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Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Michael H. Devlin was a Catholic priest ordained in 1968 who served in the Diocese of Springfield in western Massachusetts. In October 2004, he was placed on administrative leave pending a Review Board investigation into allegations that he had sexually abused a minor while serving as a parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle in West Springfield and at All Souls in Springfield. Bishop Timothy McDonnell publicly announced Devlin’s permanent removal from ministry in December 2004.
The diocesan Review Board found those allegations credible, though Devlin denied them. One claim against him was resolved as part of a November 2008 settlement in which the Diocese of Springfield collectively resolved approximately $4.5 million in clergy sexual abuse claims brought by multiple survivors.
Devlin died in March 2021. He was included in the Diocese of Springfield’s expanded credibility report published June 2, 2021, and remains listed on the Diocese’s public disclosure of individuals with credible findings of sexual abuse of a minor.
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 sexual abuse by Father Michael H. Devlin may be able to pursue civil claims against the Diocese of Springfield, whose own Review Board found the allegations against him credible. The Diocese’s formal credibility finding — made under its internal standard that there be reasonable cause to believe the sexual abuse occurred — reflects an institutional determination that conduct connected to his assignments in the diocese met that threshold.
One claim related to Devlin was included in the Diocese’s approximately $4.5 million November 2008 settlement — a resolution reached without admission of liability, but one that reflects the Diocese’s engagement with civil claims arising from his ministry. Civil litigation may build on that record by compelling the Diocese to produce internal records and communications that could clarify what officials knew about Devlin’s conduct during his assignments and what steps were taken in response to the allegations.
Civil proceedings may allow survivors to seek compensation for therapy, emotional distress, and long-term psychological harm. They also allow the Diocese’s supervisory responsibilities during Devlin’s ministry to be examined through an independent legal process, separate from the Diocese’s own internal review that produced the credibility finding.
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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