The Boston courthouse representing legal accountability and trust.
Patrick J. Dolan, a Boston lawyer, faces multiple counts of wire fraud after being accused of misappropriating over $2 million from clients. Instead of protecting client assets in a family trust dispute, Dolan allegedly diverted funds for personal use, including mortgage and tuition payments. If convicted, he could face 20 years in prison and significant fines. This case raises crucial issues about accountability and ethics in the legal profession.
Boston, MA – Patrick J. Dolan, a 60-year-old lawyer from North Attleboro and Haverhill, has been charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, allegedly stealing over $2 million from clients while managing funds in accounts he controlled. Dolan has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud, according to documentation filed in U.S. District Court in Boston. A court appearance for his expected guilty plea is scheduled for a later date.
The charges stem from accusations that Dolan misappropriated funds intended for a family trust dispute between November 2018 and November 2024. He served as the attorney for one of the parties involved in the dispute, but instead of safeguarding the assets, he is alleged to have diverted them for personal use. Investigators report that he utilized the stolen money to cover expenses such as mortgage payments, tuition, and personal services for himself and family members.
Dolan’s fraudulent activities reportedly included transferring funds to other accounts held in the names of family members or shell companies to disguise the theft. In one notable instance, he is accused of illegally taking at least $87,500 from a supplemental needs trust he created for another client. This amount was purportedly used as a down payment on a home in Haverhill.
To further conceal his alleged wrongdoings, Dolan is claimed to have fabricated bank statements and accounting records, misleading his clients with false statements regarding the status of their funds. His actions not only exploited the trust placed in him by his clients but also highlighted significant breaches of legal and ethical responsibilities expected of legal professionals.
If convicted of wire fraud, Dolan faces severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of $250,000 for each count. The grave implications of these charges reflect the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating this case, emphasizing the need for accountability among legal practitioners.
The case has garnered attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with U.S. Attorney Leah Foley announcing the details of the charges. The prosecution falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions division, underscoring the high-profile nature of the allegations against Dolan.
Lawyers hold a position of trust in society, often managing significant assets on behalf of clients. The breach of this trust, particularly in cases involving financial management, can have devastating effects on individuals and families who rely on their legal counsel for guidance and protection of their interests. Legal practitioners are bound by ethical standards that demand the highest level of integrity, emphasizing their obligation to act in the best interest of their clients.
Dolan’s case highlights the critical importance of vigilance in oversight and accountability within the legal field. Reports of misconduct such as Dolan’s raise fundamental questions about the systems in place to detect and prevent fraudulent behavior among attorneys and serve as a reminder of the potential consequences when legal professionals exploit their positions.
As the legal proceedings continue and Dolan prepares for his expected guilty plea, the case remains a focal point for discussions regarding ethics, accountability, and trust in the legal profession. The outcome may serve as a cautionary tale for both clients and legal practitioners in maintaining vigilance and integrity in fiduciary responsibilities.
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