Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father James F. Buckley served within the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, including an assignment at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans, Massachusetts. He retired in 2001 and was suspended in January 2020 following an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor occurring decades prior. Father Buckley denied the allegation at the time of his suspension, and the case was initially categorized by the diocese as a case in process. On December 13, 2021, the Diocese of Fall River formally announced that the allegation had been deemed credible and that Buckley would not return to ministry.
A financial settlement was reached in August 2023. According to reports, Buckley sexually abused two girls — one between the ages of 6 and 10 during the years 1967 to 1971, and another between the ages of 10 and 17 during the years 1966 to 1973. Both girls were connected to St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans. Father Buckley died in July 2024.
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.
The trajectory of Father James F. Buckley’s case reflects how the path to accountability in clergy abuse matters can be long but not impossible. Decades passed between the alleged abuse and the moment survivors felt ready to come forward. Following disclosure to the Diocese of Fall River in 2020, a two-year process culminated in a formal finding of credibility in December 2021, followed by a financial settlement in August 2023.
Buckley’s case also illustrates a critical dynamic in clergy sexual abuse cases involving children: both survivors in this matter were girls connected to the same parish, and the abuse reportedly spanned formative years of their childhoods. The lasting harm caused by abuse during those developmental years is well-documented, and Massachusetts courts recognize that the trauma of childhood sexual abuse can take many years to surface or to be recognized as a source of injury.
For survivors who were abused by Father Buckley at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans, or in any other context during his ministry in the Diocese of Fall River, legal options 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