Tom Girardi: 7 Years for $15M Client Fraud
- Former attorney Thomas Girardi, 86, has been sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for scamming clients out of more than $15 million.
- In addition to prison time for the Girardi Keese fraud, the former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star's husband must pay over $2.3 million in restitution and a...
- "This self-proclaimed 'champion of justice' was nothing more than a thief and a liar who conned his vulnerable clients out of millions of dollars," essayli said.
Tom Girardi, the disgraced former attorney, is now serving over seven years in federal prison for a multi-million dollar client fraud scheme. Judge Josephine Staton handed down the sentence after Girardi was found guilty of swindling his own clients out of more than $15 million through deceptive practices. His former accounting chief already received a 10-year sentence for related crimes. Prosecutors revealed Girardi used false promises to delay payments, betraying those he was meant to represent. The case,a stark reminder of ethical failures,has captivated many. News Directory 3 is keeping a close eye on this evolving story. Discover what’s next for Girardi’s estranged wife and others implicated in this shocking legal saga.
Tom Girardi Sentenced to Over 7 Years for $15M Client Fraud
Updated June 09, 2025
Former attorney Thomas Girardi, 86, has been sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for scamming clients out of more than $15 million. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton, follows GirardiS conviction for running a decade-long fraud through his law firm, Girardi Keese.
In addition to prison time for the Girardi Keese fraud, the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star’s husband must pay over $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine. Prosecutors said Girardi used false promises and misleading statements to string along clients, fabricating reasons for delayed payments.
U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli condemned Girardi’s actions. “This self-proclaimed ‘champion of justice’ was nothing more than a thief and a liar who conned his vulnerable clients out of millions of dollars,” essayli said.
Girardi’s defense team had requested he serve his sentence in a mental health facility, citing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Judge Staton, however, deemed federal prison appropriate. Girardi appeared in court in a wheelchair and showed little emotion as the sentence was read.
Christopher Kamon,Girardi’s former chief of accounting,received a 10-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud earlier this year. David Lira, Girardi’s son-in-law and a former attorney at the firm, faces trial next month on related fraud charges.
Erika Jayne, Girardi’s estranged wife, is also facing a $24 million lawsuit connected to the Girardi Keese bankruptcy. Her trial is expected later this year.
“Tom sent lulling communications to the defrauded clients that, among other things, falsely denied that the settlement proceeds had been paid and falsely claimed that Girardi Keese could not pay the settlement proceeds to clients until certain purported requirements had been met,” prosecutors stated.
what’s next
The legal proceedings surrounding Girardi Keese’s collapse continue, with further trials and lawsuits expected to unfold in the coming months, perhaps revealing more about the extent of the fraud and its impact on victims.