If you were sexually abused, we want you to know that you are not alone. Coming forward after being sexually abused is very difficult, and it takes a lot of courage to tell your story and seek justice. There are paths toward justice for you in both the criminal and civil justice systems, and we will help you every step of the way.

Our attorneys are dedicated to a holistic approach to the law, which means not only caring about your case but also about you and your well-being. We can help you navigate the justice system and get the answers, justice, and compensation that you deserve.

What you can expect from us

Our firm is dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault, from children sexually abused by trusted adults to women and men who have survived assault and rape. We promise that when you work with us, we will do everything in our power to help you get the outcome you deserve. We see you, first and foremost, as a person, and will treat your case with discretion, honesty, and respect. With each client, we aim to minimize reliving trauma by respecting your boundaries and listening carefully during each discussion.

We take on a variety of sexual assault and abuse cases, including those involving college campuses, workplace misconduct and harassment, children, sports leagues and coaches, clergy, camps, sex trafficking, and Title IX.

We are experienced litigators and negotiators with professional relationships across the country that allow us to take on important work from coast to coast. We often work with local attorneys to get survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault the justice they deserve through one-on-one, in-person aid. We also work with medical professionals, private investigators, and, for those who wish to go public, the media, to strengthen your case.

Additionally, our firm has a National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) certified victim’s advocate who handles our client intake process. While reliving your abuse through the legal process can be difficult, our trauma-informed approach to hearing your story and gathering the information we need to deliver justice ensures a safe and supportive environment. We are here for you, and our team prioritizes your well-being above all else.

Sports Abuse Victims

As athletes and the loved ones of athletes both young and old, we trust our coaches, trainers, treatment providers, and others in positions of power in the sports world to be professional and keep us safe, but when that trust is betrayed, victims deserve to hold not only the abuser accountable but also the adults and institutions who often allowed the abuse to go on for years unchallenged. We will help bring you or your loved ones the justice they deserve.

Our firm has extensive experience representing survivors abused in a multitude of sports. We have achieved justice for individuals who were abused in the sports of Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Volleyball, and Jiu Jitsu.

Clergy Abuse Victims

Despite churches and other houses of worship serving as places of refuge for most, we have observed far too many institutions in which abuse by clergy and other staff is a prevalent and ongoing issue, and no religion or denomination is exempt from this. We know the value of your church community and the fear of fellow congregants knowing what happened to you. We are dedicated to discreetly bringing you the justice and closure you deserve.

Sexual Assault in the Workplace 

When we are in a workspace, we expect a level of professional behavior. Multiple studies show that workplace sexual harassment and assault are very prevalent; in some cases, up to 80 percent of women and almost 20 percent of men report experiencing some form of sexual assault or harassment in professional settings. We can help you navigate your experience and guide you through your legal options, including filing for compensation, approaching professional and licensing boards, and when appropriate, going to court. 

Title IX – Victims of Sexual Assault on Campus 

Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, schools are required to protect students both from abuse and to provide a fair hearing process for the accused. If a college or university fails to comply with Title IX, they risk their federal funding. Our firm focuses on making sure that your Title IX rights are upheld, acting as a liaison with police and prosecutors when appropriate, and attending to you and your needs.

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Current Cases

Cheer Athletics

In July 2021, Texas-based cheerleading stars Hannah and Jessica Gerlacher came forward alleging their coach at a world-famous cheerleading organization, Cheer Athletics, had sexually abused them for years. The sisters filed suit against their coach, Jason McCartney, Cheer Athletics, and the U.S. All-Star Federation for failing to protect them from McCartney’s abuse. Since then, three additional women have filed suit against Jason McCartney alleging abuse, two of which also occurred while cheering at a Cheer Athletics facility. The third woman, who was a family friend of McCartney and is much older than the Gerlacher twins, alleged he abused her when she was a young child into adulthood. 

The Daily Beast | Texas Cheerleading Coach Accused of ‘Twisted, Deranged’ Sexual Abuse

Fight Sports

Michelle represents multiple survivors in their litigation against Fight Sports, a jiu-jitsu sports center located in Collier County, Florida. The original lawsuit alleged Marcel Goncalves raped and abused an individual he was training in jiu-jitsu in 2017 and 2018. The survivor sued Marcel Goncalves and the owner of Fight Sports, Roberto Abreu. Since then, other individuals have come forward with separate allegations of abuse at the sports center by Fight Sports staff. 

NBC Fort Myers | Sexual assault victim sues former Collier County sports center

Bill Hutchinson

Michelle represents several women who have accused millionaire developer and reality show star Bill Hutchinson of sexually assaulting them. Each woman’s experience reflects the others’ very closely and includes allegations that Hutchinson took advantage of them, usually while under the influence of alcohol, and ignored their rejections to his advances on more than one occasion. Hutchinson proceeded to sexually assault the plaintiffs and gave one of them an incurable sexually transmitted disease. Hutchinson continues to deny all allegations against him. 

The Dallas Morning News | Lawsuit claims developer Bill Hutchinson gave Texas woman incurable STD during sexual assaults

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Case Studies

Hilton 

In November 2021, Michelle represented a rape survivor in a case against Hilton Management LLC that resulted in a $44 million verdict, what is believed to be the largest sexual assault verdict against a hotel chain. Learn more here.

USA Gymnastics / Larry Nassar

Michelle was a leading attorney in this litigation and represented over two dozen former USA gymnasts who were sexually abused by Larry Nassar. A $380 million settlement was reached with USA Gymnastics, the US Olympic & Paralympic committee, and their insurers in December 2021 – a groundbreaking result after a five-year legal battle. Learn more here.