Guy D’Andrea
Partner
Phone
866.641.0806Fax
215.241.8700Guy D’Andrea is a fearless advocate and compassionate champion for survivors of abuse, assault and neglect, fiercely dedicated to pursuing justice and empowering survivors in their journey towards healing.
Memberships
- American Association for Justice
- National Crime Victim Bar Association
- Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
- Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
- Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
- American Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- The National Trial Lawyers
- Public Justice
Education
- Juris Doctor, 2008, Widner University School of Law
- Bachelor of Arts, 2003, Loyola University Maryland
Licensure
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
About Guy
Meet Guy D’Andrea, a tenacious and compassionate advocate for victims and survivors of abuse and assault. As a seasoned former prosecutor and now civil trial lawyer, Guy is fiercely dedicated to representing those who have suffered sexual and physical assaults/abuse in institutional settings. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Guy has successfully litigated over 100 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials all, making him the champion you need in your corner.
Guy is unwavering in his pursuit of justice against religious organizations that have enabled child abuse for decades, if not longer. His noteworthy cases include litigation against the Catholic Church, Southern Baptist Church, Seventh-Day Adventists, Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America, various cults, and Scientology, among others. He is relentless in holding these institutions accountable for their actions, ensuring that the voices of the victims are heard.
Guy D’Andrea is a leading advocate in the fight against boarding school abuse, bringing justice to countless victims who have suffered at the hands of trusted educators and caretakers. He is relentless in his pursuit of accountability for institutions that have failed in their duty to protect their students from harm. Guy understands the long-lasting emotional scars that boarding school abuse can leave, and he is committed to making sure that survivors receive the compensation and healing they deserve.
In addition, Guy has championed the rights of victims of massage therapy abuse, understanding the vulnerability and trust that clients place in their therapists. He has successfully represented clients who have been subjected to inappropriate and harmful conduct, ensuring that their voices are heard and that justice is served.
Guy also takes on cases involving bullying and hazing among children, recognizing the profound impact that these harmful behaviors can have on young lives. He is devoted to fighting for the rights of those who have been victimized by their peers or by negligent institutions that failed to prevent these malicious acts.
In the medical profession, Guy has fearlessly confronted cases of abuse involving both children and adults. He is dedicated to holding healthcare providers accountable when they have crossed ethical and professional boundaries, taking advantage of their patients’ trust and vulnerability. Guy understands the devastating impact of medical abuse on victims and their families, and he works tirelessly to ensure that they receive the justice and support they need to heal.
Guy D’Andrea’s passion for justice extends to all victims of sexual abuse, regardless of their age, gender, or the institution involved. He is unyielding in his mission to protect the rights of children, women, and men who have suffered at the hands of their abusers. Guy recognizes that sexual abuse can occur in a wide range of settings and is determined to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions or negligence.
Whether the abuse took place in a school, religious organization, healthcare setting, or any other institution, Guy is driven to ensure that victims receive the justice, compensation, and support they deserve. He is a fearless advocate who will fight for the rights of survivors and work to create a world where all individuals can live free from the threat of abuse.
Before joining the esteemed Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan law firm, Guy served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. During his time in the Homicide Unit, he courageously prosecuted high-profile cases, including the infamous “Philadelphia Craigslist killer” and murderers who targeted transgender women. This experience has shaped Guy’s unyielding commitment to advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves.
As an adjunct professor at Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Guy combines his passion for education and technology by teaching advanced trial advocacy courses with an emphasis on courtroom technology. He also instructs a deposition course focused on leveraging technology to its full potential. Guy’s expertise in these areas equips his students with the cutting-edge skills they need to excel in today’s legal landscape.
Guy’s dedication to trial advocacy and education extends beyond the classroom. He has served as the Assistant Director of Training for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, board member of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society, and coach for several award-winning mock trial teams that have received regional and national recognition for their exceptional trial skills.
As the former chair of the Young Lawyer’s Division of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, Guy is a driving force for positive change within the legal community. He is also an active member of the American Association for Justice, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to seeking justice for all.
Guy earned his law degree from Widener University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland. His impressive academic background, combined with his extensive professional experience, makes him a formidable ally for clients in need of a tenacious and empathetic advocate.
In choosing Guy D’Andrea as your legal representative, you’re not only securing the services of a highly skilled attorney, but also gaining the support of a compassionate and steadfast advocate who will stand by your side in the pursuit of justice. Guy’s unwavering dedication to fighting against all forms of sexual abuse, irrespective of the institution involved, makes him a powerful ally in your journey towards healing and recovery. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the complexities surrounding these cases equip him with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate even the most challenging legal battles.
Guy D’Andrea’s empathetic approach ensures that every client is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. He is committed to providing personalized, attentive representation that acknowledges the unique needs and experiences of each survivor. With Guy on your side, you can trust that your case will be handled with the care, tenacity, and professionalism it deserves.
