Work should offer stability and opportunity, not fear or unfair treatment. If you are facing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or unpaid wages, Cowen & Jacobs provides focused representation to protect your rights.
For more than 35 years, our women-owned New Jersey employment law firm has represented employees across Bergen County in matters involving termination, severance disputes, and workplace misconduct. We build strategic cases designed to protect your income, reputation, and future.
Contact our team to speak with an experienced employment attorney serving Alpine and discuss your options.
Workplace disputes escalate quickly when employers control pay, references, and internal investigations. We represent employees across Bergen County in matters involving termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage violations, providing clear analysis and strategic advocacy from the outset.
Sonia Deleon2025-03-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Barbara Cowen during my divorce settlement. From start to finish, she was not only professional but also incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, ensuring that everything went smoothly and efficiently. She made a potentially stressful process so much easier to navigate, and I felt completely confident in her expertise every step of the way. A big thank you also goes to her paralegal, Rose, she was equally helpful and always available to answer my questions. Their teamwork and dedication truly made a difference, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance.. O'Mari Lockhart2025-03-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for taking the time to explain things along the way able to be transparent and understanding. Meirgul Sadykova2025-02-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Barbara Cowen was an exceptional mediator during my divorce. She helped us navigate the process peacefully. Her professionalism and compassion made a difficult time much easier. Special thanks to her assistant, Rose, who was absolutely amazing! Highly recommend. Mattie Larkin2025-02-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you're looking for an attorney with extensive knowledge in family law I highly recommend Barbara Cowen. Mrs. Cowen is not only knowledgeable and extremely skilled in navigating the complexities of the law but also compassionate which makes all the difference in dealing with any type of litigation. Highly recommend for anyone in need of a reliable and caring family lawyer. Duban Moreno2024-09-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As one of the top family lawyers in the industry, Barbara will bring unparalleled expertise, compassion, and dedication to every case. With a proven track record of successful outcomes, Barbara will prioritize the well-being of her clients and their families above all else. Her strategic approach, coupled with her extensive knowledge of family law, ensures that each client receives personalized attention and tailored solutions to their unique circumstances. She is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and providing unwavering support during what can be a challenging time. Clients can trust in her professionalism, experience, and commitment to achieving the best possible results for their family law matters. She has been amazing. Has gone above and beyond for my case. Me and my daughter will always appreciate how hard she fought, for one of the best outcomes in the world. High highly highly recommend her markdonline12024-07-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with Barbara Cowen during a dark time in my life. Divorce for a man is a scary time, but Mrs Cowen made me feel very comfortable and confident throughout the process. She has so much experience and compassion in dealing with the divorce process. Mrs Cowen truly wanted was best for my daughter. Another great part was the communication with her assistant Rose, she was great to talk to and got back to me with any questions I had, quickly. The whole process from start to finish was less than 2 months and fairly priced. So yes, Highly recommended! marily pasno2024-05-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an exceptional experience working with Barbara Cowan for my prenuptial agreement. Her professionalism and expertise were evident from the start. Barbara took the time to thoroughly explain the legal process and ensured that all my concerns were addressed. She was highly responsive and proactive in guiding me through the entire process. I felt confident in her abilities and trusted her to protect my interests. Rose, her legal assistant was just as helpful and efficient. I highly recommend Barbara Cowan for anyone seeking legal assistance in family law matters. Naty2024-05-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was assisted by Mrs.Cowen and her secretary Rose they are very professional and very responsive and were helpful with all my concerns and questions. Ignacio Tobar2023-11-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My Name is Ignacio T. I found out about this great law office on the Internet, when I presented my case I immediately felt that it was very professional, incredible assistance and seriousness. I thank Sara and Rose for all the support. This law company is highly recommended. Jaie2023-10-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First and foremost five stars is not enough for Barbara Cowen and her legal team! I recently hired Barbara for my restraining order case and I was beyond satisfied with her work from start to finish. Not knowing how the legal process worked for restraining orders Barbara guided me in such a way that I felt that she truly understood and cared about my situation. She exudes immense knowledge, empathy, kindness and top-notch professionalism. She was so helpful in resolving my situation to my benefit that I will definitely be turning to her for any future matter if it arises. Her legal assistant, Rose, was just as helpful and amazing! Thank you, Barbara for being there for me!
