Tom Girardi, once a celebrated Los Angeles attorney known for winning major lawsuits against big companies, has officially been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison. On what was his 86th birthday, a judge handed him an 87-month sentence for stealing more than $15 million from clients — many of them vulnerable people who desperately needed those funds.
Girardi’s sentencing on June 3, 2025, marks the dramatic fall of a man who once stood at the top of the legal world. In addition to his prison time, he must also pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine. He has until July 17 to turn himself in.
The Rise and Fall of a Legal Star
For years, Tom Girardi was one of the biggest names in personal injury law. He famously helped win a major case against Pacific Gas and Electric in the 1990s — a battle that became the basis for the movie Erin Brockovich. He was praised for taking on powerful corporations and standing up for regular people.
But behind the scenes, Girardi was hiding a dark truth. Over the course of at least a decade, he was secretly stealing settlement money meant for his clients. These weren’t just any clients — many were burn victims, widows, or families of plane crash victims who were relying on those settlements to rebuild their lives.
Lavish Lifestyle Built on Stolen Money
Instead of making sure his clients got the money they were owed, prosecutors say Girardi used their funds to bankroll a luxurious lifestyle. He paid for private jets, lavish vacations, fancy homes, and more — all while telling clients their money was tied up in legal red tape.
Some victims never received a dime. One mother, whose son was injured in an explosion, spoke in court about how she felt betrayed and devastated. She trusted Girardi to fight for them, only to realize he had been stealing from them instead.
The Judge Wasn’t Swayed by Health Pleas
Girardi’s lawyers argued that his age and health should earn him leniency. They claimed he suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions, and said prison would essentially be a life sentence.
But the judge didn’t buy it. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton said that Girardi had committed “disgraceful” acts and that justice had to be served — regardless of his age or past reputation. She made it clear that the damage Girardi caused was too serious to ignore.
Others Involved Are Facing Justice Too
Girardi didn’t run this scheme alone. His law firm’s former chief financial officer, Christopher Kamon, has already been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for helping cover up the fraud. Another former colleague, David Lira, who is also Girardi’s son-in-law, is awaiting trial on related charges in Chicago.
The Girardi Keese law firm, once considered one of the most powerful in the country, has now collapsed under the weight of lawsuits, bankruptcy, and criminal investigations.
Where Does Erika Jayne Fit In?
This case has drawn extra attention because of Girardi’s famous ex-wife, reality TV star Erika Jayne. She filed for divorce in 2020, just before the scandal exploded.
Although Erika has been sued in civil cases and accused by some of benefiting from the stolen money, she has not been charged with any crimes. She has repeatedly denied knowing anything about Girardi’s wrongdoing and has called the entire situation heartbreaking.
The End of an Era
Tom Girardi’s downfall is a cautionary tale about what happens when power and money take priority over ethics and integrity. He was once a legal hero. Now, he’s a convicted felon who stole from the very people he promised to protect.
For many victims, the sentencing brings some closure. But the pain caused by Girardi’s betrayal — emotional and financial — may never fully heal.