As a trusted advocate for victims of abuse, Guy is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting change to prevent future instances of abuse in all institutions. Through his legal work, teaching, and advocacy efforts, Guy plays a crucial role in shaping a safer and more just society for everyone.
Industry Recognition
- Philadelphia Business Journal’s fifth annual Best of the Bar, 2021
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers®, 2022
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiff's Attorney, 2023
Leadership
- Public Justice - Board Member
- American Association for Justice - Board of Governors
- Drexel University School of Law – Adjunct Professor
- National Crime Victim Bar Association - Board Member
- National Crime Victim Bar Association – Young Lawyer’s Division Former Chair
- American Association for Justice LGBT Caucus Board Member – Immediate Past Chair
- Trial Advocacy Honor Society – Former Board Member
Speaking Engagements
- Presenter - Philadelphia Police Department - "New Detective Training: How to Properly, Legally & Effectively Solve Cases," 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
- Presenter - Philadelphia Police Department - "Motions to Suppress: Legally and Ethically Obtaining Evidence," 2014, 2015, 2016.
- Presenter - Philadelphia's Municipal Court's Judicial Conference - "A Prosecutor's Perspective," 2014.
- Presenter - Philadelphia District Attorney's Office - "Eye Witness Identification: A Case Study," 2015.
- Presenter - Philadelphia District Attorney's Office - "The Art of Corroboration," 2016.
- Presenter - Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University - "Effective Use of Technology in Litigation," 2016.
- Presenter - National Crime Victim Bar Association - "Winning Without Notice: Using Ratification to Hold 'Institutional' Entities Vicariously Liable in Sexual Abuse Cases," 2018.
- Presenter - Pennsylvania First Responders, Victim Advocates, Law Enforcement & Attorneys in Association with the National Crime Victim Bar Association - "Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in Pennsylvania: A Primer for Victim Service Providers," 2021.
- Presenter - National Crime Victim Bar Association - "When and Why to Depose Your Own Client," 2020.
- Presenter - Perrin Conferences - "Sexual Abuse Litigation and Insurance Coverage," 2022.
- Presenter - National Crime Victim Bar Association - "Miracle Meadows School and Abuse within Boarding Schools," 2021.
- Presenter - West Virginia First Responders, Victim Advocates, Law Enforcement & Attorneys in Association with the National Crime Victim Bar Association - "Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in West Virginia: A Primer for Victim Service Providers," 2021.
- Presenter - National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance - "Civil Litigation & Abuse Cases," 2022.
- Presenter - National Crime Victim Bar Association - "Treating Child Sexual Abuse Cases as Traumatic Brain Injury Cases: The Neurobiology of Trauma," 2022.
- Presenter - American Association for Justice - "How to Prepare Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Who Disclose They Are in the LGBTQ Community," 2022.
- Presenter - National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance - "Case Studies and Effective Litigation Strategies for Human Trafficking Cases," 2023.
- Presenter - Child USA - "When, Why & How to Depose Your Own Client," 2023.
- Presenter - National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance - "The Anatomy of Civil Litigation: Human Trafficking," 2023.
- Presenter - Milberg, Coleman, Byrson, Phillips & Grossman - "Developing & Maintaining a Diverse Law Office," 2023.
- Presenter - American Association for Justice - "Overcoming Bias Against the LGBTQ+ Community in Civil Litigation," 2023.
- Presenter - American Association for Justice - "Maximizing Your Client's Damages in Sexual Abuse Cases," 2023.
- Presenter - Temple University AI and Evidence - "Ethical and Practical Uses of AI in Litigation," 2024
- Presenter - National Crime Victims' Bar Association - "Best Practices in Utilizing AI to Effectively Represent Survivors," 2024
- Presenter - American Bar Association - "When Placement Hurts: How Can the Legal System Address Issues in the Troubled Teen Industry and Better Protect Vulnerable Youth?" 2024
- Presenter - Golden Gate University - "Using AI as Tool to Bring Your Practice to the Next Level," 2024
- Presenter - Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania - "Ethical and Practical Uses of AI in Litigation," 2024
- Presenter - Trial Advocacy Seminar - "The Power of AI in the Practice of Law," 2024
News Featuring Guy D’Andrea
Hot Docket Podcast: How Attorney Guy D’Andrea Gets Justice for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Published on: October 17, 2024
Attorney Guy D’Andrea was a featured guest on the Hot Docket podcast. Guy discussed various topics, including how crucial it is to be trauma-informed as a sex abuse lawyer, how sex abuse cases are litigated differently than others, and the impact you can make on survivors’ lives in this area of practice.
Guy D’Andrea Speaks Out on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Published on: September 27, 2024
Guy D’Andrea appeared on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and talked about a case he investigated while he was a prosecutor at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Ellen Greenberg’s death in 2011 has been thrust into the national spotlight after evidence seems to rule out the official determination of “suicide.”
