A Massachusetts couple is fighting to recover a significant family legacy after their attorney allegedly embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to be held in trust. Henry Rappa, a lawyer based in Melrose, has pleaded not guilty to charges of larceny and embezzlement following allegations that he misappropriated funds from clients who trusted him with their financial futures.
The case centers on Michael and Jannine Tipping, who hired Rappa to manage a substantial inheritance following the death of Michael’s mother. The situation was already fraught with grief. the original trustee, Michael’s sister, had too passed away unexpectedly, forcing the couple to seek legal counsel under urgent and emotional circumstances.
According to court documents, the Tippings handed over their inherited funds to Rappa in March 2023. However, the security they sought in a legal professional quickly dissolved into a series of evasions. Their attorney, Charles Dobens, noted that evidence presented during hearings suggests the money vanished almost immediately after it was entrusted to Rappa.
For months, the couple attempted to gain clarity on the status of their funds. Every request for an invoice or an accounting of the operate performed was met with a rotating series of excuses. Jannine Tipping recalled a pattern of avoidance that ranged from claims of medical emergencies to mundane social commitments.
“There was the ‘I’m in the urgent care, I don’t feel well… I have Opening Day Red Sox tickets,'” Jannine said.
The breaking point arrived when the couple purchased a new home and requested the return of their money. Rather than providing the funds or a balance sheet, Rappa allegedly asked them how much of the money they actually needed—a question that signaled to the Tippings that their inheritance was no longer intact.
A Pattern of Unauthorized Practice
The allegations against Rappa extend beyond the Tipping family. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office has detailed a disturbing timeline suggesting that Rappa ignored judicial orders to cease his legal activities. In July 2023, a court ordered Rappa to stop practicing law, yet prosecutors allege he continued to represent clients for at least six months following that mandate.
During this period of unauthorized practice, Rappa is accused of stealing $21,000 from another client during a real estate closing. This secondary theft underscores a broader pattern of conduct that prosecutors argue warrants criminal charges.
The Path to Recovery
Despite the loss, the Tippings are optimistic about recovering their assets. Their hope lies in the regulatory structure of the Massachusetts legal system. Charles Dobens explained that once the Board of Bar Overseers permanently suspends Rappa’s license, the couple can apply for reimbursement through a specific state mechanism.
Massachusetts maintains a client security fund—a financial vehicle designed to “create whole” individuals who have been victims of lawyer-driven theft or embezzlement. While many states have similar funds, Dobens noted that Massachusetts’ version is particularly robust in its ability to compensate victims.
“At the end of the day, he is getting what he deserved and fortunately my clients are going to be made whole,” Dobens said.
Understanding the Legal Process
The current legal proceedings against Rappa involve both criminal charges and professional disciplinary actions. While the criminal case handles the larceny and embezzlement charges, the Board of Bar Overseers manages the professional standing of the attorney.
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2023 | Tippings entrust inheritance funds to Henry Rappa. |
| July 2023 | Court orders Rappa to stop practicing law. |
| Late 2023/Early 2024 | Alleged theft of $21,000 during a real estate closing. |
| Recent | Rappa pleads not guilty to embezzlement and larceny. |
For those navigating similar situations, legal experts suggest that any attorney requesting a client to “specify how much” of their own trust funds they need—rather than providing a full accounting—is a significant red flag. Verification of a lawyer’s current standing can typically be found through the state’s bar association or the Board of Bar Overseers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals seeking legal assistance should consult with a licensed professional in their jurisdiction.
The case against Henry Rappa remains ongoing. The next critical step will be the final determination of his license status by the Board of Bar Overseers, which will trigger the reimbursement process for the Tipping family and other affected clients.
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