Herman Law

We’re deeply grateful when a client takes the time to share what their experience meant to them.

In this heartfelt note, E.S. reflected on the trust, care, and sense of protection she felt throughout the legal process, and the impact Jeff Herman, Blake Woodhall, and the Herman Law team had on her healing journey.

It is a privilege to stand with survivors as they seek justice and accountability. We never take that trust for granted.

A Mount Vernon youth basketball coach pleaded guilty last week to sexually abusing a child under 13 over a five-month period. He's expected to serve 18 years in state prison.

At Herman Law, we exclusively represent survivors of sexual abuse in civil litigation. Our team investigates whether the schools, leagues, and organizations behind coaches like this missed warning signs, or saw them and did nothing.

If you or your child has been affected by abuse in a youth sports program or other institutional setting, you may have legal options. Contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation.

Learn more: https://hermanlaw.com/mount-vernon-basketball-coach-guilty-plea-child-sexual-abuse/

Herman Law secured a $4.15 million verdict for a survivor sexually abused as a 13-year-old by a teacher at a Brooklyn junior high school in 1969. A Kings County jury found the New York City Department of Education fully responsible, nearly 57 years after the abuse occurred.

If you or someone you love experienced childhood sexual abuse in a school or institutional setting, you may have legal options.

Learn more: https://hermanlaw.com/brooklyn-school-sexual-abuse-4-15-million-verdict/

Meet Arielle Kafker — Appellate Attorney, New York City Office

Arielle is a Research, Writing, and Appeals attorney who brings diverse experience from both trial and appellate courts to her advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse.

Before joining Herman Law, Arielle served as an Appellate Court Attorney at the Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division, Second Department, where she wrote reports and drafted opinions for the Justices on civil, criminal, family, and administrative matters. She also clerked for a Superior Court Judge in New Jersey, gaining insight into litigation at the trial level. That combined experience, understanding how cases move through the courts and how judges analyze complex legal issues, makes her a powerful advocate for survivors navigating the legal system.

Arielle earned her Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law on a full merit scholarship and served as a Note and Comment Editor on the Administrative Law Review. She continues to do pro bono work for Stand With Us, demonstrating her commitment to fighting for justice and accountability.

We're proud to have Arielle's appellate expertise and dedication to survivors on our team.

This September 11th marks twenty-five years since our nation faced one of its darkest days. Herman Law joins the nation in remembering the lives lost and honoring the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger to save others, reminding us of the best of humanity even in the worst of times. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

In 2016, three alumnae of Rocky Hill School in Warwick, RI came forward with allegations of sexual abuse by a former faculty member dating back to the 1970s. Their accounts followed a wave of abuse allegations at other New England prep schools, which led the school to reach out to its community for information.

Rhode Island's revival window, open through June 30, 2028, may give survivors of institutional sexual abuse a chance to pursue civil claims that had previously expired due to the statute of limitations. It does not matter how old you are or how long ago the abuse occurred. If you or someone you love was sexually abused in Rhode Island, you may have legal options.

Learn more: https://hermanlaw.com/rocky-hill-school-rhode-island-sexual-abuse-allegations/

Disclaimer: This post is for informational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Herman Law does not represent any victims of alleged sexual abuse or assault referenced in this post.

This Labor Day, we honor the workers who build, protect, and strengthen our communities every day. At Herman Law, we're grateful for the hard work of everyone who keeps our world moving forward. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday!

In 2018, The Gordon School in East Providence, RI notified alumni that an independent investigation found credible reports of sexual abuse by a former math teacher against multiple female students in the 1970s.

The allegations resurfaced when a former student came forward in 2017. The school retained independent counsel to investigate, and detectives interviewed at least ten former students. The former teacher has denied the allegations and was never criminally charged.

Rhode Island's revival window, open through June 30, 2028, may give survivors of institutional sexual abuse a chance to pursue civil claims that were previously time barred by the statute of limitations. It doesn't matter how old you are now or how long ago the abuse occurred. If you or someone you love was sexually abused as a child in Rhode Island, you may have legal options.

Learn more: https://hermanlaw.com/the-gordon-school-rhode-island-former-teacher-alleged-sexual-abuse/

Disclaimer: This post is for informational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Herman Law does not represent any victims of alleged sexual abuse or assault referenced in this post.

Meet Alex Blanco — Associate Attorney, Buffalo Office

Alex is a dedicated attorney committed to providing strategic, results-driven representation for survivors of abuse across New York state.

With a foundation built on thorough legal analysis and strong client relationships, Alex has handled a range of complex legal matters. He represented Fortune 500 companies in premises liability, transportation, and subrogation cases, gaining valuable insight into how large institutions defend themselves. He has also represented plaintiffs in personal injury and workers' compensation matters, building experience fighting for individuals against powerful adversaries. That diverse background helps him anticipate defense tactics and advocate effectively for survivors.

A proud member of the Buffalo legal community, Alex values integrity, professionalism, and accessibility in his work with clients. He is committed to making the legal process understandable and approachable while achieving the best possible outcomes for every survivor he represents.

We're proud to have Alex fighting for survivors with integrity and skill on our team.

Feeling safe while pursuing justice isn't too much to ask. It's what every survivor deserves.

At Herman Law, that's non-negotiable. We treat every survivor with the respect and care they're owed, from intake through resolution.

Thank you, Jose, for trusting us with your case.