Maryland law firms seeking church sex abuse clients in wake of new law

BALTIMORE — More than a dozen Maryland law firms have begun working to identify victims of clergy sexual abuse and sign them as clients.

It’s been nine days since Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a bill removing a key barrier to suing the Catholic church and other denominations. Already, one law firm in Maryland has put out TV ads.

Baltimore-based law firm the Snyder Group started airing a television advertisement targeting victims of clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic Church over Easter weekend, according to attorney Scott Snyder.

The ad began airing at least two days before Moore formally signed off on a new law that removed the state's 38-year-old age limit for suing sexual abusers, making it possible for anyone of any age to sue abusers regardless of how long ago it happened. 

Snyder's firm joins more than a dozen Maryland law firms actively seeking church abuse clients.

“Even if you're 60 or 70 years old, you now have an avenue to go after these people that committed these horrid crimes," Snyder said. “I've spoken to several victims. It's hard to talk about it. These victims haven't spoken about these horrible acts for years. So when they’re calling me on the phone, sometimes it’s the first time they’re talking about it." 

Boston-based clergy sex abuse attorney Mitchell Garabedian said he’s heard from one Maryland client who’s nearly 90 years old.

"They're saying, 'everyone in my life who could be hurt by this has passed away, and I want to move forward,'" Garabedian said.

Snyder estimates the number of victims who could bring lawsuits is likely in the thousands.

Church authorities have not said if they will challenge Maryland’s new law, which will go into effect in November, if its not held up in the courts.

Attorneys contacted by WUSA9 say abuse survivors are already lining up to have lawsuits ready to go on day one.