News Summary
Patrick J. Dolan, a Boston attorney, faces four counts of wire fraud for allegedly stealing over $2 million from clients. The charges involve misappropriating funds during a family trust lawsuit, using the money for personal expenses, and deceiving clients about the status of their funds. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Dolan is currently under disciplinary proceedings and has been temporarily suspended from practicing law.
Boston – Patrick J. Dolan, a 60-year-old attorney from Boston, has been charged with four counts of wire fraud by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. The charges, announced on July 24, 2025, relate to allegations that Dolan stole over $2 million from clients who had entrusted him with their funds between November 2018 and November 2024.
The allegations state that Dolan was involved in a scheme that defrauded clients during a family trust lawsuit. Dolan represented one of the parties in the lawsuit and allegedly misappropriated funds held in escrow for personal use. It is reported that he transferred stolen money to accounts belonging to family members or shell companies, further complicating attempts to trace the funds.
The scheme purportedly involved Dolan using the misappropriated funds for a range of personal expenses. Investigations revealed that Dolan made payments for mortgage obligations, tuition fees, student loans, and purchased various personal items and services with the stolen funds. Additionally, he is accused of taking at least $87,500 from a supplemental needs trust he established on behalf of another client, which he used to make a down payment on a property in Haverhill, where he lived with his family.
Dolan’s alleged fraudulent activities extended to deceiving clients regarding the status of their funds. He reportedly made false statements and manipulated bank statements and accounting records in an effort to cover up his actions. These deceptive practices further underscore the severity of the situation and the breach of trust involved in Dolan’s actions.
If convicted of wire fraud, Dolan faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines that could reach $250,000 for each count. The legal ramifications highlight the serious nature of the charges against him, as well as the impact on those affected by his alleged misconduct.
As of June 30, 2025, Dolan’s legal career hangs in uncertainty, as he remains under “Disciplinary Proceedings Pending” status by the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. His temporary suspension from practicing law began in October 2024, adding to the complications of his professional standing amid the ongoing investigation and criminal charges.
An initial appearance in federal court for Dolan is scheduled for a later date, which is expected to provide further insights into the case and potential next steps in the legal process. The unfolding of this case continues to garner attention as it raises questions about ethics and accountability within the legal profession.
This case underscores the importance of trust in attorney-client relationships and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when that trust is betrayed. As the legal proceedings progress, stakeholders in the legal community and affected clients will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding this case.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Wire Fraud
- MassLive
- Google Search: lawyer fraud cases
- Hoodline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Boston Herald
- Google News: attorney client relationship fraud
