Why a Civil Attorney Matters

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If you’ve been sexually abused by a school employee, a civil attorney can be a powerful advocate in your pursuit of justice, healing, and systemic change. If you think that your school and/or school administrators are covering up your abuse, an attorney can help you get to the truth. Unlike criminal prosecutors—who represent the state—a civil attorney represents you.

 

They help you best exercise your rights in the civil court system for justice and accountability, as well as compensation for therapy, medical care, lost educational opportunities, and emotional and physical harm.

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Just as importantly, a civil attorney can uncover patterns of abuse and institutional cover-ups that may otherwise remain hidden. Through legal discovery, they can obtain documents, depose witnesses, and expose the systems that allowed abuse to occur. By shining a light on these failures, survivors not only seek justice for themselves—they help keep other children safe.

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Finding the right civil attorney can be an important and crucial step on the path to justice and healing after experiencing child sexual abuse. But the process can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips to help find a lawyer who is skilled, compassionate, and prepared to support you through the legal process.

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1. Seek Attorneys with Relevant and Successful Experience

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Choose a lawyer who specializes in civil cases involving child sexual abuse.

 

Look for:

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• Specialization in complex child abuse abuse litigation in schools and other institutions, not general practice areas.

• Proven courtroom experience, including trials and precedent-setting cases.

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2. Prioritize Trauma-Informed Representation

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This can be an emotionally intense journey. A qualified attorney should:

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• Offer emotional support during depositions or hearings 

• Understand the unique trauma of sexual abuse and work sensitively with clients 

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3. Evaluate Track Record and Reputation

 

Research the firm’s history:

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• Have they successfully handled cases for survivors, including verdicts and settlements?

• Do they have a reputation for compassion and tenacity? 

• Have other survivors had positive experiences with the firm?

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4. Understand Fees, Timelines, & Communication

 

Clear expectations reduce stress:

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• Confirm whether the firm works on a contingency basis—no fees until compensation is awarded.

• Confirm the contingency amount.

• A good attorney will never charge you for a consultation or review of your case.

• Ask about timing, statute of limitations, and how updates will be communicated.

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5. Ask the Right Questions During Your Consultation

 

Prepare these key questions:

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• Do you have experience with child sexual abuse cases like mine?

• Have you taken such cases to trial, and what were the outcomes? 

• What experts do you use (mental health professionals, forensic specialists)? 

• How will you support me emotionally throughout this process? 

• What are your fees? Are there costs upfront?

• How long do you think this case will take?

• Do you have experience with institutional bankruptcy?

• Have you handled cases against private and public institutions?

• Can I maintain my privacy throughout the process?

• Will I be deposed? 

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6. Explore Multiple Avenues for Referrals

 

Find reputable attorneys through:

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• Victim-focused legal directories, like victimsbar.org 

• State or county bar associations with sexual abuse case listings 

• Recommendations from trusted survivors or advocacy groups.

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7. Verify Jurisdiction & Legal Frameworks

 

Ensure the attorney understands:

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• Your state’s laws, including statutes of limitation (e.g. California’s changes in 2020 for child victims). Note: laws most likely will apply in the state where the abuse took place, not the state or country where you currently live.

• How civil remedies work, such as recovery for therapy, emotional distress, and other damages. 

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8. Choose Confidence Over Case Value

 

Big settlements may not always matter most. A good attorney:

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• Puts client well-being above headlines 

• Demonstrates commitment to your healing and justice, not just financial gain.

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Final Steps: Starting a Strong Case

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1. Schedule consultations with at least two qualified attorneys.

2. Compare responses—including empathy, clarity, and strategy.

3. Follow your instincts: trust the attorney who respects you, explains clearly, and supports your needs.

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You're Not Alone. Justice Is Possible.

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Civil action is a pathway to accountability, validation, and recovery. With the right legal partner, survivors can hold perpetrators—and, when relevant, institutions—responsible. This can provide a crucial sense of justice, accountability, and closure.

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Need help finding qualified attorneys?

Visit the National Crime Victim Bar Association’s referral service or contact your state bar for trusted, vetted legal professionals.