LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – On June 3, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that disgraced former attorney Thomas Vincent Girardi, once a high-profile figure in California’s legal scene, has been sentenced to 87 months (just over 7 years) in federal prison for embezzling millions from his clients.
The 86-year-old was convicted in August 2024 on charges tied to the theft of approximately $15 million from four of his clients—some of whom suffered life-altering injuries. Alongside the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton ordered Girardi to pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine.
Girardi must report to federal custody by July 17.
Once Prominent, Now Disgraced
Girardi was formerly a towering figure in personal injury law and a founding partner of the once-prominent firm Girardi Keese. But behind the scenes, federal prosecutors say he was orchestrating a large-scale fraud.
From 2010 through 2020, Girardi used client settlement money to fund a lavish lifestyle and keep his firm afloat, likening the scheme to a Ponzi operation. He and co-defendant Christopher Kamon, the firm’s chief financial officer, diverted funds from new settlements to pay off old debts and defrauded clients.
Prosecutors detailed how Girardi repeatedly lied to victims—telling them their settlements were delayed due to issues such as bankruptcy court procedures, phony tax obligations, and other fabricated claims. In reality, the money was used for personal and luxury expenses.
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Millions Spent on Private Jets, Luxury, and His Wife’s Business
Girardi’s misuse of client funds extended far beyond legal costs. Prosecutors revealed he funneled $25 million to EJ Global, a company run by his now-estranged wife, reality TV personality Erika Jayne, and spent millions more on private air travel, luxury automobiles, and exclusive club memberships.
Law License Revoked and Bankruptcy
As the financial misconduct unraveled, Girardi’s legal empire collapsed. In late 2020, amid lawsuits and mounting claims of misappropriated funds, Girardi Keese was forced into involuntary bankruptcy. The State Bar of California officially disbarred Girardi in July 2022.
Federal Investigation and Prosecution
The case against Girardi was the result of a thorough investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Office of the United States Trustee also provided support.