Free, Confidential Consultation · 24/7

$1B+Recovered for survivors*
Thousandsof survivors represented in institutional abuse cases*
40+Years of law practice
$0Fee or costs unless we recover

*Matters in which of-counsel attorney Guinness Costello served as counsel, with co-counsel. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Quiet school corridor in warm light
In California

Every child deserves to be safe at school.

Abuse still happens — in classrooms, locker rooms, after-school programs, and even at school events.

California law holds schools responsible when they fail to protect students from predators or fail to act on warning signs.

Our attorneys focus on representing survivors of school sexual abuse and their families. We know the laws that apply to public and private schools, the duties administrators and teachers owe, and how to file claims against powerful institutions.

Practice

Our attorneys focus on

Representing Survivors

Public Schools & District Liability

Districts are responsible when administrators hire carelessly, ignore warning signs, or fail to supervise.

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Private & Charter Schools

Private, parochial, boarding, and charter schools must protect students just as carefully.

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After-School Programs & Coaches

Partner programs, athletics, and coaches on campus: both the district and the organization can be liable.

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Juvenile Detention & Foster Care

Counties answer for abuse in juvenile halls, probation camps, foster homes, and group homes.

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Mandated Reporting (CANRA)

When staff fail to report suspected abuse, students stay at risk and the school is liable.

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It Happened Years Ago

Most survivors who file are adults. Until age 40, five years from discovery, or no deadline at all for abuse on or after Jan. 1, 2024.

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Who you will talk to

Meet the attorneys

Every case is handled by a California-licensed attorney. Steve Costello practices from Chula Vista; of-counsel attorney Guinness Costello is in Los Angeles. Cases against counties and large institutions are handled jointly.

Meet our attorneys
Law

California Law

Learn about survivor rights in California

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Mandated Reporting (CANRA)

Teachers, coaches, and school staff must report suspected abuse to law enforcement or child welfare, not just a principal.

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Child Victims Act
(AB 218 / AB 452)

Survivors can sue until age 40 or five years after discovery. Abuse on or after Jan. 1, 2024 has no deadline.

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No Government Claim Required

Gov. Code § 905(m): childhood sexual abuse claims against public schools and counties go straight to court.

If you or your child
were harmed at school,
you are not alone.
We help survivors confidentially.
No attorney fee and no costs unless we recover.

Talk privately with an attorney
We answer 24/7 877-428-4544Free consultation