Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Are Your Employees or Recording You?

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: August 7, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Thanks to smart phones, it is easy to record a conversation, even without the other party being aware. There is even an “app” for that.

Thanks to smart phones, it is easy to record a conversation, even without the other party being aware. There is even an “app” for that.

Employees Recording
Photo by Dmitry Ratushny on Unsplash

For employers, it is important to understand that this means that workers may record performance reviews, disciplinary meetings and other interactions without their knowledge. In New Jersey and New York, you may record a conversation or phone call provided that you are a party to the conversation without the permission of the other party. In other states, both parties must consent to the recording.

The risk for employers is that the cell phone recordings may be used as evidence in a later employment lawsuit. Given that so many cases come down to he said/she said, a taped recording containing a discriminatory or harassing statement can be damning. Even if the recordings are not admissible in court, employees may threaten to release the recordings to media, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or labor union in order to pressure the employer to offer a favorable settlement.

According to Joe Bontke, an outreach manager for the EEOC, approximately one third of potential complainants offer some form of digital evidence, including cell phone recordings, emails and social media posts. “Anyone can be James Bond with a cell phone in their pocket,” he told the The Fiscal Times. “Just assume you’re being recorded.”

To avoid potential liability, the best idea is to assume that everything you say may come back to haunt you. Employers may also want to consider adopting a policy that prohibits recording workplace conversations without the permission of all parties.

If you have any questions workplace recordings or would like to discuss the legal issues involved, please contact me, Fernando M. Pinguelo, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses post image

New York NDA Requirements for Businesses

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "New York NDA Requirements for Businesses"
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained post image

New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained

How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]

Author: Marc J. Comer

Link to post with title - "New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained"
Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors post image

Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors

Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors"
SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies post image

SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies

How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]

Author: Marc J. Comer

Link to post with title - "SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies"
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses post image

Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses

Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]

Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.

Link to post with title - "Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses"
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities post image

The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities

On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* 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. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!