High-Profile Lawyer Found Guilty of Shocking Scheme

Tom Girardi, once a celebrated Los Angeles attorney, has been found guilty of orchestrating a massive Ponzi scheme, embezzling tens of millions from his clients while donating millions to Democratic causes.

At a Glance

Tom Girardi, a disbarred celebrity lawyer, was convicted of four counts of wire fraud.
He embezzled tens of millions from clients, including victims of disasters.
He donated millions to Democratic causes while defrauding clients.
Faces up to 80 years in prison, sentencing scheduled for December.
Additional federal wire fraud charges are pending in Chicago.

From Legal Titan to Convicted Fraudster

Tom Girardi, once a prominent Los Angeles attorney known for his work on high-profile cases, including the $333 million settlement against Pacific Gas and Electric depicted in the film “Erin Brockovich,” has fallen from grace. A federal jury in Los Angeles found Girardi guilty of four counts of wire fraud after a 13-day trial, marking a stunning downfall for the former legal powerhouse.

Girardi, who was disbarred in California in 2022, was convicted of embezzling tens of millions of dollars from his clients, many of whom were victims of major disasters. The prosecution presented damning evidence, including voicemails where Girardi gave false reasons for not paying awarded money to his clients.

A ‘Robin Hood in Reverse’

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada didn’t mince words when describing Girardi’s actions, calling him a “Robin-Hood-in-reverse.” The attorney’s fall from grace is particularly stark given his once-celebrated status and political connections.

“Tom Girardi built celebrity status and lured in victims by falsely portraying himself as a ‘Champion of Justice,'” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement after the verdict.

Girardi’s crimes were not victimless. Former clients who testified included an Arizona woman whose husband died in a boat accident and victims of a 2010 gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno. These individuals, already dealing with tragedy, were further victimized by the man they trusted to advocate for them.

Political Connections and Democratic Donations

While Girardi was swindling his clients, he was simultaneously donating millions to Democratic causes. This revelation raises serious questions about the oversight of political donations and the potential for fraudulent activities to be masked by political contributions.

The connection between Girardi’s fraudulent activities and his political donations underscores the need for greater scrutiny of campaign finance. It serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly reputable donors may be using ill-gotten gains to curry political favor.

What’s Next for Girardi?

Girardi’s legal troubles are far from over. He faces up to 80 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December. Additionally, he faces federal wire fraud charges in Chicago related to the theft of $3 million from families of victims of a 2018 Lion Air crash.

Despite attempts by his defense team to argue that he was not competent to stand trial due to Alzheimer’s disease, the judge ruled Girardi fit for trial. He remains free until sentencing, a decision that may raise eyebrows given the severity of his crimes and the potential flight risk.

As this case continues to unfold, it serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse of power and the importance of vigilance in both the legal and political spheres. The victims of Girardi’s fraud await justice, while the broader implications of his actions on political donations and legal ethics continue to reverberate.