I am signing a subcontractor master agreement. within states: general release and waiver of lien rights. I need to submit the subcontractor agreement in order to receive work. If I sign this can I still lein if I do not get paid?
It depends on 1) the language in the actual agreement; and 2) whether the underlying project is being constructed on land that is owned by a public or private entity. For privately owned jobs, the right to lien can only be waived to the extent that payment has been received (i.e. the waivers of lien which you are required to submit before your monthly invoice is paid). The statute governing public projects does not expressly prohibit general lien waivers, but that does not necessarily mean that such a lien waiver would be enforceable.
See: https://www.bartjkleinlaw.com/construction-litigation/2015/11/25/is-it-legal-to-waive-municipal-mechanics-lien-rights-in-new-jersey/#:~:text=Waivers%20of%20construction%20lien%20rights,N.J.S.A.
I would think it depends on who the general contractor is. If they are a credentialed GC with a good reputation, their bolierplate master service agreement has likely been tailored to conform with NJ law. If it's being offered by a less-established or out-of-state GC, I would be a bit more circumspect.