Matthew Rutledge & Miss Hall's Sexual Abuse Allegations
Miss Hall’s School is a small, all-girls boarding school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Matt Rutledge began working at the school in 1991, where he remained employed until April 2024.
Rutledge allegedly used his roles as a coach, teacher, and advisor to gain the trust of multiple students before sexually abusing them. The abuse reportedly took place both on and off campus, including in his classroom and his family home.
Lawsuits against Rutledge accuse him of:
- Grooming students by giving them gifts and paying them special attention
- Getting girls alone in his room under the pretense of academic help
- Developing a relationship with their families to further gain trust
- Engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with students
- Threatening to hurt himself if they spoke out about the abuse
While a criminal lawsuit isn’t currently being pursued against Matt Rutledge, survivors may still be able to file a civil sexual assault lawsuit to hold him accountable for his actions.
At Sokolove Law, we have over 45 years of experience standing up for those who have been harmed through no fault of their own. Contact us now to find out if we may be able to fight for you.
Sokolove Law Is Here for You
Our sexual assault lawyers know how difficult what you’re going through is. We’re here to help you fight back and secure the justice you deserve.
How Miss Hall’s School May Have Failed to Protect Students
In addition to Rutledge, lawsuits have also been filed against Miss Hall’s School (MHS), the former Head of School Jeannie Norris, and other staff members for allegedly failing to protect students from the abuse.
School administrators may have known or been informed about Rutledge’s inappropriate behavior but neglected to intervene, allowing the abuse to continue for decades.
Lawsuits against Miss Hall’s School claim:
- One survivor told an administrator that she felt threatened by Rutledge during the 1994-95 school year
- A student was expelled in 1997 after expressing concerns about Rutledge’s relationship with another student
- One witness saw Rutledge kissing and touching another girl, which she reported to an administrator in 2004
- Norris received a letter from the parents of a former Miss Hall student in 2008 regarding Rutledge’s inappropriate behavior and assured them she’d handle the situation
Despite multiple warning signs, Miss Hall’s School allowed Rutledge to continue teaching. By ignoring or dismissing these concerns, administrators created an environment where the abuse was able to persist.
Rutledge was only placed on administrative leave after a former student and her lawyer sent a letter to the school in March 2024 describing the abuse she allegedly experienced. He resigned shortly after.
Survivors who suffered harm due to the school’s negligence may be able to seek justice and compensation by filing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit.
Steps to File a Matt Rutledge Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we understand how difficult it can be to come forward about abuse, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our experienced sexual assault lawyers can take care of the legal legwork and be a powerful voice in the justice system for you, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Filing a Matt Rutledge lawsuit generally involves our team:
- Providing a free case review to see if you may be eligible to take legal action
- Collecting evidence like school records and witness statements to build a strong case on your behalf
- Filing a Matthew Rutledge sexual assault lawsuit against the former teacher and those who enabled his abuse
- Negotiating a Matt Rutledge settlement with the defendant(s)
Our attorneys are prepared to handle your case with care and sensitivity, allowing you to share your story on your own terms while we work to hold those responsible for your abuse accountable.
Justice for Survivors of Boarding School Sexual Abuse
Every student deserves to learn in a safe environment, surrounded by educators who empower them to reach their full potential — and believe them when they express that something is wrong.
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to fighting for survivors. With over 45 years of experience, we’ve secured more than $9.8 Billion for clients across the country.
Filing a lawsuit against Matthew Rutledge or Miss Hall’s School won’t erase the pain you’ve endured. However, it may provide you with a sense of closure and allow you to move forward from this chapter of your life.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get in touch with our team. We’re standing by to support you during this time.
Matthew Rutledge Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQs
What is the Miss Hall’s School scandal?
Matthew Rutledge, a former history teacher at Miss Hall’s, has been accused of sexually abusing multiple students while he was working at the all-girls boarding school.
Administrators were allegedly aware of concerning behaviors displayed by Rutledge, but they failed to take action and protect students from harm.
If you were abused by Rutledge while attending MHS, you are not alone. Contact us now to see if our team may be able to help you seek justice from a Matt Rutledge lawsuit.
What is Matthew Rutledge accused of?
Matthew Rutledge is accused of grooming and sexually assaulting students at the school where he taught in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
According to lawsuits filed against Rutledge, he reportedly chose certain students to foster a strong relationship with. Once he gained their trust, he engaged in inappropriate sexual contact both on and off school grounds.
This alleged misconduct occurred over the course of three decades, potentially beginning in the early 1990s and continuing until his resignation in 2024.
How much does it cost to file a Matthew Rutledge sexual abuse lawsuit?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to file a Matthew Rutledge sexual abuse lawsuit.
We believe everyone deserves equal access to the justice system, which is why our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.