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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
For over thirty years, Father John J. Geoghan served in Boston parishes while complaints of sexual abuse surfaced repeatedly. Despite multiple warnings, he continued ministering to children. Survivors later described feeling unseen—their voices ignored by Church leaders who disregarded their safety and allowed ongoing harm within a trusted institution that promised care, faith, and protection.
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 story of Father John J. Geoghan transformed public awareness of clergy abuse. Ordained in 1962, Geoghan was transferred among numerous Boston parishes by Church leadership, leaving behind lasting trauma and unanswered questions. Despite early concerns and multiple hospitalizations for treatment, Church officials continued to reassign him and permit his access to children for decades.
By 2002, more than 130 survivors had come forward to share their experiences. Their voices exposed a pattern of concealment within the Archdiocese of Boston. That year, a jury convicted Geoghan of indecent assault and battery involving a ten-year-old boy — though that conviction was later vacated by the court after Geoghan died in prison in August 2003 while his appeal was pending. The criminal proceedings, while ultimately unresolved, helped ignite a national reckoning with institutional accountability for clergy abuse.
Herman Law honors the courage of those who spoke up. Their testimony reshaped the legal and cultural understanding of abuse and inspired others to seek accountability. Each voice reinforces one truth: silence should never protect those in power. Civil action may empower survivors to reclaim a sense of control, seek transparency from institutions that failed to protect them, and take a meaningful step on their healing journey.
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.
Client Reviews
Herman law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agencies cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable. I am forever grateful and can now live a life enveloped in healing and hope. Thank you Herman law family. Love you guys!!
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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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.
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