Disgraced Attorney Surrenders to Prison
Tom Girardi, once a prominent California trial attorney and estranged husband of 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Erika Jayne, surrendered to federal authorities on July 17 to begin a seven-year and three-month prison sentence. The 86-year-old was convicted of wire fraud in September 2024 for embezzling more than $15 million from clients at his now-defunct law firm, Girardi & Keese. His surrender marks the end of a long legal battle that exposed years of financial misconduct.
Girardi's daily life in recent years has been shaped by a dementia diagnosis, which his legal team argued impacted his ability to stand trial. Despite these claims, a federal judge in Los Angeles upheld the conviction and sentencing. Reports indicate that Girardi will likely spend the remainder of his life behind bars due to his age and health conditions.
Details of the Fraud and Legal Fallout
The fraud case centered on Girardi's misappropriation of settlement funds owed to clients, including families of victims from a 2018 plane crash. Prosecutors detailed how he diverted millions for personal use, leading to the collapse of Girardi & Keese and his disbarment in 2022. The scale of the theft shocked many who once viewed Girardi as a champion for the underdog in high-profile legal battles.
In a related development, the former chief financial officer of Girardi & Keese was sentenced to 65 months in prison on July 14 for his role in the scheme. This sentencing, handed down by a federal judge in Chicago, underscores the breadth of misconduct within the firm. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois confirmed the details of this additional conviction.
Impact on Victims and Public Reaction
The victims of Girardi's fraud, many of whom relied on settlement funds for critical support, have expressed outrage over the betrayal. While the prison sentence offers some measure of justice, it does little to recover the stolen millions. Public sentiment, as reflected in posts found on X, shows a mix of satisfaction at the sentencing and concern over whether full restitution will ever be achieved.
Girardi's connection to Erika Jayne has kept the case in the spotlight, though she has distanced herself since their separation in 2020. The saga continues to unfold as legal proceedings address remaining financial liabilities tied to the defunct firm. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed in the legal profession.