Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Paul P. Rynne was ordained in 1956 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts, including an assignment at St. Patrick’s Parish in Lawrence. His personnel file, released in 2003, documents sexual abuse allegations spanning multiple decades and involving several survivors.
Records reflect allegations that Rynne engaged in inappropriate behavior with a 17-year-old in 1986, following which he received therapy and was reassigned. In 1994, he admitted to abusing and/or raping a boy during the 1960s. Two additional claimants subsequently came forward, and one filed suit in January 2003. His personnel file also revealed that Rynne possessed a collection of nude photographs of boys. He was placed on leave following the 1994 admission and retired in 1996. Father Paul P. Rynne died on October 3, 2001. Criminal or canonical proceedings remained incomplete at the time of his death, as noted in the August 2011 Archdiocese of Boston list. In May 2017, a new allegation surfaced from a man who reported abuse as a boy at St. Patrick’s in Lawrence.
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 documented record involving Father Paul P. Rynne raises serious questions about institutional oversight within the Archdiocese of Boston. His personnel file reflects that concerns were raised as early as 1986, yet Rynne was reassigned rather than removed from ministry. His 1994 admission of abuse involving a child in the 1960s further reflects that the Archdiocese had been aware of concerns about Rynne for years before his eventual placement on leave.
Civil litigation in cases of clergy abuse frequently extends beyond the individual accused to examine the decisions made by diocesan leadership. When an institution is aware of credible allegations and responds with reassignment or limited intervention rather than meaningful action, the institution may bear responsibility for harm that occurs as a result of those decisions.
The emergence of a new allegation as recently as 2017 demonstrates that survivors may come forward long after the abuse occurred and long after a perpetrator has died. Massachusetts law includes provisions that may be relevant to survivors of childhood sexual abuse who experienced delays in disclosure, and the passage of time does not necessarily foreclose the possibility of civil accountability.
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