Legal Question in Employment Law in New Jersey

I live in New Jersey. As I returned from my vacation a courer was waiting outside my house. I was handed a note that I was terminated from my job! I have worked for the company for the past 20 years! I am in shock! I earned a great salary. I have to call them but have not had the emotional strength to do so. They immediately deleted me from my work email, phone etc... Do they have to tell me why I was Terminated? Do they have to offer me a package? What are my rights? Thanks


Asked on 6/30/10, 10:08 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Randall Brett Law Office of Randall P. Brett

You should immediately consult with an experienced employment attorney. Without knowing more than you have provided, it is impossible to accurately assess your situation and provide advice. As a general rule, if your employment was "at will", the employer can terminate you at any time, for any reason or no reason at all (you can also quit on the same basis). However, your employer cannot base a termination decision on your race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability status, or for other discriminatory purposes. An employer is not required to provide severance, although most do. But, like most general principles, there are many exceptions to the "at will" doctrine. An employment attorney will analyze the facts of your specific situation and guide you to the best response to your employers actions. The consultation fee you may pay will usually be worth the investment.

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Answered on 6/30/10, 1:35 pm
Fred Shahrooz Scampato Law Office of Fred Shahrooz Scampato

If you are an "at will employe" then they do not have to tell you why you were terminated. Unless, your company had a severance policy (see your employee handbook) then they do not have to offer you a package. Your rights are different depending on what type of job you had and what type of status you had with the company. For example, a public civil service employee or a union member will have different rights than an "at will employee." The best course of action is to have a one hour consultation with an attorney who focuses his or her practice in the field of employment law. Here's a link to the New Jersey chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association: http://www.nelanj.org/ It is a statewide organization of attorneys who solely or primarily represent individuals in employment-related matters who are committed to protecting their legal rights through litigation and advocacy. There's a window on the left side of the page which is entitled "Find a Lawyer" which I recommend that you visit to find an employment attorney for a consultation.

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Answered on 7/03/10, 4:36 am


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