Tom Girardi, a disbarred lawyer from California and a former star on “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” was declared guilty on Tuesday for embezzling over $15 million in settlement funds belonging to clients.

The 85-year-old was convicted of four counts of wire fraud at a federal court in Los Angeles, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He is set to be sentenced on December 6, facing up to 80 years in prison—20 years for each count.

Accused of swindling clients involved in personal injury cases, Girardi allegedly spent the misappropriated funds on luxury items such as private jets and golf club memberships, according to the attorney’s office.

“Tom Girardi gained fame and attracted victims by falsely presenting himself as a ‘Champion of Justice,'” stated U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “In truth, he acted like a Robin Hood in reverse, taking from those in need to finance a lavish, Hollywood lifestyle.”

Here are key details about Girardi and his trial.

Who is Tom Girardi?

Currently residing in Seal Beach in Orange County, California, Girardi is a disbarred celebrity attorney known for his role in a notable 1993 case against Pacific Gas & Electric over groundwater contamination, which inspired the 2000 film “Erin Brockovich.”

Girardi was once a significant figure within California’s legal circles, overseeing the Girardi Keese law firm, which fell into involuntary bankruptcy in late 2020, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He was disbarred by the State Bar of California in July 2022.

Additionally, Girardi has been a familiar face on “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” His legal disputes with Erika Jayne have become a narrative in recent seasons of the show and were featured in the 2021 docuseries “The Housewife and the Hustler.”

Overview of Girardi’s trial

During the trial that lasted 13 days, Girardi tried to place blame on Christopher Kamon, former chief financial officer of the now-closed Girardi Keese law firm, claiming he misled clients.

Kamon is also facing wire fraud charges and has pleaded not guilty. His trial in Los Angeles is scheduled for January, and he is facing additional charges for allegedly embezzling $10 million from the law firm for personal use, including home renovations and luxury cars.

YSL News has reached out to Girardi’s public defense counsel for comments regarding the verdict, as well as Kamon’s legal representatives.

Courtroom reactions to the verdict

According to Reuters, Girardi exhibited no visible reaction when the jury’s verdict was announced. His attorneys contended that he suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Earlier this year, a judge ruled that Girardi was competent to assist his legal team during the trial, KABC-TV reported. He currently lives in a memory care facility in Orange County and was released on a $250,000 bond.

Moreover, Girardi faces criminal charges in a separate case in Chicago, alleging he misused over $3 million in client funds intended for families of victims from the 2018 Lion Air Flight crash that claimed 189 lives in Indonesia. This trial is set to commence on March 3, 2025.

Girardi is accused alongside Kamon and his son-in-law, who also worked at the Girardi Keese firm. All three individuals have pleaded not guilty.