In a dramatic courtroom conclusion, Tom Girardi, the once-revered Los Angeles attorney, has been convicted of wire fraud, marking a significant fall from grace for the legal titan. The 85-year-old Girardi was found guilty on four counts of wire fraud on Tuesday morning, charged with diverting at least $15 million from clients, including victims of tragic accidents.
A Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Fraud
Girardi, who was renowned for securing major settlements, including the landmark Hinkley water contamination case depicted in the film Erin Brockovich, used his reputation to mask his fraudulent activities. Federal prosecutors detailed how Girardi siphoned funds intended for clients who suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones, spending the money on extravagant luxuries such as private jets, and jewelry, and maintaining a lavish estate that was featured on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
The prosecution highlighted Girardi’s deceitful practices over a decade, during which he embezzled millions to support his opulent lifestyle. His estranged wife, Erika Jayne, was also mentioned in the context of Girardi’s spending, as the reality TV star’s show showcased their extravagant lifestyle funded by the stolen funds.
The Fall of a Legal Titan
The trial has shed light on Girardi’s financial misdeeds, which came to public attention through the 2021 Hulu documentary The Housewife and the Hustler. The documentary exposed allegations from clients, including families affected by the 2018 Lion Air crash, who claimed that Girardi and his firm had stolen over $3 million from their settlements.
Federal prosecutors argued that Girardi’s actions were deliberate and calculated, aimed at maintaining his high-profile image while defrauding those who depended on him for justice. Despite his defense’s claims of cognitive decline and mismanagement by his former firm, the jury found Girardi’s crimes to be intentional.
Sentencing and Future Implications
Girardi now faces a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for December 6. The court will consider various factors, including his age and health, but U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada has emphasized that a substantial prison term remains a possibility.
The conviction marks a somber end to the career of a lawyer who once championed high-stakes cases but now stands convicted of exploiting his clients for personal gain. The case has not only tarnished Girardi’s legacy but also highlighted the severe consequences of legal and financial misconduct in high-profile legal practices.
