Personal Injury Blog

Civil Sexual Abuse Attorneys Protecting Survivors in Schools and Institutions

At Leonard Legal Group, we are dedicated to representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse. For decades, our attorneys have fought to hold abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable. Survivors deserve justice, healing, and the chance to be heard—even when the abuse occurred many years ago.

New Jersey law recognizes the lifelong impact of sexual abuse and provides survivors with the right to pursue claims against both abusers and the institutions that failed to protect them. Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts on behalf of survivors across the state, helping them rebuild their lives and reclaim their voices.

Institutions That Enable Abuse

Sexual abuse often occurs in environments where children are entrusted to adults in positions of authority. Unfortunately, many institutions fail in their duty to protect those in their care. Leonard Legal Group represents survivors in cases involving:

Each of these institutions bears a responsibility to protect children. When they breach that duty, they can be held accountable in court for the harm caused.

Teachers in Public and Private Schools

One of the most alarming realities is the occurrence of abuse within schools—places where children should feel safest. Survivors have reported abuse by teachers, administrators, and staff who exploited positions of trust and authority.

Recently, Leonard Legal Group filed a lawsuit in Bergen County Superior Court against the Hillsdale Board of Education and George White Elementary School. The complaint alleges that a second-grade student was sexually abused in the 1980s by former teacher Howard Schultz, and that the school district failed in its duty to safeguard children.

This lawsuit follows another case against the same district, which resulted in a $3 million settlement after an eight-day trial earlier this year. These cases highlight the ongoing need for schools—both public and private—to be held accountable when they fail to protect children from sexual predators.

As attorney Scott G. Leonard has stated, “Schools are entrusted with protecting children. When they fail in that duty, the consequences can last a lifetime. We are committed to holding institutions accountable and giving survivors the chance to seek justice—even decades later.”

By standing up, survivors not only pursue justice for themselves but also protect future generations from suffering similar harm.

Seeking Justice

Our firm encourages any former students or community members with information about teacher abuse to come forward confidentially. Survivors often feel silenced for years, but the law provides a pathway to justice—no matter how much time has passed.

At Leonard Legal Group, we believe justice delayed is not always justice denied. Our clients’ courage to speak out inspires change, strengthens accountability, and helps ensure institutions never again ignore their duty to protect children.

Why Choose Leonard Legal Group?

With more than 29 years of experience, Leonard Legal Group has earned a reputation as a trusted advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. We combine compassionate representation with aggressive advocacy, securing meaningful results for those harmed by abusers and negligent institutions.

We are proud to represent survivors against schools, churches, youth organizations, and other institutions that failed in their duty to safeguard children. If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse, know that you are not alone. We are here to listen, support, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call our 24-hour call center at 973-984-1414 or contact us online.