Attorney Advertising 732-606-4516 bonnie@bonnielawoffice.com

Civil · Unpaid wages and invoices

You did the work. You did not get paid.

If you were an employee, New Jersey’s wage laws and the Department of Labor’s wage-claim process may help you recover pay you earned. If you were a freelancer or a small business with an unpaid invoice, a clear demand letter is often the first step, followed by Small Claims or Special Civil Part if needed.

I take all matters based on my case load and whether the case resonates with me. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. That relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement.

I also work with small businesses. Before I take a wage or invoice matter, I run a conflict check. I will not take a claim against an employer or business I represent.

Published fees

Unpaid wages and unpaid invoices: what it costs.

Each fee below is my attorney fee for the scope listed, and it binds for that scope. Court filing fees, service of process, court-officer fees, and other third-party costs are extra. They are paid to the court or the provider, not to me. If your matter would entail more than a flat fee, I tell you in writing before any added work, and nothing changes unless you agree.

Demand letter for unpaid wages or an unpaid invoice

$175flat

One demand letter to one employer or client, on my letterhead.

Included

  • Review of your pay records, invoices, and messages
  • One demand letter to one employer or client
  • One short follow-up email to clarify the letter, if you write within 10 days

Not included

  • Negotiation after the letter
  • Filing a claim or a complaint

NJ Department of Labor wage-claim preparation

$550flat

For employees: I prepare your wage claim to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with a written guide to the process.

Included

  • Review of your pay records and work history
  • A calculation of the wages you believe are owed
  • Preparation of the wage-claim filing and supporting documents
  • A written guide to what happens after you file

Not included

  • Appearing at a wage-collection hearing
  • A lawsuit, a class or collective action, or a discrimination or retaliation claim as its own matter
  • Unemployment benefits (see Unemployment appeals)

Beyond the flat fee

A hearing appearance is hourly at $275/hour through December 8, 2026, then $350/hour, with a written retainer. Time is billed in tenths of an hour.

On the drafting-only fees, you remain the self-represented (pro se) party. You file the papers and appear yourself unless we sign a separate written retainer for an appearance.

Published discounts apply to these attorney fees, not to court or third-party costs.

A free 30-minute phone consultation is available by appointment at 732-606-4516. A call does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Writing this office, filling out a form, sending documents, or meeting with me does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not mean I have accepted your matter. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement. Until then, do not send confidential information you need protected. This website is not the contract.

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