Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Robert J. Knapp was ordained in 1965 and served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts. His personnel file, released in 2004, revealed sexual abuse allegations of a “father-son” relationship with a minor, sexual misconduct involving three women, and hundreds of incidents with a victim spanning from approximately 1979 to 1984. Knapp was first publicly accused of child sexual abuse in 1985 and subsequently left the Archdiocese without permission 1988.
In 2011, the Archdiocese of Boston announced that Knapp had been laicized in 2010, removing him from the clerical state through a voluntary process. The Archdiocese of Boston’s August 2011 public list of accused clergy indicates that his case was concluded canonically. The Archdiocese has publicly released his name as part of its broader efforts to acknowledge historic misconduct within the Church.
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 sexual abuse allegations against Father Robert J. Knapp involve years of reported sexual misconduct, including the abuse of a minor over an extended period spanning several years. Public records show that concerns were first raised as early as 1985, yet formal canonical action — Knapp’s laicization — did not occur until 2010, more than two decades later. This prolonged gap between initial accusation and formal resolution raises serious questions about the Archdiocese’s response to early warning signs and the adequacy of its institutional oversight.
Civil litigation allows survivors to pursue accountability that extends beyond the individual priest. Claims against the Archdiocese may examine what diocesan leadership knew, when concerns were first raised internally, and whether supervisory decisions enabled continued access to potential victims. The documented gap between early allegations and formal action is precisely the kind of institutional conduct that civil courts are equipped to scrutinize. Massachusetts law may permit survivors to bring claims through delayed discovery rules or legislative revival windows, and the passage of time does not necessarily foreclose the possibility of civil accountability for survivors connected to Father Knapp’s ministry.
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