Religious Organization Law

The expert faculty addresses the initial question of court jurisdiction in light of the First Amendment which bars the courts from intervening in many disputes involving religious organizations. Areas that courts often address (up to a point) are claims for employment discrimination and church property disputes. The property disputes often arise as part of an internal struggle for control of the religious organization. The experienced panel discusses how to assert and defend such claims.

The panel also addresses sexual abuse litigation from both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s perspective. This involves a discussion of the law, and strategic considerations unique to these types of cases. Related insurance coverage issues are also covered.

Religious organizations also sometimes become the focus of law enforcement interest. The panel has experience representing religious organizations who are being investigated by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and even what happens when the U.S. Attorney’s Office gets involved.

There is a lot more than meets the eye with religious organization litigation; we have a distinguished faculty from both sides of the courtroom who have seen it all and discuss it all!