A Los Angeles federal jury convicted disbarred California attorney Tom Girardi on four counts of wire fraud after US prosecutors accused him of taking $15 million in settlement funds from clients, authorities said. Girardi, 85, whose pollution case against a California utility inspired the Oscar-winning film “Erin Brockovich,” was accused of defrauding his clients and stealing from settlement cash earned in personal injury cases.

The jury’s verdict came after a 13-day trial and less than a full day of deliberations. Girardi is the estranged husband of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne and appeared on the show himself dozens of times between 2015 and 2020. Once a prominent figure in the US plaintiffs bar, Girardi was disbarred in 2022 over client thefts. He now faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, with a sentencing date set for December 6.

The prosecution presented evidence that Girardi ran a Ponzi scheme from 2010 to 2020, where he would take money from client settlements, use that money to pay off earlier debts to other clients, and then use new settlement funds to continue the cycle. In addition to defrauding his clients, Girardi also allegedly used the money to fund his lavish, Hollywood lifestyle. According to prosecutors, Girardi spent millions of dollars of the firm’s funds on private jet travel, jewelry, luxury cars, and exclusive golf and social clubs. He also allegedly used the funds to pay for his wife’s entertainment career.

“Tom Girardi built celebrity status and lured in victims by falsely portraying himself as a ‘Champion of Justice,'” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. “In reality, he was a Robin-Hood-in-reverse, stealing from the needy to support of a lavish, Hollywood lifestyle. Today’s verdict shows that the game is up — we can all now see this defendant for what he was and the victims he callously betrayed.”

During the trial, the defense team attempted to shift blame to Girardi’s former chief financial officer, Chris Kamon, who is also charged with wire fraud and will be tried separately. Girardi’s attorneys also argued that he was not competent to stand trial because he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. However, prosecutors countered that Girardi was exaggerating his symptoms, and a judge ruled that he was competent for trial.

While Girardi is facing a maximum of 80 years in prison, one former federal prosecutor said the sentencing guidelines put him in the range of nine to 14 years. Regardless of the outcome, Girardi’s conviction sends a strong message about the consequences of stealing from vulnerable clients. It serves as a stark reminder that even celebrities are not above the law and that those who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable.

The Impact on Girardi's Legacy

Tom Girardi’s conviction has irrevocably damaged his reputation and legacy. He was once a celebrated lawyer who won major victories for clients, including the landmark “Erin Brockovich” case, which brought him national recognition. But his conviction has overshadowed these achievements and cast a long shadow over his career. The allegations of fraud and embezzlement have shocked and appalled many who knew Girardi, including former clients who had previously trusted him.

Girardi’s conviction will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on his career. It will be very difficult for him to recover from the charges and the public perception of him has been irrevocably tarnished. The verdict has also raised questions about the ethical standards of the legal profession and the need for greater oversight to prevent such cases from happening again.

Justice Served?

The conviction of Tom Girardi has brought a sense of justice for the victims who were defrauded by the former lawyer. The trial provided an opportunity for them to share their stories and hold Girardi accountable for his actions. The verdict also serves as a deterrent to other lawyers who might be tempted to engage in similar illegal activities. However, it is important to remember that the justice system cannot undo the harm that was done to the victims. Many of them are still struggling to recover financially and emotionally from the experience.

Girardi’s conviction has sent a clear message that the legal profession is not above the law. It also reinforces the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. While the verdict will not bring back what was lost, it is a step towards ensuring that such crimes are not repeated in the future.

Moving Forward

The conviction of Tom Girardi has brought the issue of attorney misconduct to the forefront of public discourse. It has highlighted the importance of ethical conduct in the legal profession and the need for robust measures to protect clients from fraud and embezzlement. The case also serves as a reminder that justice, while often elusive, can be achieved through the perseverance of the victims and the commitment of law enforcement officials to uphold the rule of law.

The outcome of this case sends a clear signal that no one is above the law, and that justice will ultimately prevail.