New York Archdiocese Opens Mediation, Mobilizes $300 Million for Possible Abuse Settlements

Overview

• Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the archdiocese is raising at least $300 million through a 10% operating-budget cut, layoffs, and real-estate sales including its former First Avenue headquarters.
• Both sides agreed to retired California judge Daniel J. Buckley as neutral mediator to pursue a potential global resolution involving roughly 1,300 claimants.
• Plaintiffs’ attorney Jeff Anderson welcomed the step but said no settlement exists and described the matter as far from resolved.
• Insurer Chubb stated it will not fund settlements tied to “criminally concealed” conduct, while noting it has contributed to the archdiocese’s legal defense costs.
• The announcement coincided with court approval of at least $230 million from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, as New York contends with roughly 1,700 allegations following state lookback laws.