Tom Girardi Net Worth: The Rise And Fall Of A Legal Titan

The Early Years

Tom Girardi, born on June 3, 1939, in Denver, Colorado, was the youngest of four siblings. His father was a railroad worker, and his mother was a homemaker. Girardi attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1961.

After graduating, Girardi went on to attend Loyola Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1964.

The Founding of Girardi & Keese

In 1970, Girardi co-founded the law firm Girardi & Keese with fellow attorney Robert Keese. The firm quickly gained a reputation for taking on high-profile cases and winning large settlements for their clients.

Girardi became known for his expertise in representing plaintiffs in personal injury and product liability cases, as well as his involvement in class action lawsuits. He was also a pioneer in the use of mock juries in trial preparation.

The Erin Brockovich Case

In 1993, Girardi and his firm took on a case involving Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) and the town of Hinkley, California. The case alleged that PG&E had contaminated the town’s water supply with a cancer-causing chemical called chromium-6.

Girardi and his team worked with legal clerk Erin Brockovich to gather evidence and build the case. In 1996, the case was settled for $333 million, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history.

The Rise of Tom Girardi’s Net Worth

Thanks to his success in high-profile cases like Hinkley, Girardi’s net worth began to soar. By the early 2000s, he was estimated to be worth over $100 million.

Girardi’s wealth allowed him to indulge in a lavish lifestyle. He owned multiple homes, including a $20 million mansion in Pasadena, California, and a private jet. He was also known for his philanthropic efforts, donating millions of dollars to charities and causes he supported.

The Fall of Tom Girardi’s Net Worth

However, Girardi’s fortunes took a dramatic turn in the early 2020s. In 2020, he and his firm were sued by several clients who alleged that Girardi had embezzled settlement funds that were meant for them.

In December 2020, Girardi’s firm filed for bankruptcy, citing the lawsuits and their inability to pay their debts. Girardi himself was later placed under a conservatorship due to his declining mental health.

The Current State of Tom Girardi’s Net Worth

As of 2023, it is unclear what Tom Girardi’s net worth is. His assets have been frozen due to the lawsuits against him, and he is unlikely to be able to resume practicing law due to his conservatorship.

Despite his fall from grace, Tom Girardi’s legacy as a legal titan remains. His contributions to the legal profession and his successful representation of clients in high-stakes cases are still remembered and celebrated by many.

The Lessons of Tom Girardi’s Story

The rise and fall of Tom Girardi’s net worth serves as a cautionary tale for those seeking success and wealth. While Girardi’s success was built on his legal expertise and his ability to win high-profile cases, his downfall was due to his alleged unethical behavior and disregard for his clients’ rights.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that success and wealth must be built on a foundation of integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Without these values, even the most successful career can come crashing down.

In conclusion,

Tom Girardi’s net worth story is one that is both fascinating and cautionary. His rise to success and wealth through his legal career was impressive, but his downfall due to his alleged unethical behavior serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and respect for others. As Girardi’s story continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see what lessons can be learned from his legacy.