40 Facts About Tom Girardi

Tom Girardi, once a celebrated attorney, became infamous due to allegations of fraud and unethical behavior. His life story is a mix of legal triumphs and dramatic downfalls. Here are 40 key facts about his journey.

Early Life and Education

Tom Girardi's early years and education laid the foundation for his legal career.

1. Tom Girardi was born in 1939 in Los Angeles, California. Inspired by the TV show Perry Mason, he decided to pursue law.
2. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Loyola Law School. Later, he completed a master’s degree in law at New York University.

Career Beginnings and Success

Girardi's career took off quickly, marked by significant achievements and high-profile cases.

3. In 1965, Girardi founded his law firm, Girardi Keese. The firm specialized in personal injury cases.
4. By 1970, he secured a $1.4 million malpractice verdict. This was the largest of its kind in California at that time.
5. Girardi excelled in toxic torts, taking on major corporations. He won over 30 verdicts of $1 million or more and over 100 settlements of $1 million or more.
6. His firm operated on a contingency fee model. Clients paid nothing upfront, and lawyers collected a percentage of the award if they won.

High-Profile Cases and Financial Success

Girardi's involvement in high-profile cases and his financial success made him a prominent figure.

7. He was involved in numerous high-profile cases, including medical malpractice suits. His aggressive approach earned him a reputation as a skilled lawyer.
8. By 2001, his monthly income was nearly $263,000. He retained 100% of his firm, making it clear it was solely his.
9. Lawyers at Girardi Keese enjoyed luxury perks. These included luxury cars, custom suits, and a box at the Staples Center.

Political Influence and State Bar Issues

Girardi's political connections and influence at the State Bar of California played a significant role in his career.

10. Girardi and his family contributed more than $7.3 million to candidates. His connections likely influenced the handling of ethics complaints against him.
11. An outside review found some ethics complaints against Girardi were improperly closed. His influence at the State Bar was a factor.
12. Girardi was disbarred in June 2022. He was accused of keeping money intended for clients who lost loved ones in the Lion Air Flight 610 crash.

Personal Life and Legal Troubles

Girardi's personal life and legal troubles became intertwined, leading to significant consequences.

13. Girardi married Erika Jayne, a star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, in 2000. They did not sign a prenuptial agreement.
14. Erika Jayne was implicated in several lawsuits related to Girardi’s alleged fraudulent activities. She claimed to be unaware of the allegations until she was named in a lawsuit.
15. By the end of 2020, Girardi Keese declared bankruptcy. The firm’s operating account contained just $15,000.
16. Girardi faced a federal indictment for misappropriating over $15 million from clients. The indictment alleged he used client funds as personal funds.

Trial, Conviction, and Mental Health Issues

Girardi's trial, conviction, and mental health issues added complexity to his case.

17. In August 2024, a jury found Girardi guilty on all four counts of wire fraud. The conviction carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count.
18. Girardi’s defense team argued he was unfit to stand trial due to dementia. However, a federal judge determined he was competent to face trial.
19. In 2021, Girardi’s family placed him in an assisted living facility. His Alzheimer’s disease was cited as impairing his ability to assist in his defense.

Embezzlement Allegations and Investigations

Girardi faced serious allegations of embezzlement and ongoing investigations.

20. The Lion Air Flight 610 disaster case involved allegations of embezzlement. Girardi allegedly used settlement funds intended for clients to fund his lifestyle.
21. The U.S. Attorney’s office is investigating other potential targets related to the case. Details remain undisclosed.
22. Victims in the case testified about their experiences with Girardi. They filed legal action to recover their withheld settlement money.

Prosecutor’s Statements and IRS Investigation

Statements from prosecutors and the IRS highlighted the severity of Girardi's actions.

23. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that old age and poor health would not exempt Girardi from prison time. He stressed the importance of punishing wrongdoers.
24. IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Tyler Hatcher noted the victims were very vocal about their concerns. Their statements will affect the ultimate sentence.
25. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Paetty has extensive experience in winning major fraud cases. He has prosecuted complex financial crimes.

Firm Collapse and Auction Items

The collapse of Girardi Keese and the auctioning of Girardi's personal items marked the end of an era.

26. The Girardi Keese firm collapsed in 2020 after 55 years of operation. Mismanagement of client funds led to bankruptcy.
27. Girardi’s personal items were auctioned off. These included Persian rugs, bronze statues, and a holographic Pokémon card.

State Bar Employees and Former Executive Director’s Actions

Unethical behavior at the State Bar and actions by its former executive director were scrutinized.

28. State bar employees accused of unethical behavior in their dealings with Girardi are no longer affiliated with the state bar. This move was part of efforts to address institutional failure.
29. Former bar executive director Joe Dunn fired two senior employees advocating for serious ethics charges against Girardi. This was described as unprecedented interference.

Litigation Lenders and Real Housewives Connection

Litigation lenders and Girardi's connection to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills added to the intrigue.

30. Litigation lenders continued to bankroll Girardi despite his proclivities for stealing from clients. This raised questions about oversight.
31. Erika Jayne’s involvement with her husband on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills brought attention to Girardi’s personal life. The show featured their luxurious lifestyle.

Girardi’s Personality and Mental Competence

Girardi's personality and concerns about his mental competence were notable aspects of his story.

32. Girardi was known for his risk-taking nature and ability to build a successful law practice. He believed lawyers shouldn’t be paid if a problem wasn’t cured.
33. Concerns about Girardi’s mental competence were raised by some lawyers. These concerns were not enough to prevent him from continuing his legal practice.

Judge’s Comments and Bankruptcy Proceedings

Comments from a judge and the complexity of bankruptcy proceedings highlighted the challenges in Girardi's case.

34. Judge Thomas M. Durkin asked Girardi why everything wasn’t paid to the plaintiffs upon receipt of the money. Girardi and his lawyers remained silent.
35. The bankruptcy proceedings involving Girardi Keese were complex and involved multiple parties. The firm’s assets were frozen.

Erika Jayne’s Public Statements and Victim Meetings

Erika Jayne's public statements and meetings with victims added a personal dimension to the case.

36. Erika Jayne has publicly discussed Girardi’s declining mental health on her show. She claimed to be unaware of his alleged fraudulent activities.
37. Jayne met with some of the fraud victims as part of a documentary series. She revealed she first learned of allegations when named in a lawsuit.

Divorce Proceedings and Federal Judge’s Decision

The stalled divorce proceedings and a federal judge's decision on Girardi's competence were significant developments.

38. The divorce proceedings between Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi are currently stalled due to ongoing bankruptcy trials. The couple initiated divorce proceedings in 2020.
39. A federal judge determined Girardi was competent to face trial in January 2024. This decision came despite his defense team’s claims of dementia.

Legacy and Impact

Girardi's legacy is a cautionary tale about the importance of accountability in the legal profession.

40. Tom Girardi’s legacy is marred by allegations of unethical and fraudulent behavior. His case highlights the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent misconduct.

The Downfall of Tom Girardi

Tom Girardi's journey from a celebrated attorney to a disbarred convict is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. Once known for his courtroom prowess and high-profile cases, Girardi's unethical actions led to his disbarment and federal conviction. His misuse of client funds, especially in the Lion Air Flight 610 case, highlighted the extent of his misconduct. Despite his claims of dementia, a federal judge found him competent to stand trial, resulting in a guilty verdict on all counts of wire fraud. Girardi's story underscores the importance of accountability in the legal profession. His legacy, now tarnished, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and influence. The legal world will remember Tom Girardi not just for his successes, but for the ethical breaches that ultimately led to his downfall.