Civil Justice for SA Survivors
Civil Justice for SA Survivors is a podcast series hosted by attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson, dedicated to providing legal support and insight for SA survivors seeking civil justice. With a trauma-informed approach, Marc and Melissa prioritize healing and empowerment for their clients throughout the legal process.
Episodes

2 days ago
2 days ago
Episode Summary:
Attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into the intersection of criminal and civil justice systems for SA survivors. Exploring why many survivors seek recourse through civil courts, they shed light on the broader range of remedies available and the empowerment that comes with reclaiming control over the healing process.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:05 – Contrasting criminal and civil cases
02:20 – Empowerment through civil justice
03:45 – Overcoming hurdles in the criminal system
05:10 – Importance of belief in survivors
06:30 – Impact of institutional accountability
08:15 – Healing beyond monetary compensation
10:00 – Survivor-centered approach in civil cases
11:30 – Empowering survivors through control
13:00 – Safe and confidential path to justice
About the Show:
*Civil Justice for SA Survivors* with Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson focuses on providing accountability and safety to survivors of SA through the civil justice process. Join them as they navigate the complexities of seeking justice and healing beyond the criminal system.

Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode, attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson discuss the crucial connection between healing and justice for survivors of SA. They emphasize the personalized approach to understanding what justice and healing mean for each individual client, highlighting the significance of the healing journey throughout the legal process.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – The importance of understanding individual perspectives on healing and justice
04:15 – Exploring the role of pursuing civil cases in the healing process
06:45 – Providing examples of how clients feel validated and empowered through the legal process
09:20 – Managing the pace of legal proceedings to support survivors' healing
11:10 – The pivotal role of support networks in grounding survivors during civil cases
14:05 – How pursuing civil cases can lead to broader institutional changes for accountability and reform
About the Show:
*Civil Justice for SA Survivors* is a podcast dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual assault and exploitation through the civil justice system. Attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson provide legal insights, support, and advocacy for survivors seeking healing, justice, and accountability.

Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Episode Summary:
Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into the complexities of statute of limitations in sexual assault (SA) cases in Illinois. They explain the significance of these legal timeframes, recent law changes, and the crucial need for survivors to seek specialized legal counsel for accurate guidance. Understanding how survivors can still take legal action even years after the abuse is highlighted, emphasizing the nuanced analysis required for each case.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Explaining statute of limitations in SA cases
03:45 – Recent law changes and their impact on survivors
06:20 – Filing civil cases despite past abuse timelines
09:15 – Overcoming statute of limitations defenses
11:40 – Balancing fairness for survivors and defendants
14:00 – Initial consultations for survivors with timing concerns
16:45 – Differentiating claims against individuals vs. institutions
19:30 – Confidentiality assurance for survivors seeking legal help
22:10 – Encouraging survivors to understand their rights proactively
About the Show:
*Civil Justice for SA Survivors* with Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson provides crucial legal insights and support for survivors of sexual assault and exploitation in Illinois. Their compassionate approach and expertise guide survivors through the civil justice process, ensuring clarity and advocacy for those seeking justice and closure.

Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Episode Summary:
Attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into the importance of a trauma-informed legal approach for survivors of SA. They discuss the impact of trauma on clients and the need for tailored support throughout the legal process, emphasizing compassion and empowerment.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Defining trauma-informed approach in legal practice
03:45 – Addressing misconceptions and empowering clients
06:15 – Reacting to trauma and dispelling myths
08:30 – Creating a safe space for clients
10:45 – Collaborating with other professionals
13:20 – Balancing legal process and client healing
15:40 – Differentiating a trauma-informed lawyer’s approach
18:00 – Designing a therapeutic legal process
20:10 – Encouraging survivors to seek support
22:30 – Closing remarks
About the Show:
Civil Justice for SA Survivors is a podcast hosted by attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson, dedicated to supporting survivors of SA and exploitation in Illinois. The show focuses on providing trauma-informed legal advocacy, ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey towards justice.

Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Episode Summary:
Attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into the crucial topic of civil justice for SA survivors, emphasizing the importance of compassion and safety in legal representation. They share their journey of dedicating their practice exclusively to handling SA cases, highlighting the rewarding yet emotionally challenging aspects of their work.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Personal journey into representing SA survivors
05:30 – Balancing the emotional aspect of handling SA cases
08:45 – What civil justice means for SA survivors
11:20 – Contrasting civil and criminal justice systems for SA cases
14:40 – Situations falling under civil SA cases
17:10 – Initial conversations with survivors and maintaining their safety
20:30 – Holding institutions accountable while protecting clients
23:45 – The trauma-informed approach in SA cases
27:00 – Promoting healing and avoiding retraumatization
30:15 – Closing remarks and resource information
About the Show:
Civil Justice for SA Survivors is a podcast series hosted by attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson, dedicated to providing legal support and insight for SA survivors seeking civil justice. With a trauma-informed approach, Marc and Melissa prioritize healing and empowerment for their clients throughout the legal process.








