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Father Lawrence Joseph Michaud, a priest of the Marist Order, served at parishes within the Archdiocese of Boston and across New England, including St. Joseph’s Parish in Haverhill during the late 1950s and early 1960s. In March 1994, a woman submitted a written account to Cardinal Bernard Law alleging that Father Michaud had repeatedly sexually abused her when she was approximately twelve years old while he was assigned to that parish. This allegation, if true, raises serious questions about the safety of children in his pastoral care.
Father Michaud had retired to Van Buren, Maine, and died on November 2, 1990 — nearly four years before the allegation was submitted in writing to the Archdiocese. His name was omitted from the Archdiocese of Boston’s 2011 publicly released list of accused clergy; however, the survivor’s account is documented in archdiocesan records, and his name was subsequently identified by the Boston Globe as among those left off Cardinal O’Malley’s official list.
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 case of Father Lawrence Joseph Michaud illustrates the profound and long-lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse. Civil avenues may allow some survivors to seek accountability even decades after the events, depending on their individual circumstances, particularly where canonical or criminal proceedings were incomplete or never initiated. Massachusetts law may provide avenues for survivors who disclose abuse years or decades after it occurred — an acknowledgment that trauma can delay a survivor’s ability to come forward.
Civil proceedings may examine both the alleged individual misconduct and the institutional response. Even where a priest has died, legal action may address whether the Marist Order or the Archdiocese failed to implement safeguards, investigate complaints, or protect children from harm. For some survivors, such proceedings may offer a measure of formal acknowledgment and transparency regarding what occurred.
For many survivors, civil remedies may extend beyond financial recovery. They may provide a platform for recognition, ensuring that alleged abusive actions and institutional responses are examined in the historical record. By pursuing accountability, survivors may be able to confront systemic failures and contribute to broader awareness and prevention of clergy abuse.
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.
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