Los Angeles, Calif. — Tom Girardi, an 86-year-old disbarred attorney known for his high-profile legal battles, including a notable case against Pacific Gas and Electric, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzling funds from his clients. Girardi, who gained additional notoriety as the husband of reality television star Erika Girardi, was found guilty of four counts of wire fraud.
A federal judge in California issued the sentence on Tuesday, June 3, as part of a case involving the misappropriation of approximately $15 million over a decade, from 2010 to 2020. Girardi’s convictions were announced after a trial that revealed he had defrauded clients out of their rightful settlements.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli characterized Girardi as a “thief and a liar”, emphasizing that those who engage in corrupt legal practices will be held accountable. “My office will vigorously prosecute corrupt lawyers and those who assist them in criminal activities,” he stated.
Girardi’s wife, Erika Girardi, who is better known as Erika Jayne on the reality television series “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” has been in the process of divorcing him since 2020. Following the sentencing, she did not respond to requests for comment regarding her husband’s situation.
The attorney’s legal troubles escalated despite his earlier prominence in the legal field. Girardi was renowned for representing victims in cases that resulted in significant payouts, most notably a 1993 class-action lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric that inspired the film “Erin Brockovich.”
In 2022, Girardi was removed from the California State Bar, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-respected lawyer. Furthermore, reports indicate that he currently resides in a memory care facility, having been diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The case highlights the serious issues of legal malpractice and the betrayals that can occur within the attorney-client relationship, particularly when vulnerable individuals are involved. Legal experts note that such crimes can undermine public trust in the justice system and call attention to the need for vigilance in overseeing attorneys.
As Girardi begins his prison sentence, the fallout continues for Erika Girardi and others affected by his actions, illustrating the long-reaching consequences of misconduct within the legal profession.
This article was automatically written by Open AI and the details may not be accurate. Any article can be requested removed, retracted, or corrected by writing an email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.