How Do I Find a Qualified and Compassionate Sexual Abuse Law Firm?
There are practical steps you can take to find a reputable law firm that is qualified to handle child sexual abuse cases and is also the right fit for you.
We recommend looking for a law firm with team members who have received trauma-informed training. This can lead to a better experience for survivors because trauma-informed professionals are often better equipped to communicate in a way that is effective, respectful, and empathetic.
It is also important to find a law firm with team members who truly care about survivors, are passionate about child protection, and put a survivor’s mental health and well-being first.
What to Look for in a Sexual Abuse Law Firm
Finding the right law firm for sexual abuse is not only about legal experience, it is also about finding a team that makes you feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the process.
A qualified law firm should have experience handling child sexual abuse cases, understand the trauma survivors carry, and communicate in a way that protects your dignity and well-being. For many survivors, the best fit is a law firm that combines experience, compassion, and a clear commitment to accountability.
How to Find a Reputable Sexual Abuse Attorney
Are there Reputable, Free Attorney Referral Services?
Yes. The National Crime Victims Bar Association has a service that matches survivors, at no cost, with attorneys who are experienced in handling child sexual abuse civil cases. Their website also contains helpful advice on how to find and hire the best attorney for you.
Your local and state bar associations will also be able to provide you with helpful information, including whether or not a lawyer is in good standing. It is advisable to speak with multiple firms to find the one you are most confident in.
If I See an Attorney on the Internet or on TV, Does That Mean That They are Reputable?
Not all the time. Some experienced, trauma-informed attorneys use television, radio, print, social media, and other online platforms to reach survivors and make them aware of their rights.
Seeing an advertisement does not automatically mean a law firm is or is not qualified to handle a child sexual abuse case. What matters is whether the firm has the right experience, whether the team communicates well with survivors, and whether you feel comfortable and supported when speaking with them.
We do hope you consider our experienced attorneys and advocates as candidates. We are one of the most experienced law firms representing adult survivors of child sexual abuse. We also recommend reaching out to multiple law firms until you find one you trust.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Sexual Abuse Law Firm
Is it Okay to Interview Numerous Sexual Abuse Law Firms Before Making a Decision?
Yes. In fact, we recommend it. Choosing and hiring an attorney/law firm is an important decision. You need to ensure that you find a law firm whose goals align with yours and with whom you feel comfortable.
You may need to talk to two or three law firms before finding the right “fit.” We recommend finding a law firm that has team members who have received trauma-informed training. This will likely provide survivors with a better experience, as trauma-informed professionals will be able to communicate with survivors in a more effective, productive, and empathic manner that is beneficial both to the survivor and the legal team. It’s also important to find a law firm with team members who:
- Truly care about the survivor and are passionate about the child protection movement
- Put the survivor’s mental health and well-being above all.
If you want to learn more, you can contact us directly for a confidential, compassionate conversation. You can also visit our website to learn more about our attorneys and our staff.
How Do I Know if an Attorney has Experience in Child Sexual Abuse Cases Against the Catholic Church?
When you interview attorneys or law firms, those attorneys should be able to provide you with an overview of their experience with child sexual abuse cases involving the Catholic Church.
This information should also be available on their website and found easily in an internet search. You can search to see if there are any news articles that mention the law firm and lawsuits pertaining to the Catholic Church.
If you speak with our experienced attorneys or advocates you will have a very solid benchmark of quality to serve your research going forward. We are among the most experienced in the field.
Is There Anything That Should Make Me Give a Particular Attorney or Law Firm a Hard Pass?
Yes. We recommend avoiding attorneys or law firms that do not have experience litigating child sexual abuse cases against the institution involved in your abuse, whether that is the Catholic Church, a parish, a school, a camp, or another organization.
We also recommend avoiding attorneys who have been disbarred or are facing sanctions from their bar association. Just as importantly, if you do not feel heard, supported, or validated when speaking with a law firm, it may be a sign that you should keep looking.
Fees, Representation, and Your Rights as a Client
What is the Standard Agreement with an Attorney? How Much Will I Pay Them When my Case is Settled?
Each law firm is different. Fees and costs should be discussed on an individual basis so you understand what to expect if you decide to move forward together.
Can I Switch Attorneys?
You are entitled to the legal representation of your choice. If you are already represented by an attorney when you reach out to our law firm, please inform us that you are represented by an attorney right away. If you do not wish to move forward with your lawsuit after you retain us as your attorneys, you can speak with the legal team about discontinuing representation and what that means for your case.
If we can be of help to you, we assure you that we will respect your needs and decisions. Please contact us to see if we can be of service.
I Received Something in the Mail from an Attorney. They are Looking for Witnesses. Should I Respond? Is This Ethical?
It’s very common for survivors to provide information to their attorneys about their case. This may include providing names of other suspected survivors of the same perpetrator and/or witnesses. If you received a request for information from another attorney, investigator, or other third party and you currently have legal representation, talk to your attorney before contacting the third party. Together you can decide how and if you should respond.
How to Research a Sexual Abuse Attorney’s Reputation
I Heard a Rumor That an Attorney Was Sanctioned or Disbarred. How Do I Find Out More Information?
You can contact your local bar association or the bar association where the attorney holds their primary license. They can explain how to research disciplinary history and whether any formal action has been taken.
The Roles in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
What is the Difference Between a “Plaintiff” and “Defense?”
In a civil case, the plaintiff is the person who files the lawsuit. In a child sexual abuse case, the plaintiff is usually the survivor of the abuse.
The defense is typically composed of the perpetrator and the institution/s who knew about the abuse (or should have known about the abuse) and did not take proper action or covered it up. The institution may be a parish, school, diocese, camp, and more. These details vary depending on multiple factors that are different for each case. To get a better understanding of this, you can contact us for a free, confidential conversation.
If we can be of help to you, we assure you that we will respect your needs and decisions. Please contact us to see if we can be of service.
FAQs About Choosing a Sexual Abuse Law Firm
How do I find a good sexual abuse lawyer?
Start by looking for a law firm with experience handling child sexual abuse cases, a strong reputation, and a trauma-informed approach. It can also help to speak with more than one firm before making a decision.
Should I talk to more than one sexual abuse law firm before hiring one?
Yes, speaking with multiple law firms can help you compare experience, communication style, and overall fit. This can make it easier to choose a team you trust.
How do I know if a sexual abuse attorney is reputable?
You can research the attorney through state and local bar associations, review their experience with similar cases, and look for public information about their work. It is also important to pay attention to how supported and respected you feel when speaking with them.
Can I change lawyers if I am not comfortable with the one I hired?
Yes, you are entitled to the legal representation of your choice. If you have concerns about your current attorney, you can ask questions about your options and what changing representation may mean for your case.