Thomas Vincent Girardi, also known as Tom Girardi, is a well-known American attorney who rose to prominence after being involved in some high-profile legal cases. Girardi was born on June 3, 1939, in Denver, Colorado, and has been a prominent player in the legal community for decades. He is best known for co-founding Girardi & Keese, a Los Angeles-based law company that specializes in consumer law, including toxic torts, wrongful deaths, and personal injury claims.
Girardi’s career is likely best remembered for his involvement in the case against Pacific Gas & Electric, which inspired the 2000 film “Erin Brockovich.” This case resulted in a $333 million settlement for Hinkley, California, residents who were exposed to tainted water. Girardi’s involvement in this case propelled him to national prominence, and he became a recognized member of the legal profession.
Throughout his career, Girardi has defended numerous clients in instances involving defective products, environmental hazards, and corporate malfeasance. His ability to secure substantial settlements and verdicts has made him one of the most successful attorneys in the United States. However, his reputation has been tarnished by recent legal issues, which have drawn intense scrutiny to his personal and professional life.
Tom Girardi Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Thomas Vincent Girardi |
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Famous For | Co-founder of Girardi & Keese, High-profile legal cases |
| Education | Loyola Marymount University (BA), Loyola Law School (JD), New York University (LLM) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Age | 85 years old (as of 2024) |
| Spouse(s) | Erika Jayne (m. 1999; filed for divorce 2020) |
| Children | Yes, from previous marriages |
| Net Worth | Subject to legal and financial disputes (formerly in tens of millions) |
| Notable Cases | Pacific Gas & Electric case (Hinkley, California), Vioxx settlement, Lockheed Martin litigation |
| Controversies | Accusations of embezzlement, fraud, bankruptcy, disbarment |
| Legal Firm | Girardi & Keese (co-founder, now bankrupt) |
| Awards & Honors | Numerous legal awards (prior to legal issues) |
| Disbarment | 2021 by the California State Bar |
Personal Life
Tom Girardi’s personal life has received as much attention as his professional career. He has three marriages, the most prominent of which was to Erika Jayne, a singer and star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The couple married in 1999, and their relationship was a major plot point on the reality TV show, propelling Girardi into the public glare beyond his law career.
Erika Jayne, who had been married to Girardi for 21 years, filed for divorce in November 2020. The divorce has been compounded by legal battles over Girardi’s assets, with suspicions that the divorce was used to protect them from creditors.
Girardi has no children with Erika Jayne, however he does have children from prior marriages. His family has mainly remained out of the spotlight, particularly as Girardi’s legal problems have escalated. His relationship with his children and other family members has been the topic of controversy, notably around the management of his estate and legal matters, as his health has deteriorated.
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Net Worth
Tom Girardi’s net worth was originally projected to be in the tens of millions, owing to his successful legal profession. However, his financial condition has changed dramatically as a result of the legal difficulties and consequent bankruptcy of his law company.
Girardi was famous for his extravagant lifestyle, which included a multimillion-dollar residence in Pasadena, California, luxury cars, and pricey art collections.
Girardi’s net worth in 2024 is a hotly debated topic. The bankruptcy proceedings revealed large debts, with creditors saying Girardi owed them millions of dollars.
The actual situation of Girardi’s money is unknown, but it is widely assumed that his assets have been significantly diminished as a result of the court judgments against him and ongoing litigation.
Controversy and Legal Issues
Tom Girardi’s former brilliant career has been marred by legal issues. The charges against him include embezzlement, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. These charges have resulted in numerous lawsuits from former clients, business partners, and creditors.
The most significant of these is the case concerning the victims of the 2018 Lion Air Flight 610 tragedy, in which Girardi was charged with misappropriating settlement cash intended for the victims’ relatives.
In addition to the legal challenges, Girardi’s personal life has been under examination. His divorce from Erika Jayne, as well as the date of the filing, have sparked speculation that the split was a planned attempt to protect assets.
The couple’s opulent lifestyle, which is supported by Girardi’s legal profits, has been attacked, particularly when details of his financial irresponsibility have emerged.
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