Employees in Alpine and throughout New Jersey are protected by a range of state and federal laws. Although New Jersey follows at-will employment principles, an employer cannot terminate or punish a worker for illegal reasons such as discrimination, retaliation, or reporting misconduct.
Important protections include:
When workplace rights are violated, our attorneys take decisive legal action to protect our clients and seek appropriate remedies.
Our firm represents employees facing a wide range of workplace disputes. Below are some of the most common matters we handle.
Termination tied to discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or refusal to engage in unlawful conduct may violate the law. We analyze the circumstances and seek compensation for lost wages and related damages.
Unlawful workplace conduct may involve discrimination based on race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, or age, as well as sexual harassment or hostile conditions. We investigate patterns of misconduct, develop supporting evidence, and pursue appropriate remedies under state and federal law.
We review and negotiate employment contracts, non-compete clauses, confidentiality provisions, and severance agreements. When compensation is withheld or severance terms are unfair, we pursue recovery through negotiation or formal legal action.
Unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, improper deductions, or misclassification can result in significant lost earnings. We pursue full recovery of wages and statutory damages where applicable.
Employees who report illegal or unethical activity are protected under CEPA and related statutes. We enforce those protections when employers respond with retaliation.
Most employment matters follow a structured path.
Throughout the process, we keep clients informed so they can make strategic decisions at every stage.
Employment matters use different fee structures depending on the claim. Some are handled on contingency, others hourly or hybrid. We explain the model clearly during your consultation.
Factors that may influence overall cost include:
Many employment statutes also contain fee-shifting provisions, which may allow prevailing employees to recover attorney’s fees in appropriate cases.
Remedies depend on the specific violation and may include:
Timelines vary significantly. Some matters resolve within months through negotiation, while others may take longer if litigation is required.
Certain claims must first be filed with a government agency before proceeding to court. Strict filing deadlines apply under both state and federal law. Waiting too long can limit or eliminate your rights, which is why early legal review is important.
Documentation often determines case strength. Preserve relevant records and avoid deleting communications.
Helpful materials may include:
Even if you do not have complete documentation, we can evaluate available evidence and determine next steps.
If workplace conduct crossed a legal line, a few practical steps can protect your options.
If you are unsure whether your situation is legally actionable, an early conversation can clarify your options and help you avoid missing important deadlines.
If you were fired and believe the decision was tied to discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or refusal to engage in unlawful conduct, it is important to have the situation reviewed by an attorney familiar with New Jersey employment law. An employment lawyer serving Alpine can assess whether your termination violates state or federal protections and explain your options before deadlines expire.
Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim and whether it must first be filed with the EEOC or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. Some claims have strict administrative filing windows, while others are governed by statutory limitation periods. Speaking with a lawyer early helps ensure your rights are preserved.
Yes. Severance agreements often contain release provisions that waive legal claims. Before signing, it is wise to have the agreement reviewed to determine whether the compensation offered is appropriate and whether restrictive clauses, such as non-compete or confidentiality terms, are reasonable.
Depending on the claim, employees may seek back pay, front pay, compensation for emotional distress, unpaid wages, attorneys’ fees, and in certain cases punitive damages. The specific remedies available depend on the facts and the statutes involved.
Internal complaints can sometimes strengthen a legal claim, but each situation is different. In some cases, reporting misconduct triggers retaliation or further escalation. An employment attorney can help you decide whether to raise concerns internally or pursue external remedies first.
Are you ready to get started on your case with a consultation? With over 35 years of experience, our attorneys are ready to fight for you. Reach out to us today to see what Cowen & Jacobs can do for you.
NOTICE: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
We represent employees in Alpine and throughout Bergen County and North Jersey, with familiarity across local industries and employer structures.
Job loss, retaliation, or unpaid wages create financial and reputational pressure. Many employees hesitate to act out of fear of escalation. We provide confidential, direct guidance so you understand your rights before making decisions, whether reviewing a severance agreement or considering formal action.
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and protect your rights before important deadlines pass
We are here for you and ready to help you resolve your legal issue. For a consultation discussing your case, call Cowen & Jacobs today.
Attorney Advertising. The transmission and receipt of information contained on this website, in whole or in part through this website, does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between Cowen & Jacobs and any recipient.