Michael K. Fortunato is an experienced employment lawyer with Castronovo & McKinney. Mike represents individuals in a broad range of employment-related litigation in the New Jersey and Federal courts, including claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mike also represents employees whose employers have violated wage and hour laws including statutes such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act. Additionally, he has counseled employees with regard to their employment agreements and defended them in disputes regarding non-compete clauses and other restrictive covenants.
Prior to joining Castronovo & McKinney, Mike practiced at two prominent regional law firms, where he represented and advised public entities, such as local school boards, and private companies in all areas of employment law. He has also counseled businesses to ensure their compliance with various consumer protection statutes, including the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Mike represented clients impacted by the storm in recovery actions against their insurance companies.
Mike was recognized by his peers as a New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star in Employment Law in 2019 and 2020.
Mike holds a J.D. from Rutgers Law School-Newark and a B.A. from Cornell University. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
EDUCATION
J.D., Rutgers Law School-Newark
B.A., Cornell University
PUBLICATIONS
• “Filing Deadlines Have Serious Implications For Whistleblowers,” New Jersey Employment Law Letter, 26 No. 9 N.J. Emp. L. Letter 1
• “Shareholder Status Doesn’t Undo Employee’s At-Will Arrangement,” NJ Court Rules, New Jersey Employment Law Letter, 27 No. 3 N.J. Emp. L. Letter 5
• “3rd Circuit: Firing Employee Substantially Older than His Comparators Can Be Perilous,” New Jersey Employment Law Letter, 27 No. 8 N.J. Emp. L. Letter 3
• “Recent Appellate Division Ruling Reminds NJ Employers of the Rewards of Diligence,” New Jersey Employment Law Letter, 27 No. 6 N.J. Emp. L. Letter 3