Tributes paid to "legal legend" who died just months after 100th birthday

Harry Ellis was a well-known member of Dorset’s legal community and sadly passed away last month.

In July he was the toast of a special party organised by Ellis Jones Solicitors, the Swanage law firm which bears his name.

Harry was a leading member of the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation and passed away on December 23, with his funeral held three days later.

His legal career began in Newport, Monmouthshire, where he was born, and was admitted to the roll of solicitors of England and Wales on May 1, 1939.

Later that year he married Amy, his childhood sweetheart, who was also prominent in the local community and served as a Justice of the Peace for many years.

Harry became a well-known member of the Dorset law community through his firms Mitchell and Ellis; Harry Ellis and Co; Ellis, Belcher and Co and latterly Ellis Fowler Belcher.

The current firm, Ellis Jones, was a combination of Elis Fowler Belcher and Frank Jones and Co.

Harry served as President of the Bournemouth & District Law Society from 1973 to 1974 and even after his formal retirement continued as a consultant to Ellis Jones Solicitors until relatively recently.

Harry joined Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation in 1940 and was an integral part and a leader of the congregation.

In 1947 he was elected treasurer and would go on to serve the community in various capacities for the next 70 years.

Harry was first elected president of Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation in 1950 and he held this office on no less than five occasions.

In 1965 he became a trustee of the congregation, an office he held up to this death.

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ managing partner, described Harry as a “legal legend”.

He said: “Harry had retired by the time that I joined the firm 30 years ago but I was privileged to get to know him particularly during the course of organising his 100th birthday celebrations.

"Harry was great company and a fantastic story teller.”

Harry leaves a son, Jonathan.