Search Site
Menu
21 Main St, Ste 352 | Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
Call For Consultation 551-245-8894

NJ Appeals Court Upholds Non-Disparagement Clauses in Employment Contracts

NJ Appeals Court Upholds Non-Disparagement Clauses in Employment Contracts

A recent decision by a New Jersey appeals court upholds the enforceability of contract provisions that forbid employers or employees from disparaging or impugning each other’s reputation. The ruling is notable because the court distinguished non-disparagement clauses from nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), which in many cases are unenforceable against employees or former employees under NJ law.

The case, Savage v. Township of Neptune, began when police officer Christine Savage sued the township and its police department for alleged sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation, all of which violate the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). Eventually, the parties negotiated a settlement. The settlement included this provision: “The parties agree not to make any statements written or verbal, … regarding the past behavior of the parties, which statements would tend to disparage or impugn the reputation of any party….”

A few months after signing the settlement, Savage gave a TV news interview in which she stated her opinion that the Neptune police department hadn’t changed. It was still “a good ole’ boys system,” she said. The department filed a motion to enforce the non-disparagement clause, arguing that Savage’s statement breached it. The trial judge ruled in the department’s favor. Savage appealed.

In upholding enforcement of the clause, the appeals court ruled that non-disparagement provisions are different from non-disclosure agreements. Due to a 2019 amendment, the NJLAD invalidates — as a violation of public policy — any provision in an employment contract or settlement agreement that has the purpose or effect of concealing the details of a claim of discrimination, retaliation or harassment. By contrast, the court noted, a non-disparagement clause only prohibits the parties from publicly communicating anything negative about each other. It does not explicitly prohibit discussing the details of a court settlement or of the underlying claims.

While upholding the clause, the court ruled that Savage did not violate it. Her comments were about the current state of the police department. The non-disparagement clause only prohibited her from commenting about the department’s past behavior.

In response to the court’s ruling in May, two state senators introduced a bill in June that would make non-disparagement agreements in settlements and employment contracts unenforceable. We will need to wait and see whether the bill gets any traction.

For now, it is important for employees to understand that companies have the right to insist on a non-disparagement agreement as part of a severance package, employment contract or settlement agreement. They cannot, however, include an NDA. It can be very difficult to recognize the difference between an NDA and a non-disparagement clause, so you should not sign anything until you have had the documents reviewed by an experienced New Jersey employment lawyer.

At Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. our team has decades of experience representing employees across New Jersey. Our attorneys will help you understand your contractual rights and protect you at every turn, including in court if necessary. Call our Hackensack office at 551-245-8894 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Neil  H.  Deutsch Attorney Photo
Neil H. Deutsch
Retired

Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…

Bruce  L.  Atkins Attorney Photo
Bruce L. Atkins
Senior Partner

Bruce L. Atkins is regarded as one of New Jersey’s premier practitioners of employment and civil litigation. He has been selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers prestigious list every year since 2005.  This honor, bestowed upon a recipient by the votes of his peers, is a powerful nod to the skill Mr. Atkins brings…

Adam  J.  Kleinfeldt Attorney Photo
Adam J. Kleinfeldt
Partner

Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015.  He primarily represents individuals in employment litigations such as discrimination, retaliation, and whistle blowing matters.  He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for some of his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in…

Diane  Englander  Peyser Attorney Photo
Diane Englander Peyser
Attorney

Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…

Debra M. McGarvey Attorney Photo
Debra M. McGarvey
Attorney

Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…

AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS
Reviews and Ratings
  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I don’t usually write many reviews, but in early 2021 I was asked if I wanted to write an update to my initial review talking about my experience as a client, so I said “yeah I want to talk, but for just a minute.” After a long and voluminous l...

    Read more

    Ben R

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Diane Englander Peyser and Bruce Atkins provided extensive subject matter knowledge and guided us through very complicated legal system; resulting in positive outcome that we could not have achieved on our own. Great office atmosphere with friendly a...

    Read more

    Psiumis J

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I am extremely satisfied with my experience with Duetsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt law firm. Diane Peyser was always attentive with any questions or concerns I had during my case. I always felt like I was her number one priority when I needed her during t...

    Read more

    megan verrico

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I am grateful to Bruce and his firm for his professionalism and guidance. His experience and calm demeanor really helped me through a tough case. He settled it very quickly which allowed me to put it behind me and move on. I highly recommend Bruce.

    Read more

    T Cates

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Having been a litigation attorney myself, I've seen it all from the "inside". I know that far too many lawyers care only about profit and have very little interest in the actual law or their clients. So I was very careful in selecting an attorney t...

    Read more

    D A

See all reviews
Contact us

Quick Contact Form