Ellen Greenberg Autopsy Discrepancies: Photos Show Bruises
Published on: September 18, 2024
Guy D’Andrea speaks with NewsNation about a case he investigated while he was a prosecutor at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Ellen Greenberg’s death in 2011 has been thrust into the national spotlight after evidence seems to rule out the official determination of “suicide.”
Paris Hilton Discusses Miracle Meadows Case During Recent Speech
Published on: April 5, 2024
On April 5, following a court hearing regarding horrific abuse uncovered at Atlantis Leadership Academy (ALA) in Jamaica, Paris Hilton spoke out against the troubled teen industry. Hilton expressed that “there is nowhere on Earth I am unwilling to travel to support and advocate for youth who have experienced institutional child abuse and neglect.” She stated in her comments alongside the linked video that two of the eight boys involved in the case regarding the abuse at ALA are returning to their families.
In her speech, Hilton mentioned the abuse that occurred at Miracle Meadows Boarding School. Our attorney Guy D’Andrea, along with Charleston attorneys Jesse Forbes of Forbes Law Office PLLC and Scott Long of Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, secured a nearly $52 million settlement on behalf of more than two dozen of the WV school’s former students in 2020 in that case. Much like Hilton’s advocacy work, we view our work in securing settlements in cases like these as an example of taking action against institutions that cause serious harm to troubled youth around the world.
What Happened at Miracle Meadows?
Twenty-nine former students of Miracle Meadows were alleged to have suffered mental, sexual, and physical abuse at the hands of the adults who ran the school over the course of several decades. The former students alleged that the abuse they suffered included being chained and shackled to beds, kept in isolation rooms for weeks and months at a time, sexually assaulted, starved, forced to perform manual labor, and routinely beaten.
Although the Miracle Meadows School, located in Salem, West Virginia, was shut down by authorities in 2014, it wasn’t until October 2020 that a settlement was reached. The school was founded in 1987 by Gayle Clark and her husband and was advertised as a Christian boarding school specifically targeting at-risk youth or those with learning disabilities or behavioral disorders.
Authorities and law enforcement made multiple attempts to investigate Miracle Meadows over the years. However, it was difficult to bring the perpetrators to justice as they were often brought to the school on work visas and then returned to their home countries before they could be questioned by authorities. At the time of the school’s closure, Clark was arrested, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department uncovered multiple allegations of sexual abuse and physical assault at the school.
Parallels of Abuse and Advocacy
In Paris Hilton’s speech, she highlighted how at least eight of the boys abused in the Jamaican school were American. They were forced to remove their clothing and subjected to beatings and waterboarding, starved, and underwent other types of mistreatments. These mistreatments are very similar to those suffered by the students at Miracle Meadows.
Here at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan LLP, we have a long track record of handling cases where teachers and others in the educational sector took advantage of children under their care. We are fierce advocates to those who have suffered abuse and will help however we can in the fight against those who allow similar types of abuse to happen.
Public Radio Covers Kanakuk Victims Support of the Bill Expanding the Statute of Limitations
For decades, Kanakuk Kamps has ignored allegations of sexual abuse, resulting in the victimization of children and no accountability for those who enabled the crimes. Often, victims of this kind of institutional abuse take many years to process the trauma they have endured and, as a result, do not come forward until years later, after the statute of limitations has run out. This can leave them with no recourse for seeking justice.
Now some of these victims and their advocates are speaking out in support of HB 1617, a Missouri bill that would add 10 years to the existing statute of limitations and allow victims to file lawsuits until they reach age 41. Attorney Bobby Thrasher, who represents Kanakuk victim Logan Yandell alongside Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan attorneys Guy D’Andrea and Michael McFarland spoke with St. Louis Public Radio about the benefits of the bill for victims.
“It would give them more time to work through their own pain and suffering,” he said.
Yandell filed a lawsuit against Kanakuk Camps in 2022, claiming his family was tricked into signing a settlement agreement after he was sexually abused by camp director Peter Newman. Yandell and his parents claim they agreed to the settlement because Kanakuk leaders told them that the camp had no previous knowledge of misconduct by Newman.
Thrasher said the bill gives victims more years to process what they’ve experienced “before re-traumatizing themselves and trying to bring a lawsuit against an organization — or re-face the perpetrator themselves.”
He acknowledges that the bill is limited; there would be no retroactivity. “We would have to amend the state constitution. There’s more steps involved,” Thrasher said. “It just becomes a bigger fight in order to get a law like that.”
Because these brave victims and their families come forward, awareness has grown of the immense harm that occurs when organizations like Kanakuk look the other way and enable abuse. Trey Carlock, a former camper who was abused by Newman, took his own life at age 29. His family disclosed his abuse in his obituary, motivating others to speak out.
“Because we were public about his abuse in that obituary, other families began reaching out and sharing their stories,” said Carlock’s sister Elizabeth Phillips. “And it became this mini ‘Me Too’ movement around Kanakuk victims connecting for the first time.