Rhode Island survivors of clergy abuse now have a new legal avenue to pursue justice after the state’s Attorney General released a significant report on abuse within the Diocese of Providence in 2026. A new law effective July 1, 2026, opened a two-year revival window, allowing victims to file claims that were previously barred by statute of limitations. This legislative shift creates a complex legal environment where lawyers must track down records that are decades old and handle detailed institutional liability issues.
The Rhode Island statute covers claims involving the concealment of childhood sexual abuse, which is highly relevant to clergy cases. The law extends additional rights that go beyond the standard three-year lookback window. This means potential liability isn’t necessarily limited to the alleged perpetrator. The new framework requires attorneys to handle allegations that may be thirty or fifty years old, a task that demands meticulous record-keeping and patience.
Selecting the right representation for these cases is a serious decision. While many firms handle general personal injury claims, fewer have the specific experience needed for clergy abuse litigation. Survivors should look for firms that have already filed claims under the new revival window. The firms listed below have demonstrated the necessary resources and background to handle these specific cases.
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The Injury Lawyer Team distinguishes itself through detailed information about the Diocese of Providence and the state’s revival window. Their site includes a clergy abuse page that explains the types of records needed and the role institutional liability plays. They have recovered $14.2 million for six men abused by a priest, an example that illustrates the potential scale of these recoveries.
DarrowEverett LLP is led by Timothy J. Conlon, who has direct experience in major clergy abuse allegations in Rhode Island. Conlon served as the chair of the Plaintiff’s Counsel Committee and represented more than 30 survivors. His firm website provides a clear paper trail, including admissions, media appearances, and commentary on the Diocese of Providence investigation.
Grant & Eisenhofer is actively involved in litigation under the new revival law. The firm filed the very first federal complaint by a survivor of clergy abuse in Rhode Island under this framework in July 2026. Their Rhode Island site features an offender lookup tool and detailed information on the filing process. Steven J. Kelly, a key attorney at the firm, has filed hundreds of lawsuits against the Catholic Church and other institutions accused of concealing abuse.
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McQuaid, Durkin & Cianci, P.C. operates as a trial firm based in Providence since 1975. The firm has handled numerous child sexual abuse claims involving pastors, teachers, and other authority figures. Attorney Mike Quinn is a notable figure at the firm, which has reported more than $1 billion in awards and settlements.
Choosing a lawyer requires looking beyond impressive statistics. While big names and large settlement totals can be persuasive, the focus should remain on experience with clergy abuse. A firm that has successfully handled the new revival law will be better equipped to handle the specific challenges of these cases.
