Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Bernard J. Lane was a Catholic priest ordained in 1960 who served within the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts. He faced accusations from dozens of boys who reported sexual abuse at Alpha Omega facilities in Littleton, Massachusetts, and at a private cottage Lane maintained in Barnstead, New Hampshire. The allegations included serious offenses such as oral and anal rape.
Lane was first accused in 1978 by two boys. Following his admission of going to bed with residents, he was removed from his position. He subsequently received treatment at the House of Affirmation and St. Luke’s Institute. Despite these early findings, Lane continued working without supervision until 1999, including in youth programs, as a pastor, and at a residence for retired priests. He was reprimanded in 2002 for submitting a false affidavit to a court. Involuntary laicization was carried out in 2004 and publicly announced in February 2005. Lane was included on the Archdiocese of Boston’s list of accused clergy in August 2011. According to the Archdiocese’s 2024 records, Father Bernard J. Lane died in 2023.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Cases involving clergy members like Father Bernard J. Lane illustrate how institutional failures can deepen and extend the harm suffered by survivors. Lane’s continued unsupervised access to young people for more than two decades after initial allegations surfaced raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within the Archdiocese of Boston.
Civil litigation has provided one avenue for survivors to pursue meaningful accountability. At least six civil settlements were reached in connection with Lane’s conduct, including a $200,000 settlement in 1998. A federal lawsuit filed in October 2016 separately alleged abuse at a counseling facility in Malden dating back to 1970; that case was dismissed on procedural grounds in March 2017.
Civil claims in clergy abuse cases may extend beyond the individual accused to examine the conduct of supervising institutions. When a diocese is aware of abuse allegations and continues to place a priest in positions of access to minors, that pattern of conduct may form the basis of institutional liability claims. Survivors who experienced abuse connected to Father Lane or the institutions where he worked are encouraged to speak with a clergy abuse attorney to explore what legal remedies may remain available.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer
This is an advertisement for legal services. The content provided is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current legal developments. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Legal outcomes depend on numerous factors, including specific facts, applicable law, opposing parties, and other circumstances. Do not take action based solely on the information in this advertisement. Every case is different. Any discussion of past results is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future cases. No statement in this advertisement should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of results. In the absence of a recovery, no fee will be charged to you and you will not be liable for any litigation expenses.
Attorney-Client Relationship & Confidentiality
Viewing this advertisement, contacting our firm, or requesting a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed through a signed agreement with our firm. Any information shared between you and our firm before an attorney-client relationship is established is not confidential, privileged, or protected from disclosure. If you require immediate legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
Responsibility for Content
This advertisement is sponsored by Herman Law Firm.
Data Collection & Tracking
This advertisement may use tracking technology and allow third parties, including Meta, to collect data from user interactions for advertising and analytics purposes. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies for targeted advertising. To learn more about data collection practices and opt-out options, visit: https://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&lang=EN.
Call us: 1 866 850 3766 
call us: 1 866 850 3766 
Message Us 
Call Us