Trusted by 1,500+ clients over three decades.
Sexual Abuse in Schools Claims
Speaking about sexual abuse in school takes immense courage. Our solicitors provide confidential, compassionate legal advice at your pace and on your terms.
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming. We provide a confidential, supportive space where you remain in control, and we only move forward when you are ready. Coleman Legal LLP helps survivors across Ireland seek answers and hold schools, religious orders, State bodies and responsible individuals accountable for sexual abuse in educational settings, including:
- Primary and secondary schools
- Boarding schools
- Private schools
- Residential schools
- Special schools
- Religious and religious-order-run schools
Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to pursue a civil claim against the organisation responsible for the school, the relevant religious order or State body, and in some cases the individual who committed the abuse.
Types of school abuse
School abuse claims can involve different settings and failures by those entrusted with a child’s education, supervision, safety and protection.
Advice for survivors of historical abuse in schools.
Support for survivors of abuse in special schools across Ireland.
Claims arising from abuse in schools and institutions run by Christian Brothers.
Advice for survivors of abuse in Spiritan or Holy Ghost schools.
Advice on State-linked day school abuse compensation claims.
View the complete list of schools and religious orders
The 2024 Scoping Inquiry recorded 2,395 allegations involving 884 alleged abusers across 308 schools.
These figures describe allegations recorded by the Scoping Inquiry and are not findings of fact. Certain records may overlap, and the published information should not be treated as an exhaustive list of every school where abuse may have occurred.
A school does not need to appear on the published list for you to contact our team. We can listen to your experience and explain whether legal options may be available in your individual circumstances.
Three steps, taken at your pace
01
A confidential conversation
Call our confidential line or request a callback at a time that suits you. Speak with our team or write to us first if that feels easier.
02
Your case, assessed with care
An experienced solicitor reviews what happened and explains your options clearly, including time limits that may apply to your claim.
03
Clear advice on what comes next
If you choose to proceed, we will investigate responsibility, gather evidence and guide you through each stage of the legal 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
Coleman Legal LLP secures a six-figure settlement in a school sexual abuse claim
A six-figure settlement was reached in a school sexual abuse claim in Ireland on behalf of a person who experienced sexual abuse while attending secondary school.
Sexual Abuse
€350,000 settlement in a childhood sexual abuse case against a religious institution in Ireland
Coleman Legal LLP secured a EUR 350,000 settlement and formal apology for a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a religious institution in Ireland.
Sexual Abuse
Over €5 million in Spiritans abuse settlements and support services paid by Spiritans
The Spiritans in Ireland, also referred to as the Holy Ghost Order, have revealed that it has paid over €5 million since 2004
Every case is different. Previous outcomes do not indicate the outcome of any future case.
You will be listened to. Every conversation is confidential, and every step is taken at your pace.
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.
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.
Legal Executive
Aoife Chan works on sensitive sexual abuse and abuse in schools cases, supporting survivors throughout the legal process.
Legal Executive
Emma Durmaz works on sexual abuse and historical sexual abuse cases, supporting clients through sensitive legal matters.
Common questions
Answers, before you pick up the phone
Time limits apply to school abuse claims in Ireland, but important exceptions may exist for historical abuse. Our team will assess the limits relevant to your circumstances.
Yes. Every conversation with our team is confidential, and your details are never shared. You choose how and how often we contact you.
We will explain your funding options at your initial consultation, so you have complete clarity before deciding whether to proceed.
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.