Disgraced Attorney Tom Girardi Convicted of Embezzling Millions from Clients, Faces Decades in Prison!

Disgraced Attorney Tom Girardi Convicted of Embezzling Millions from Clients, Faces Decades in Prison!

Tom Girardi, once a celebrated attorney known for taking on powerful corporations on behalf of victims, was found guilty on Tuesday of embezzling tens of millions of dollars from his clients, many of whom were vulnerable individuals dealing with severe injuries or the loss of loved ones in tragic accidents.

The conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace for the 85-year-old lawyer, whose career was once held in high esteem.

After a 13-day trial, a federal jury in Los Angeles needed less than a full day of deliberation to reach their verdict, finding Tom Girardi guilty of four counts of wire fraud. The charges stem from allegations that he siphoned off large sums of money that were meant to compensate his clients, who had trusted him to secure justice on their behalf.

Girardi, who is the estranged husband of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, became a familiar face on the reality show, making numerous appearances between 2015 and 2020. However, his television fame has now been overshadowed by the serious criminal charges that have dismantled his once-impressive legal career.

At the height of his career, Girardi was regarded as one of the most prominent attorneys in the United States, often representing victims of catastrophic events in high-stakes lawsuits against major corporations. One of his most notable cases was against California’s Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), which resulted in a $333 million settlement. This landmark case was later dramatized in the 2000 film *Erin Brockovich*, starring Julia Roberts.

Despite his past successes, Girardi’s legal empire eventually crumbled, leading to his disbarment in California in 2022. The disbarment came after multiple allegations of client thefts, which left many of his former clients devastated and financially ruined.

During the trial, several former clients testified against Girardi, including a woman from Arizona whose husband had died in a boating accident and victims of a devastating gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno, California, in 2010. These individuals recounted how Girardi had not only failed to deliver the compensation they were owed but had also deceived them with false promises and excuses.

“Tom Girardi built celebrity status and lured in victims by falsely portraying himself as a ‘Champion of Justice,'” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada in a statement following the verdict. “In reality, he was a Robin-Hood-in-reverse.”

Efforts to reach Girardi‘s legal team for comment on the conviction were unsuccessful, as emails sent to his attorneys were not immediately returned.

Throughout the trial, Girardi’s defense attempted to shift the blame onto his firm’s former chief financial officer, Chris Kamon, who is facing separate charges and has pleaded not guilty. The defense portrayed Girardi as a figurehead in the later years of his career, arguing that his once-respected name was being used by others to perpetrate the fraud.

Prosecutors, however, presented damning evidence against Girardi, including voicemails in which he gave clients a series of false explanations for why their court-awarded settlements had not been paid. These excuses ranged from tax issues to fabricated debt obligations, with Girardi frequently pleading with clients, “Don’t be mad at me.”

Girardi’s defense also raised questions about his mental competence, pointing out that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was under a conservatorship overseen by his brother. They argued that his cognitive decline should exempt him from standing trial. However, prosecutors countered that Girardi was exaggerating his symptoms, and a judge ultimately ruled that he was fit to face the charges.

Girardi now faces a potential sentence of up to 80 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December. The judge has allowed him to remain free until then, but his legal troubles are far from over. In addition to the Los Angeles case, Girardi is also facing federal wire fraud charges in Chicago, where he is accused of embezzling approximately $3 million from the families of victims of the 2018 Lion Air crash, which claimed 189 lives.

As Girardi’s legal battles continue, his once-glorious reputation lies in tatters, a stark reminder of how far he has fallen from his days as a high-profile attorney championing the rights of the underdog.

 

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