Once a powerhouse in the legal world, Tom Girardi net worth has plummeted dramatically over the years.
From winning billion-dollar settlements to facing fraud convictions, his story is one of dramatic highs and lows. But where does his fortune stand in 2025?
Let’s explore his financial history, legal troubles, and what led to his downfall.
Tom Girardi Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Thomas Vincent Girardi |
| Popular Name | Tom Girardi |
| Birth Date | June 3, 1939 |
| Age | 85 (as of 03/26/2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Loyola Marymount University, Loyola Law School, New York University |
| Marital Status | Separated |
| Spouse | Erika Jayne (m. 2000), Kathy Risner (m. 1993–1998), Karen Weitzul (m. 1964–1983) |
| Children | Thomas Tommy Zizzo |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Robert Girardi |
| Parents | Albert H. Girardi |
| Height (meters) | N/A |
| Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Legal career, contingency fees, settlements |
What is the Net Worth Of Tom Girardi in 2025?
At one point, Tom Girardi net worth was estimated at $264 million.
However, due to multiple fraud lawsuits, bankruptcy, and legal troubles, his net worth has dwindled to $100,000 in 2025. Compared to other high-profile attorneys, this decline is shocking.
While Girardi once rivaled legal giants in earnings, he now faces the financial aftermath of embezzlement charges. His former lavish lifestyle, which included private jets, luxury estates, and multi-million-dollar legal fees, has all but disappeared.
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Tom Girardi Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
Career and Financial Rise
Tom Girardi built his wealth through high-profile legal cases.
As a co-founder of Girardi & Keese, he pioneered contingency-based law, taking a percentage of major settlements. His most famous case, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), resulted in a $333 million settlement and inspired the movie Erin Brockovich.
In 2007, he handled the $4.85 billion Vioxx settlement against Merck. His firm represented victims in aviation accidents, toxic exposure cases, and corporate lawsuits.
At his peak, Girardi’s annual earnings exceeded $100 million, driven by his percentage cut from massive legal victories. His estimated 2016 legal fees alone topped $110 million.
Lavish Lifestyle and Spending
Before his downfall, Girardi’s extravagant lifestyle was well-known. He owned:
- A $10 million Pasadena mansion (sold for $7.5 million in 2022)
- Two private jets
- $9 million worth of jewelry
- $3 million in antiques
He also spent $25 million funding his ex-wife Erika Jayne’s entertainment business. This spending became a major issue in lawsuits.
Financial Collapse and Legal Scandals
By 2020, Girardi’s financial troubles became public. A federal lawsuit accused him of embezzling settlement funds, including $2 million from Lion Air Flight 610 victims. His firm, Girardi & Keese, was forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
His stock portfolio, once valued at $50 million, dropped to almost nothing. Meanwhile, creditors sued for millions, including:
- Former law partners ($750,000+ claims)
- Security firms ($53,000 unpaid bills)
- His first wife (missed $10,000 monthly alimony payments)
Girardi testified in court that he “once had $80 million, but now had nothing.”
Disbarment and Criminal Charges
In 2022, Girardi was disbarred by the California State Bar after 205 complaints were ignored for decades. Investigations revealed his firm misused millions from clients.
By 2023, he was indicted in Los Angeles and Chicago for wire fraud, totaling $18 million stolen. In August 2024, he was found guilty and now faces up to 20 years in prison.
Key Locations in Girardi’s Financial History
Girardi & Keese (Los Angeles)
- Founded by Tom Girardi
- Handled multi-billion-dollar settlements
- Declared bankruptcy in 2020
Loyola Law School (Los Angeles)
- Girardi was a faculty member and major donor
- School removed his “Thomas V. Girardi Chair in Consumer Protection Law” after his scandal
Pasadena Mansion (California)
- Once valued at $10 million
- Sold for $7.5 million in 2022 to pay debts
California State Bar (San Francisco)
- Disbarred Girardi in 2022
- Accused of shielding him from lawsuits for decades
Lion Air Flight 610 Settlement (Chicago)
- Girardi embezzled $2 million from victims’ families
- Faces another fraud trial in 2025
Conclusion
Tom Girardi’s financial downfall is one of the most shocking in legal history. From a multimillionaire lawyer to a convicted fraudster, his story serves as a cautionary tale.
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