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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Monsignor Timothy L. Leary served in several prominent positions within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, including as rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral, director of Cathedral High School, and diocesan director of cemeteries. He died in 1991 at the age of 81.
In January 2005, a civil lawsuit filed in Hampden Superior Court alleged that Monsignor Leary sexually abused a boy over a period of five years, beginning when the child was in the fourth grade. According to the allegations, the abuse occurred while the boy served as an altar boy at St. Michael’s Cathedral and at cemeteries following graveside services. It was further alleged that Monsignor Leary introduced the boy to Father Francis Lavelle, who separately abused him. The survivor alleged that both Monsignor Leary and Father Lavelle paid him between $25 and $50 on various occasions to remain silent, and that both priests separately promised to secure his admission and pay his tuition at Cathedral High School.
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.
When clergy sexual abuse involves prolonged misconduct beginning in childhood, the effects can extend far beyond the years in which the abuse occurred. Survivors often carry lasting emotional, psychological, and relational harm. Civil litigation may provide a forum in which those harmed can seek accountability and acknowledgment, even decades later.
In Massachusetts, civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse may examine not only the alleged conduct of the individual priest but also the role of diocesan leadership — including questions of supervision, institutional awareness, and whether reasonable steps were taken to protect children from foreseeable harm. When allegations involve more than one clergy member, courts may also examine whether the conduct of institutional actors contributed to a survivor’s ongoing harm.
Massachusetts law may provide avenues for survivors who come forward years after abuse ended. Whether civil remedies remain available will depend on the specific circumstances of each case.
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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