New Jersey Lawyers Enforce the LAD’s Anti-Discrimination Provisions for Non-Employees

Westfield attorneys help independent contractors with claims under the NJ Law Against Discrimination

Independent contractors and other non-employees in a workplace often do not qualify for the protections given to employees under state and federal laws. However, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination includes provisions that offer certain non-employees remedies for discriminatory actions taken by the companies that have business relationships with them. From our offices in Westfield in northern New Jersey, Cashdan & Kane, PLLC helps independent contractors, job applicants and others avail themselves of LAD protections.

How does the LAD protect non-employees from discrimination?

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) protects people in certain circumstances against adverse actions based on personal characteristics such as race, religion or gender. In addition to making job discrimination illegal, the LAD prohibits companies from refusing to contract with or do business with someone on the basis of protected characteristics. That includes people classified as independent contractors rather than employees and it also includes job candidates. A person who suffers discrimination in these situations is entitled to pursue the remedies the LAD provides.

What types of discrimination are prohibited by the LAD?

The LAD protects against discrimination based on any of the following:

  • Race, color or ancestry
  • Nationality or national origin
  • Religion
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Gender identity or expression
  • Romantic or sexual orientation
  • Marital, civil union or domestic partnership status
  • Liability for military service
  • Disability
  • Source of lawful income used for mortgage or rental payments

We can determine if you are a victim of discrimination based on any of these factors and take the legal action needed to vindicate your rights.

What employer conduct is prohibited under the LAD?

Whether you’re an employee, prospective employee or independent contractor, we will use the LAD to protect you from:

  • Adverse employment decisions — You can’t be refused a job, be terminated or suspended from one or be offered less money than others in your position because of your membership in a protected class.
  • Quid pro quo sexual harassment — Job candidates and independent contractors are just as vulnerable as employees to this type of discrimination, which occurs when a person in a position of authority demands sexual favors under threat of punishment for refusing.
  • Hostile work environment — You can’t be subjected to discriminatory conduct in the workplace that is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would consider it intimidating, hostile or abusive, even if not directed against you.
  • Retaliation — You can’t be punished for lodging a complaint about violations of the LAD, or for participating in an investigation or testifying in a proceeding, regardless of whether those violations affect you or another protected person.

We can determine if you’re the victim of a violation of the LAD and can take appropriate legal action to enforce your rights and recover damages if you are.

Contact a conscientious New Jersey discrimination attorney to protect your rights

Cashdan & Kane, PLLC advises independent contractors and job applicants, in addition to regular employees, who might be the victims of any form of illegal discrimination in New Jersey. If you need help, please call us at 908-264-9331 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at our Westfield office.