And now for a column about statutes of limitations. Though the topic may seem dry, the statute of limitations is often the single most important legal concept for victims of sexual abuse, other abuse, or any unlawful conduct. How often have we told a potential client: “you would have had a great case if you had only come to us 1, 10, or X years ago”?

The New York State Legislature recently passed a well-publicized law extending the statute of limitations for certain abuse victims: the Child Victims Act. We will review that act, and more generally, how long victims of sexual abuse, misconduct, and discrimination have to bring claims under New York and federal law.