Disgraced Los Angeles celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi has been deemed competent to stand trial on charges of embezzling over $15 million from his clients. A federal judge issued a notice of the order on Tuesday, and both sides’ lawyers were given five days to review and identify any information for potential confidentiality. Girardi, 84, is the estranged husband of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne.
Last year, Girardi pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles to wire fraud charges related to the alleged embezzlement. The charges include stealing funds from various clients, such as an Arizona widow whose husband died in a boat accident, a Los Angeles couple involved in a car wreck that left their son paralyzed, and a man severely burned in the 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion. If convicted, Girardi could face decades in federal prison.
The competency hearing focused on determining whether Girardi comprehended the charges against him and could assist in his defense. His defense argued that Alzheimer’s disease, with which he has been diagnosed, left him confused with memory problems, rendering him unable to participate in the trial. Currently residing in the memory care unit of a nursing home, Girardi’s lawyers claimed his cognitive decline impacted his ability to contribute to his defense. The Associated Press sought comments from Girardi’s public defenders but did not receive responses.
Prosecutors contested Girardi’s assertions, alleging that he was exaggerating his symptoms. Once renowned as one of the nation’s leading plaintiff’s attorneys, Girardi gained prominence by taking on powerful entities such as corporations, movie studios, and Pacific Gas and Electric. His noteworthy case against PG&E led to a $333 million settlement, dramatized in the 2000 film “Erin Brockovich,” starring Julia Roberts. However, Girardi’s legal career unraveled, culminating in his disbarment in California in 2022 due to client thefts.
Apart from the California case, Girardi faces federal wire fraud charges in Chicago, where he is accused of stealing approximately $3 million from the family members of victims of a 2018 Lion Air crash that claimed 189 lives. The Chicago court is anticipated to align its decision on Girardi’s competency with the recent ruling in California.
Girardi’s downfall represents a stark contrast to his earlier legal successes and prominence. The legal battles surrounding his alleged embezzlements have not only led to his disbarment but also triggered a range of legal troubles. The unfolding legal drama continues to raise questions about Girardi’s legacy and the consequences he may face for his actions.