Can I Sue Without My Name Being Public?
Written by Alex E. Cunny, Partner · Updated October 2026
The short answer. Yes. Survivors of childhood sexual assault can ask to file under a pseudonym such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” so their name doesn't appear in public court filings. LMMB files most of its school cases this way. Your first conversation with us is confidential.
What a Doe filing protects
The complaint and other public court filings refer to you by the pseudonym, not your name. Someone searching court records, including reporters, sees “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.” Our own case summaries never name the survivors who bring them.
Who will know your name
The school district and the other defendants are told who you are, privately, so they can respond to the case. The court knows too. If the person who abused you is a defendant, they will also learn who is suing. Your lawyer can ask the court for orders that limit how sensitive information about you is used and shared.
Who you tell is up to you
You don’t have to tell your family, your employer or anyone else that you’re bringing a case. Many survivors tell only a few people they trust, or no one at all.
Your first conversation
Your first conversation with us is free and confidential. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney represents you until you and the firm sign a written agreement.
How long you have
You can bring a case against a California school district any time before your 40th birthday, with no government claim first. For abuse on or after January 1, 2024, there is no deadline. If you’re 40 or older, different and stricter rules apply, so talk to a lawyer promptly.
Every case is different. This is general information, not legal advice.
Free, confidential case review
If you are a survivor, contact us for a free and confidential consultation about your legal options.
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Attorney Advertising. Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP, through its California office at 2020 Main St., Ste. 360, Irvine, CA 92614, is the law firm responsible for the content of this advertisement. Prior results not guaranteed. Free initial consultation. Not all cases will be accepted for representation. Fees and expenses charged only against money recovered from responsible parties. You owe nothing as a fee or expense unless we first make a recovery for you. Attorneys licensed in California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas and Pennsylvania. Consult our website for additional terms and conditions. Submitting a form or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney represents you until you and the firm sign a written agreement.