Tom Girardi: $2.3M Ordered to Clients He Stole From
Tom Girardi, the lawyer once lauded for the “Erin Brockovich” case and his appearances on ”The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” now faces over seven years in prison. The disbarred attorney was ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution after a jury found him guilty of wire fraud, stemming from the embezzlement of millions of dollars from his own clients due to fraudulent activities. Girardi, also ordered to pay a $35,000 fine, was deemed competent despite a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. news Directory 3 reports this case has deeply impacted victims, including those who suffered severe injuries. Sentencing comes after his legal career crumbled amid allegations of stolen settlement funds from vulnerable clients. Discover what’s next for Girardi and his victims.
Tom Girardi, ‘Real Housewives’ Lawyer, Sentenced in Embezzlement Case
Updated June 4, 2025
Tom girardi, the once-prominent lawyer known for his work on the “Erin Brockovich” case and appearances on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” received a sentence of seven years and three months in federal prison Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton handed down the sentence after Girardi’s conviction on wire fraud charges related to the embezzlement of millions from his clients.
In addition to the prison term,Girardi,86,must pay a $35,000 fine and $2.3 million in restitution to his former clients.A jury found him guilty in August of four counts of wire fraud.The disbarred celebrity lawyer, estranged husband of “Real Housewives” star Erika Jayne, faced a potential sentence of up to 80 years.
girardi’s legal career imploded after allegations surfaced that he stole settlement funds from clients, including those with severe injuries and families of deceased individuals. He was disbarred in California in 2022.
Despite a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and a conservatorship overseen by his brother, Judge Staton ruled Girardi competent to be sentenced. She had previously deemed him mentally fit to stand trial.
Victims, including an Arizona woman whose husband died in a boating accident and those injured in a 2010 San bruno gas pipeline explosion, testified against Girardi. Prosecutors presented voicemails in which Girardi gave false explanations for the delayed payments.
He frequently told them, “Don’t be mad at me.”
What’s next
Girardi, who had been free pending sentencing, must surrender to authorities by July 17.