Trusted by 1,500+ clients over three decades.
Historical & institutional abuse in Ireland
Seeking accountability for historical or institutional abuse takes immense courage. Our solicitors provide confidential, compassionate and experienced legal guidance, always respecting your choices and circumstances.
For many survivors, the harm was made worse by institutions that failed to protect them or respond appropriately. We provide a confidential space where your experience is taken seriously and you remain in control. Our team represents survivors in cases involving schools, religious organisations, residential institutions, care settings and State bodies across Ireland.
Your first conversation will be with a solicitor experienced in complex historical abuse cases. We will listen carefully, assess who may be responsible and explain any time limits or legal options without placing you under pressure.
Types of claims
Historical abuse may involve sexual, physical or emotional harm, neglect, exploitation or failures by institutions entrusted with a person’s care and protection.
Claims arising from abuse in religious institutions, residential care and other institutions.
Advice for survivors of abuse connected to Scouting Ireland.
Advice for survivors of abuse connected to the Christian Brothers.
Advice for survivors of abuse connected to St John Ambulance.
Three steps, taken at your pace
01
A confidential conversation
Call our confidential team or request a callback at a suitable time. You may also write to us first if speaking feels difficult.
02
Your case, assessed with care
An experienced solicitor will consider what happened, the institution involved, and the available evidence before explaining your options and any relevant time limits.
03
Clear advice on what comes next
Where grounds exist, we will investigate responsibility, gather the necessary evidence and guide you carefully through every stage of the process.
Outcomes that speak quietly, for people who were never heard
Sexual Abuse
Coleman Legal LLP secures €350,000 settlement in historic sexual abuse claim
A settlement of €350,000 was reached on behalf of our client, who suffered historic sexual abuse by a religious institution in Ireland during the 1970s.
Sexual Abuse
Confidential settlement in historic sexual abuse case against family member
A confidential settlement was reached in a historic sexual abuse claim in Ireland on behalf of a woman who suffered abuse by a family member.
Sexual Abuse
Coleman Legal LLP settle High Court sexual abuse case against Scouting Ireland
A High Court case against Scouting Ireland and a convicted former scout leader for sexual abuse.
Sexual Assault
Confidential settlement in workplace sexual assault claim in Ireland
Coleman Legal secured a confidential settlement in a workplace sexual assault claim involving an employee assaulted by a manager in Ireland.
Sexual Abuse
€350,000 settlement in a childhood sexual abuse case against a religious institution in Ireland
Coleman Legal LLP secured a €350,000 settlement and formal apology for a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a religious institution in Ireland.
Every case is different. Previous outcomes do not indicate the outcome of any future case.
Your experience will be taken seriously. Every conversation is confidential, and every decision about moving forward remains yours.
Our commitment to every client
The individuals behind Ireland’s most complex sexual abuse claim
Your case will be led by Ireland’s most experienced litigators. Email us at [email protected]
Managing Partner
Considered one of Ireland's most experienced litigators in complex group actions. Helps clients take on institutions with structure, care, and results.
Solicitor
Experienced in complex sexual assault, historical abuse and medical negligence claims, including cases involving sensitive and serious injuries.
Solicitor
A highly experienced solicitor with over 25 years in litigation, handling workplace injury, medical negligence and historical abuse claims.
Solicitor
Experienced in medical negligence, personal injury and sexual assault claims, with a strong background in complex litigation.
Solicitor
Norman Spicer works in the areas of historical abuse, illegal adoption and lariam cases.
Associate Solicitor
Experienced across complex litigation matters, including defective blocks, sexual abuse, medical negligence and personal injury claims.
Associate Solicitor
Experienced in representing survivors of sexual assault and historical abuse in complex and highly sensitive legal claims.
Common questions
Answers, before you pick up the phone
Time limits may apply, but important exceptions can arise in historical abuse cases. Our team will assess the rules relevant to your circumstances.
Yes. Every conversation with our team is confidential. You decide how we contact you and how quickly you wish to move forward.
We will explain the likely legal costs and available arrangements clearly at your initial consultation before you decide whether to proceed.
Responsibility may rest with the individual involved and with a school, religious order, institution, organisation or State body that failed to protect you.
Not every case reaches a court hearing. Your solicitor will explain the likely process and prepare and support you throughout each stage.
Request a callback
Complete this form to get a callback from one of our experienced team members. Alternatively, you can speak to us right away by calling our free helpline.
1800-844-104
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice specific to your circumstances. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.