A Boston lawyer, Patrick J. Dolan, was sentenced on Mar. 9 in federal court for stealing more than $2 million from his clients.
Dolan, 60, of North Attleboro and Haverhill, received a sentence of 39 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $2,022,833 in restitution and a money judgment totaling $2,087,372.55. Dolan pleaded guilty in October 2025 to four counts of wire fraud after being charged in July 2025.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, between November 2018 and November 2024 Dolan carried out a scheme where he stole funds entrusted to him by clients and others who relied on him to maintain accounts for their benefit. The stolen money included over $2 million held in escrow during a family trust lawsuit where Dolan represented one party. Authorities said Dolan used these funds for personal expenses such as transfers to shell companies, mortgage payments, tuition and student loan payments, as well as other personal items and services.
In addition to the escrow thefts, Dolan took at least $87,500 from a supplemental needs trust he had set up for another client. These funds were used as a down payment on real estate in Haverhill where he later lived with his family. Prosecutors said Dolan also made false statements about the missing funds and falsified bank statements and accounting records.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay prosecuted the case.
