Herman Law Secures Over 800 Million Dollars for Clergy Abuse Survivors
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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Herman Law, a plaintiff-side law firm based in New York, has announced a landmark settlement with the Archdiocese of New York, resolving claims from more than 1,300 survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members and lay leaders. The settlement, valued at more than 800 million dollars, is among the largest reached by a Catholic institution in the United States.
Herman Law, founded and led by Jeff Herman for more than 25 years, represents approximately 260 survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members and lay leaders of the Archdiocese of New York. Under the terms of the agreement, each survivor will have the option to receive a lump sum payment of at least 250,000 dollars or pursue a potentially larger payout following an individual review of the abuse they suffered.
The agreement requires the Archdiocese to publish and maintain a public list of clergy members and lay leaders who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. This move is seen as a significant step towards transparency and accountability, ensuring that the names of those accused are made public and that the community is informed.
The settlement is part of a broader trend of institutions facing accountability for historical abuse. Similar agreements have been reached by the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in recent years. These settlements reflect a growing awareness and commitment to addressing the long-term impacts of sexual abuse within religious institutions.
Herman Law has been at the forefront of representing survivors of institutional sexual abuse, with the firm representing more than 5,000 cases against religious institutions, school districts, foster care systems, residential facilities, and youth organizations nationwide. The firm's work continues to highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and the need for systemic change in addressing sexual abuse.
The settlement is set to be formally signed by the plaintiffs, their counsel, and representatives of the Archdiocese in early November. This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address and resolve the issue of sexual abuse within religious institutions.