Tom Girardi, a once-famous attorney, has been sentenced to 87 months (more than seven years) in federal prison for wire fraud. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2025, after a jury convicted him of stealing around $15 million from his clients. Apart from jail time, Girardi was fined $35,000 and ordered to pay more than $2.3 million back to those he defrauded. Despite health concerns raised by his defense, the court ruled that he is fit to serve his sentence. Girardi is set to surrender to authorities on July 17, 2025.
Background: Rise and Fall of Tom Girardi
Tom Girardi was once known as a top personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. His firm, Girardi & Keese, became famous for winning big cases like the one inspiring the movie Erin Brockovich. However, his career took a dark turn after his firm filed for bankruptcy in 2020. Lawsuits revealed that he had taken millions of dollars from client settlements for personal use. In 2022, the California State Bar disbarred him and ordered restitution payments. The scandal also led to his divorce from Erika Jayne, a reality TV star from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Co-Conspirators and Ongoing Legal Actions
Tom Girardi was not alone in this scheme. His former CFO, Christopher Kamon, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison and ordered to forfeit nearly $9 million for his part in the fraud. Additionally, Girardi’s son-in-law, David Lira, is facing trial for misusing over $3 million in client funds. Lira’s court case is expected to begin in mid-July 2025. These cases highlight a wider network involved in illegally taking money meant for victims and clients.
Health Concerns and Court Decisions
Girardi’s defense has pointed to his declining health, including dementia and liver problems, asking for leniency or medical placement instead of prison. However, the court decided he is healthy enough to serve time in a federal prison. Currently, he is living under a conservatorship in a memory care facility managed by his brother. The judge made clear that his health issues do not exempt him from legal consequences.
Impact of the Case on the Legal Community
This case has brought attention to the importance of legal ethics and client protection. Many have raised questions about how such a large fraud went unnoticed for years. It has also sparked calls for stronger oversight of lawyers to prevent similar cases in the future. The Girardi scandal serves as a reminder of the need for honesty and responsibility in the legal profession, especially when dealing with vulnerable clients.
Image Source: People.com
