Gardaí investigate fraud allegation at former Leitrim solicitor’s office

Gardaí are investigating a fraud allegation involving former Leitrim solicitor Orla Ellis, who was struck off the Roll of Solicitors by the High Court in December 2023.

The investigation concerns her former practice, Orla Ellis & Co, which operated in the North West Region. Gardaí confirmed to the Leitrim Observer / Leitrim Live that a fraud allegation relating to a solicitor’s office in the region is under active investigation.

Ellis, the daughter of former Fianna Fáil TD and senator John Ellis, was removed from the Roll of Solicitors after a Law Society investigation uncovered a deficit of more than €566,000 in client accounts. A number of unpaid bequests from wills are understood to be among the matters involved.

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The case was reported in the Sunday Independent last weekend, which reported that Ellis is also facing civil proceedings from a former client, Fintan Kearns, in relation to a probate matter. The newspaper also reported that more than €666,000 has already been paid out by the Law Society’s Compensation Fund.

In response to queries from the Leitrim Observer / Leitrim Live, the Law Society said it is continuing to receive claims from former clients and is therefore not in a position to confirm a final figure.

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“The disciplinary proceedings brought against Ms Ellis concluded with her name being struck from the Roll of Solicitors,” a spokesperson for the Society said. “There is no further disciplinary action open to the Law Society.”

The Society confirmed that its application to the High Court was based on a detailed affidavit outlining the circumstances of the case.

The Law Society confirmed it has contacted affected clients and made arrangements for the return of legal files or their transfer to new solicitors. “Such former clients have also been notified of their entitlement to make a claim for the return of client monies and/or make a claim on the Compensation Fund.”

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