Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Bernard St. Hilaire was ordained in 1951 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston, with assignments in Marlboro, Lowell, Lynn, Beverly, Salem, Middleboro, and Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood. He went on sick leave in December 1968 and died in July 1977.
Court documents released in connection with the case of convicted priest Ronald Paquin described an alleged sexual relationship between Paquin and Father St. Hilaire that reportedly began when Paquin was a teenager and continued for many years. According to those records, Paquin told archdiocesan officials about the alleged abuse by St. Hilaire, and a Paquin survivor reported to the archdiocese that Paquin said he and St. Hilaire had shared a bed for thirty years. A separate individual also reported being sexually abused by Father St. Hilaire; that survivor reached a $20,000 settlement before the current scandal became public.
Father St. Hilaire’s name was included in the Archdiocese of Boston’s August 2011 list of accused clergy under Category E, which covers deceased clergy for whom criminal or canonical proceedings were not completed but for whom the existence of allegations has been publicized. The archdiocese stated that no formal determination of guilt was made before his death.
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.
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse by Father Bernard St. Hilaire may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Archdiocese of Boston for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the archdiocese for negligent supervision of clergy. Even though Father St. Hilaire is deceased, civil proceedings may still enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records — including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations — that could reveal what church leadership knew about prior misconduct and what decisions may have allowed abuse to occur. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors seeking to understand the full scope of institutional awareness and response.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy costs, and emotional distress, but for many survivors, the public acknowledgment and validation of their experiences matters equally. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to institutional transparency, and reinforce the responsibility of the church to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that may support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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