A New York bankruptcy judge has stated an intent to approve the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester’s $246.4 million settlement of abuse claims after survivors voted unanimously to accept the deal. It is anticipated that the diocese’s Chapter 11 plan will be formally confirmed by the court at a hearing on Sept. 5. 

The team of Tim Burns and Jesse Bair was integral to gaining $191.35 million in insurance funding for the plan, including a recent $120 million deal with Continental Insurance Co., the last of the diocese’s insurers to settle. 

“On behalf of more than 460 abuse survivors we were proud to lead the negotiations with insurers and help reach this agreement,” says Mr. Burns. “This process began some five years ago, and we have never wavered in our commitment to them.”