Thomas Girardi, a once-celebrated American attorney, is known for his high-profile legal career and marriage to reality TV star Erika Jayne. As of 2025, Girardi, age 86, faces a dramatic fall from grace due to legal scandals, impacting his net worth, married life, and reputation. Previously a founding partner of Girardi & Keese, his career included landmark cases like the one inspiring Erin Brockovich. This article explores Girardi’s age, net worth, married life with Erika Jayne, salary, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his complex legacy.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Thomas Girardi’s Career
Born on June 3, 1939, in Denver, Colorado, Thomas Girardi’s age in 2025 is 86 years old. Raised in a modest Catholic household by parents Jerry and Angela Girardi, he attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles, graduating in 1957. His academic journey continued at Loyola Marymount University (bachelor’s degree, 1961), Loyola Law School (Juris Doctor, 1964), and New York University (LL.M., 1965). This rigorous education laid the foundation for his trailblazing legal career, positioning him as a formidable litigator.
Career Highlights: From Legal Titan to Disbarment
Thomas Girardi co-founded Girardi & Keese in 1965, a Los Angeles-based law firm specializing in personal injury and mass tort litigation. His groundbreaking achievement came in 1970, becoming the first California attorney to secure a $1 million medical malpractice award. His most notable case, against Pacific Gas & Electric, resulted in a $333 million settlement for Hinkley residents, inspiring the 2000 film Erin Brockovich. Girardi’s charisma and aggressive courtroom style earned him accolades, including induction into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame in 2002.
However, his career unraveled in 2020. Accused of embezzling $15 million from clients, including victims of the 2018 Lion Air crash, Girardi faced federal investigations. In 2022, he was disbarred by the California State Bar. By August 2024, he was convicted of four counts of wire fraud, sentenced to seven years in prison in June 2025, and ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution. A 2025 Chicago fraud trial looms, further tarnishing his legacy.
Thomas Girardi’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
At his peak, Thomas Girardi’s net worth was estimated at $264 million in 2015, driven by contingency fees (25-40% of settlements) from high-stakes cases. His firm reportedly earned $110 million in legal fees in 2016 alone. However, by 2025, his net worth plummeted to an estimated $100,000 due to bankruptcy, frozen assets, and legal penalties. His salary as a disbarred attorney is effectively zero, with his wealth eroded by debts exceeding $500 million, including $23 million owed to clients.
Girardi’s lavish lifestyle, including private jets and a $15 million Pasadena mansion, was partly funded by misappropriated client funds, as revealed in court documents. His financial collapse serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition in the legal profession.
Married Life and Dating: Erika Jayne and Beyond
Thomas Girardi’s married life has been a focal point of public interest, particularly his relationship with Erika Jayne, a singer and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star. Married in January 1999, their 32-year age gap drew attention. Girardi, then 59, met Jayne, 27, while she worked as a cocktail waitress at Chasen’s restaurant. Their marriage, featured on RHOBH, showcased a glamorous lifestyle but ended in November 2020 when Jayne filed for divorce amid Girardi’s legal troubles.
The divorce remains unresolved in 2025 due to Girardi’s conservatorship and financial disputes. Allegations surfaced that Girardi transferred $20 million to Jayne’s entertainment company, EJ Global LLC, prompting claims their divorce was a “sham” to shield assets. Jayne denied personal liability, stating in 2021, “I have no obligation to return gifts given to me by my husband.” Girardi’s earlier marriages to Karen Weitzul (1964–1983) and Kathy Risner (1993–1990s) produced one daughter, Jacqueline Lira, though details are private.
As for dating in 2025, there are no confirmed reports of Girardi pursuing new relationships, given his incarceration and health issues. His story highlights the intersection of wealth, fame, and personal relationships under public scrutiny.
Recent Updates: Legal and Personal Challenges in 2025
In August 2024, Girardi was convicted of wire fraud, marking a significant downfall. Sentenced on June 3, 2025, to seven years in prison, he must surrender to authorities by July 17, 2025. Diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2021, Girardi is under his brother Robert’s conservatorship. Despite his defense team’s claims of cognitive decline, a judge ruled him competent to stand trial in January 2024. His legal team plans to appeal the conviction, but his reputation as a “Champion of Justice” is irreparably damaged.
Erika Jayne addressed the verdict in a November 2024 interview with Extra, saying, “It’s hard to see someone you loved and respected end like this, but I must move on.” Girardi’s case underscores the fragility of public personas and the consequences of ethical breaches.
Unique Insights: The Human Cost of Girardi’s Actions
Beyond headlines, Girardi’s actions devastated clients like Joseph Ruigomez, a burn victim from a 2010 gas explosion. Ruigomez, who hired Girardi expecting justice, received only $1 million of a $12 million settlement, calling the ordeal a “nightmare.” This case study reflects the betrayal felt by many clients who trusted Girardi’s firm. Original analysis of court filings reveals a pattern of transferring funds to sustain a Hollywood lifestyle, raising questions about accountability in high-profile legal practices.
Thomas Girardi Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Vincent Girardi |
| Age | 86 (Born June 3, 1939) |
| Birthplace | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Education | Loyola Marymount University (1961), Loyola Law School (1964), NYU (1965) |
| Occupation | Former Attorney, Co-founder of Girardi & Keese |
| Net Worth (2025) | $100,000 (Estimated) |
| Salary (2025) | $0 (Disbarred) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Erika Jayne, filed 2020, unresolved) |
| Previous Marriages | Karen Weitzul (1964–1983), Kathy Risner (1993–1990s) |
| Children | Jacqueline Lira (from first marriage) |
| Notable Cases | $333 million PG&E settlement (1990s), inspired Erin Brockovich |
| Legal Status | Disbarred (2022), Convicted of Wire Fraud (2024), Sentenced (2025) |
| Health | Diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer’s (2021) |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California (under conservatorship, awaiting prison surrender) |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Triumph and Tragedy
Thomas Girardi’s journey from a legal luminary to a convicted felon is a stark reminder of how ambition can lead to downfall. His age, net worth, married life with Erika Jayne, and legal battles continue to captivate public interest. As he faces prison and an unresolved divorce, Girardi’s story offers lessons on ethics, trust, and the personal toll of professional missteps. For more details, visit his Wikipedia page or follow updates on X.
