On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the New Hampshire Supreme Court Professional Conduct Committee suspended attorney Lisa A. Wellman-Ally for dishonesty.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Lisa A. Wellman-Ally,” and was brought by Attorney Disciplinary Office with case no. LD-2023-0004.

The charges cited New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4, 1.15, 3.3, 4.1, 8.1, 8.4(a), 8.4(c), and Supreme Court Rule 50.

The Attorney Disciplinary Office (ADO) on February 17, 2023, filed a petition for the summary suspension of the respondent alleging its involvement in serious misconduct. This was due to the respondent’s dishonesty regarding the trust accounts of her clients.

The filing states:

“Here, Ms. Wellman-Ally mishandled client funds in two client matters, as she was out of trust in the amount of $13,831.36 for one client and $5,790.19 for another client. She was dishonest regarding the amounts she held in trust for these clients with third parties who sought to intercede on these clients’ behalf, and could not write checks to these clients for funds due to them without first “replenishing” her IOLTA with personal funds (i.e. commingling).”

The petition stated that the misconduct of the respondent poses an immediate and substantial threat of serious harm to the public or the integrity of the legal profession. Thus, ordering that the respondent be suspended from the practice of law.

The court-appointed attorney Andrea Q. Labonte, ADO Assistant General Counsel to take immediate possession of the client files and trust and other fiduciary accounts of the respondent. Moreover, Attorney Wellman-Ally is ordered to cooperate with Attorney Labonte in performing the tasks as directed by the court.

The Disposition states:

“Pursuant to Rule 37(9-B), Attorney Lisa A. Wellman-Ally is immediately suspended from the practice of law in New Hampshire pending further order of this court.”

As of today, Ms. Wellman-Ally is a solo practitioner handling all levels of offenses, including violations, DWI, misdemeanors, and felonies. She practices in Newport, New Hampshire. She is licensed in New Hampshire. Ms. Wellman-Ally’s info can be found on her website.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.