Finding an Attorney
Guidance for survivors seeking legal representation in professional exploitation cases
Why the Right Attorney Matters
Professional sexual exploitation cases are legally and emotionally complex. They require an attorney who understands not only the applicable law — malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, statutory claims — but also the dynamics of the professional relationship, the psychology of trauma, and the particular defenses that perpetrators and their institutions raise. Finding an attorney with this specific experience is one of the most important steps a survivor can take.
The good news is that a growing number of attorneys specialize in representing survivors of professional exploitation. Many work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover damages. And many offer free initial consultations, so you can evaluate whether an attorney is the right fit before making any commitment.
This page provides guidance on what to look for in an attorney, questions to ask during an initial consultation, resources for finding referrals, and warning signs to watch for. It is not a substitute for legal advice — every case is different, and you should consult a licensed attorney to evaluate your specific circumstances.
What to Look for in an Attorney
Experience with sexual abuse or professional exploitation cases
This is the single most important criterion. Professional exploitation cases involve specialized knowledge — the dynamics of the professional relationship, the standard of care, the psychology of trauma, and the particular defenses perpetrators raise. An attorney who handles general personal injury cases may not have this expertise. Ask specifically whether they have handled cases involving therapist-client sexual exploitation, clergy abuse, or other professional boundary violations.
Plaintiff-side representation
You want an attorney who represents plaintiffs (survivors), not defendants. Some attorneys represent both sides; others specialize in one. A plaintiff-side specialist will have a deeper understanding of the survivor's perspective and will be more attuned to the emotional dimensions of the case.
Contingency fee arrangements
Most plaintiff-side attorneys in sexual abuse cases work on a contingency fee basis — meaning they are paid a percentage of any recovery, and you pay nothing unless you win. This makes legal representation accessible to survivors who could not otherwise afford it. Confirm the fee arrangement and percentage before retaining an attorney.
Sensitivity to trauma
Litigation is emotionally demanding. Your attorney will need to ask you detailed questions about the abuse, prepare you for deposition, and guide you through a process that can span years. Look for an attorney who demonstrates genuine sensitivity to the trauma you have experienced — not just legal competence, but human understanding.
Clear communication
You should feel that your attorney explains things clearly, answers your questions, and keeps you informed about the progress of your case. You are the client — you have the right to understand what is happening and why. An attorney who is dismissive of your questions or difficult to reach is not serving you well.
Willingness to evaluate your case honestly
A good attorney will give you an honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case — including the statute of limitations, the availability of evidence, and the likely defenses. Be cautious of attorneys who promise outcomes or who are unwilling to discuss the challenges your case may face.
Questions to Ask at an Initial Consultation
Most attorneys who handle sexual abuse cases offer a free initial consultation. This is your opportunity to evaluate whether the attorney is the right fit — not just whether they will take your case. Come prepared with questions. A good attorney will welcome them.
- Q.How many cases involving professional sexual exploitation have you handled?
- Q.Have you handled cases against therapists, clergy, physicians, or attorneys specifically?
- Q.Do you work on a contingency fee basis? What is your fee percentage?
- Q.What is your assessment of the statute of limitations in my case?
- Q.Who else might be named as a defendant — the individual professional, their employer, or both?
- Q.What legal theories would you pursue in my case?
- Q.How long do you expect the case to take?
- Q.How will you keep me informed about the progress of my case?
- Q.Have you taken cases like mine to trial, or do most settle?
- Q.Can you provide references from former clients in similar cases?
You are interviewing the attorney as much as they are evaluating your case. If an attorney is impatient with your questions or dismissive of your concerns, that is important information.
Referral Resources
The following organizations and directories can help survivors find attorneys experienced in professional exploitation and sexual abuse cases. AdvocateWeb does not endorse or recommend any specific attorney or law firm.
SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
SNAP maintains a network of survivor advocates and can often provide referrals to attorneys experienced in clergy abuse and institutional sexual abuse cases.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) can connect survivors with local resources, including referrals to legal advocates and attorneys.
National Crime Victim Bar Association
The NCVBA is a professional organization of attorneys who represent crime victims in civil cases. Their attorney referral service can help survivors find plaintiff-side counsel experienced in sexual abuse litigation.
State Bar Lawyer Referral Services
Every state bar association operates a lawyer referral service. You can request a referral to an attorney in the relevant practice area — personal injury, sexual abuse, or medical malpractice — in your state.
Martindale-Hubbell / Lawyers.com
A searchable directory of attorneys by practice area and location. Look for attorneys listed under "sexual abuse," "medical malpractice," or "professional liability" in your state.
Avvo Attorney Directory
A searchable attorney directory with peer and client reviews. Search for "sexual abuse attorney" or "professional malpractice attorney" in your state.
Psychology Licensing Boards
State psychology licensing boards can confirm whether a complaint has been filed against a therapist and whether disciplinary action has been taken — information that may be relevant to your civil case.
Understanding Contingency Fees
Most plaintiff-side attorneys in sexual abuse and professional exploitation cases work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- •You pay no attorney fees upfront.
- •If you recover damages — through settlement or trial verdict — the attorney receives a percentage of that recovery, typically 33–40%.
- •If you do not recover anything, you owe no attorney fees.
- •You may still be responsible for certain case costs (filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs) even if you do not recover. Clarify this with your attorney before signing a retainer.
Contingency fee arrangements make legal representation accessible to survivors who could not otherwise afford it. They also align the attorney's financial interest with yours — the attorney is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every attorney who agrees to take your case is the right attorney for your case. The following are warning signs that an attorney may not be serving your best interests.
- ⚠Guarantees a specific outcome or settlement amount
- ⚠Pressures you to sign a retainer agreement at the first meeting without giving you time to consider
- ⚠Is dismissive of your concerns about the emotional demands of litigation
- ⚠Has no experience with sexual abuse or professional exploitation cases specifically
- ⚠Cannot clearly explain the fee arrangement or what costs you may be responsible for
- ⚠Does not return calls or emails promptly
- ⚠Suggests that the "consent" defense is a serious obstacle without explaining why it is not
- ⚠Discourages you from seeking a second opinion
You have the right to seek a second opinion at any time, including after you have retained an attorney. If you are not satisfied with your representation, you can discharge your attorney and retain a new one — though you should understand any fee obligations before doing so.
Pursuing Multiple Options at Once
A civil lawsuit is not your only option — and it is not mutually exclusive with other forms of accountability. Many survivors pursue a licensing board complaint, a civil lawsuit, and (where applicable) a criminal report simultaneously. Each path serves different purposes and has different requirements.
Licensing Board Complaint
Can result in license revocation. No attorney required. No statute of limitations in most states. Does not provide financial compensation.
Civil Lawsuit
Provides financial compensation. Can name institutional defendants. Subject to statute of limitations. Requires an attorney.
Criminal Report
Brought by the state, not the survivor. Can result in incarceration. Can proceed alongside a civil case. Survivor has limited control.
Related Resources
Litigation Issues
The civil lawsuit process, common defenses, and what to expect
State Laws
Statutes of limitations and SOL reform by state
Codes of Ethics
Professional ethics codes and licensing board complaint processes
Victim Advocates
National survivor organizations and legal advocacy groups
Psychology Boards
State-by-state psychology licensing board directory
Law Enforcement
RAINN and law enforcement reporting resources
*Note: Information provided here does not represent legal advice and does not constitute an endorsement of any attorney, law firm, or organization listed. Every case is different, and the law varies significantly by state and by the specific facts of each situation. AdvocateWeb makes no warranty as to the accuracy or currency of the information on this page. If you are considering legal action, you should consult a licensed attorney to evaluate your specific circumstances.