Wage and Hour Lawyers in New Jersey

You Worked for It. You Deserve to Be Paid for It.

When your paycheck doesn't match your hours — or when you're denied breaks, overtime, or even minimum wage — it's not just frustrating. It's illegal. And you have the right to demand what you're owed.

Brandon J. Broderick New Jersey wage and hour attorneys help employees recover unpaid wages and enforce their rights under state and federal labor laws. If your employer made "a mistake" or knowingly withheld pay, we're here to help you take action.

What Counts as a Wage or Hour Violation in New Jersey?

New Jersey workers are protected under the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, the New Jersey Wage Theft Act, and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If your employer fails to meet legal requirements for pay, they may be violating the law.

Common wage and hour violations include:

• Not paying overtime (1.5x your rate after 40 hours/week)
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
• Paying below minimum wage
• Withholding final paychecks
• Forcing off-the-clock work
• Denying legally required breaks
• Failing to pay for travel, training, or prep time
• Altering timesheets or pay records

Even if you're paid a salary, you may still be entitled to overtime — classification matters, and we'll help you figure it out.

Common Signs of Wage Theft or Violations

• Your hours are missing or cut from your paystub
• You're regularly asked to work "off the clock"
• You never receive overtime, even when you work more than 40 hours/week
• You're paid in cash with no documentation
• You're misclassified as a contractor, but treated like an employee
• You were fired or threatened for asking about your pay
• You're discouraged from taking breaks or meals

If your paycheck doesn't reflect your work, or something just doesn't feel right, trust your instincts — it's worth getting answers.

What to Do If You Suspect a Wage or Hour Violation in New Jersey

1. Start Documenting Everything

Track your hours, pay periods, and discrepancies. Screenshot your schedule, log your hours, and keep copies of any checks or direct deposit records.

2. Know the Law Is on Your Side

Wage theft is taken seriously in New Jersey. Under the Wage Theft Act, employers can face steep penalties — including double damages for unpaid wages and even criminal charges in repeat cases.

3. Talk to a New Jersey Wage and Hour Attorney

You don't have to confront your boss alone. We'll review your pay situation, explain your rights, and help you recover what you're owed.

How Our New Jersey Wage and Hour Attorneys Can Help

We've helped employees across industries — retail, hospitality, construction, health care, delivery, and more — recover lost wages and hold employers accountable. When you work with us, you'll get:

• A thorough review of your pay and classification
• Guidance on whether your employer broke state or federal labor laws
• A step-by-step plan to pursue unpaid wages, overtime, or penalties
• A team that's responsive, respectful, and serious about getting results

What You May Be Entitled To

If your employer violated wage and hour laws, you may be eligible for:

• Unpaid wages and overtime
• Liquidated damages (up to double what you're owed)
• Interest on late wages
• Attorney fees and legal costs
• Job reinstatement or protections against retaliation

In many cases, these claims also qualify as class or collective actions — if your coworkers are being shortchanged too, we can help you take action together.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wage and Hour Violations in NJ

What is the minimum wage in New Jersey?

As of 2025, the minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.13/hour for most employees (higher in some sectors). If you're being paid less, your employer may be breaking the law.

Am I entitled to overtime if I'm salaried?

Possibly. Being salaried doesn't automatically make you "exempt." If you don't meet certain job duty or pay threshold requirements, you may still qualify for overtime.

Can my boss take money out of my paycheck?

Only under very specific conditions — and never without written authorization. Deductions for uniforms, shortages, or tools are often illegal under NJ law.

What should I do if I was paid in cash?

You can still file a claim. Cash pay does not exempt an employer from wage laws. Keep records of hours, pay amounts, and dates.

How long do I have to file a wage claim in New Jersey?

You generally have 6 years to file a claim for unpaid wages or overtime under NJ law, or 2-3 years to file a claim under FLSA. But it's always better to act quickly while records are still fresh.

If You Worked the Hours, You Deserve the Pay

No one should have to chase their own paycheck. If your employer has withheld pay, misclassified you, or failed to follow the law, we're here to help you take back what's yours.