law.

My interest in the world of business and its inner workings led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Scranton which I attained in 2008. Thereafter, I gained valuable insight working for Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bank of America is currently ranked the second largest bank in the United States, with over 2.1 trillion dollars in assets. I primarily worked in the Trade Support Department. My day-to-day operations included assisting traders with the buying and selling of mortgage-backed securities. It was through my experience at Bank America that I came to learn and appreciate that the greatest asset a company has is the employees who comprise its workforce.

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My passion to become a lawyer culminated in 2011 with my receiving a Juris Doctorate degree from the Widener University School of Law. During my years of study at law school, I was a Legal Intern for the Honorable Bruce F. Bratton in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas. There, I assisted in various general civil litigation cases. I also interned with the Honorable Teresa Kondrup-Coyle of the New Jersey Superior Court in Monmouth County during summer recess.

I am licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. I have obtained valuable experience and developed the skills necessary to effectively represent employees who have been discriminated in violation of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, or suffered retaliation for having engaged in protected whistleblowing activities. Prior to joining Mashel Law, I was an associate attorney for Devero Taus, LLC, a private law firm located in Somerset County, New Jersey. During my employment there, my practice largely focused on employment and labor law. Devero Taus gave me the opportunity to represent both employees and small businesses in employment related litigation.

Clayton W. Morgan, Esq.

Employment Lawyer

Mr. Morgan is a veteran, having served in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Specialist. While enlisted, Mr. Morgan was deployed twice to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. During his service, he was also deployed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Morgan enrolled at Illinois State University (ISU). He graduated from ISU with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Mr. Morgan was then accepted to Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware. There, he earned his juris doctor (JD) degree.

Mr. Morgan is a trustee for the Columbia Club Foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana and has previously served on the board of directors for the Indianapolis Metro Police Mounted Patrol Association.

Mr. Morgan represents clients in the area of criminal defense, family law, and probate.

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Areas of Practice
- Criminal defense
- Family Law
- Probate and Estate Administration
- General Civil Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Indiana, 2010
- S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, 2010
- S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, 2010

Michelle Caiola

Employment Lawyer

Michelle Caiola is an accomplished employment discrimination attorney at Phillips & Associates. She skillfully handles all facets of litigation, from inception through successful resolution, and is dedicated to a client-focused practice.

As a Senior Trial Attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Michelle expertly handled individual and class-action lawsuits pertaining to sexual harassment, race, national origin, age, and disability discrimination in the workplace. Among the many notable cases from her years at EEOC, she led a high-profile glass-ceiling sex discrimination lawsuit against Wall Street firm Morgan Stanley, which settled for $54 million. She also played a key role in litigating a large precedent-setting sexual harassment suit against Mitsubishi, a car manufacturing plant in Illinois, which settled for $34 million, and an important class-wide age discrimination suit against a major retailer, which settled for $3.5 million. Michelle was awarded EEOC’s highest honor, the EEOC Chair’s Organizational Award, three times.

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While overseeing legal departments at Legal Momentum and then Equal Rights Advocates, two women’s rights non-profit organizations, Michelle focused on winning pregnancy and sex discrimination lawsuits on behalf of women law professors and service workers, as well as women working in non-traditional jobs, such as police officers, firefighters, shipyard workers, and tradeswomen. Michelle has been a strong advocate for women receiving workplace pregnancy accommodations and job protections related to domestic violence.

Lynda D. Baydin

Employment Lawyer

Lynda Diane Baydin, admitted to the bar in 1979, New Jersey and U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit; and U.S. Supreme Court in 1985. Education: Clark University (B.A., cum laude, 1968); Boston University (M.A.1969); Rutgers Law School-Newark (J.D.1979).

Lynda Baydin represents employees in all aspects of employment law matters, including but not limited to, the negotiation and drafting of severance agreements, mediation and arbitration, unemployment claims and appeals, the litigation of all statutory and common law claims for employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, both federal and state family leave acts, disability discrimination and failure to accommodate, breach of the wage and hour laws and contract disputes. Ms. Baydin practices before the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New Jersey Division on Unemployment Compensation, and New Jersey State and Federal Courts. She has experience investigating and mediating workplace disputes. Ms. Baydin drafts contracts for employees as well as employers, and she assists businesses with legal compliance and handbooks.

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For several years, Ms. Baydin participated in the Sidney Reitman Employment Law American Inn of Court, the New Jersey State Bar Association Labor and Employment law Section and served as Chairperson of the Employment Law Committee of the Morris Country Bar Association. She is currently a member of the New Jersey chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association and has lectured with Cindi Brandt on employment law hot topics and emerging trends in New Jersey unemployment law.

In addition to practicing employment law, Ms. Baydin litigates cases brought pursuant to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, closes residential real estate transactions for buyers and sellers and prepares Wills and other personal documents and contracts. In 2012, Ms. Baydin obtained a successful trial verdict in Ucisik v Ucisik (Passaic Co. N.J.) ordering the return of an abducted child, and the decision was affirmed in a published opinion by the Appellate Division.

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Having the best employment lawyers in New Jersey can provide significant advantages for both employees and employers when dealing with workplace-related legal matters. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Expert Legal Advice: The best employment lawyers in New Jersey have specialized knowledge and expertise in employment laws and regulations. They can provide accurate legal advice tailored to your specific situation, whether you are an employee or an employer.

2. Understanding of Employment Laws: Employment laws can be complex and constantly evolving. A skilled employment lawyer is up-to-date with the latest changes in laws and can ensure that your rights are protected or that your business is in compliance with all relevant regulations.

3. Strong Case Representation: If you are an employee facing workplace issues such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or wage disputes, having a top-notch employment lawyer by your side can strengthen your case. They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong legal argument on your behalf.

4. Employment Contract Review: For employees, an experienced lawyer can review employment contracts and negotiate better terms, ensuring that your rights and interests are safeguarded before signing any agreements.

5. Mediation and Negotiation: Employment lawyers are skilled negotiators and can engage in mediation with the opposing party to reach a fair settlement without the need for a lengthy and costly trial.

6. Litigation Support: In cases where a resolution cannot be achieved through negotiation, the best employment lawyers can provide effective representation in court. They can advocate for your rights and present a compelling case before a judge and jury.

7. Prevention of Legal Pitfalls: For employers, having a knowledgeable employment lawyer can help prevent legal pitfalls by guiding them on best practices for hiring, firing, employee discipline, workplace policies, and compliance with labor laws.

8. Efficient Resolution: Hiring experienced employment lawyers can expedite the resolution of legal disputes, reducing the time and resources involved in lengthy legal battles.

9. Confidentiality: Employment lawyers are bound by confidentiality rules, ensuring that your sensitive information and personal matters remain private.

10. Access to Resources: The best employment lawyers often have access to resources, including investigators, expert witnesses, and other professionals who can contribute to the success of your case.

11. Peace of Mind: Regardless of whether you are an employee or an employer, having a skilled employment lawyer provides peace of mind knowing that your legal matters are in capable hands.

It’s important to choose the right employment lawyer with a track record of success in handling cases similar to yours. Whether you are an employee seeking legal protection or an employer needing legal counsel, consulting with an experienced employment lawyer can be a wise decision.