On June 3, 2025, Tom Girardi, the once-celebrated attorney and husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, was sentenced to over seven years in prison for embezzling millions from his clients. The court also ordered him to pay $2.3 million in restitution to the victims of his financial misconduct. However, this restitution amount is merely a fraction of the total damages caused by Girardi’s actions, which have left a trail of devastation for clients who trusted him with their legal and financial affairs.
A Fall from Grace
Tom Girardi, a prominent figure in the legal world, built a reputation for taking on high-profile cases, including those involving corporate negligence and personal injury. His firm, Girardi Keese, was once a powerhouse, securing massive settlements for clients, such as the landmark case against Pacific Gas & Electric, which inspired the film Erin Brockovich. However, behind the veneer of success, Girardi was orchestrating a scheme that diverted settlement funds intended for clients into his personal accounts.
Prosecutors revealed that Girardi misappropriated millions, using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including private jets, luxury homes, and extravagant gifts for his wife, Erika Jayne. Victims, including widows, orphans, and accident victims, were left without the compensation they were rightfully owed, often facing financial ruin as a result.
The Sentencing: 7 Years and $2.3 Million in Restitution
During the June 3, 2025, sentencing hearing, the judge handed down a prison term of over seven years, citing the severity of Girardi’s crimes and the profound harm inflicted on vulnerable clients. The $2.3 million in restitution was ordered to partially compensate those affected, but legal experts and victims alike argue that this amount barely scratches the surface of the total losses, which are estimated to be in the tens of millions.
The court’s decision comes after Girardi’s disbarment in 2022 and the subsequent bankruptcy of Girardi Keese, which exposed the depth of his financial mismanagement. Despite the restitution order, many victims may never see full repayment, as Girardi’s assets have been significantly depleted through legal battles and personal expenditures.
Erika Jayne Speaks Out
Erika Jayne, Girardi’s estranged wife and a reality TV star, has faced intense scrutiny amid her husband’s legal troubles. In a recent interview, she opened up about coping with the fallout, describing the “hard times” that followed the collapse of Girardi’s empire. Jayne, who filed for divorce in 2020, has maintained that she was unaware of her husband’s illicit activities. However, she has been named in lawsuits alleging that she benefited from the misappropriated funds, with plaintiffs claiming that settlement money was used to bankroll her music career and luxurious lifestyle.
“These have been incredibly challenging years,” Jayne said. “I’m focused on rebuilding my life and moving forward.” While she has not been charged with any crimes, the legal and public pressure continues to mount, with many questioning her role and knowledge of the financial misconduct.
The Bigger Picture
The $2.3 million in restitution, while significant, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the full scope of Girardi’s actions. Investigations have uncovered a pattern of deceit spanning decades, with allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and breaches of fiduciary duty. The collapse of Girardi Keese has also raised questions about oversight in the legal industry, prompting calls for stricter regulations to protect clients from similar abuses.
For the victims, the sentencing offers a measure of justice, but the road to recovery remains long. Many are still fighting to recoup their losses, while others grapple with the emotional toll of being betrayed by a trusted advocate. As the legal saga continues, the true cost of Tom Girardi’s actions—both financial and human—may never be fully repaid.