When it comes to high-profile attorneys, Tom Girardi is a name that stands out. Known for his immense success in personal injury law, his career has been marked by numerous high-profile cases, most notably the legal battle in the Erin Brockovich case. With a long and illustrious career, many people wonder: what is Tom Girardi’s net worth? In this article, we will take a deep dive into Girardi’s wealth, his professional achievements, and how his financial standing has evolved over time.

See Tom Girardi at a glance

  • Category: Richest Business › Lawyers
  • Net Worth: $100 Thousand
  • Profession: Lawyer

Who is Tom Girardi? A Brief Overview

Tom Girardi is a prominent American lawyer and the founder of the prestigious law firm Girardi & Keese, based in Los Angeles, California. He made a name for himself in the legal world by representing clients in major cases that resulted in significant settlements, particularly in personal injury law. Over the years, he has earned the trust and admiration of many for his advocacy and legal expertise.

Girardi became a household name when he represented the people of Hinkley, California, in the Erin Brockovich case, where he helped secure a massive settlement from Pacific Gas and Electric Company for environmental contamination. His career is also marked by his role as the attorney in some of the largest mass tort and class action lawsuits in history.

Tom Girardi’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, estimates of Tom Girardi’s net worth vary, but many sources agree that his wealth is substantial, having accumulated millions over the decades through his legal practice. However, his fortune has been clouded by recent legal troubles, including allegations of financial misconduct.

At the height of his career, Girardi was known to be a millionaire. His law firm was one of the top firms in Los Angeles, and he represented wealthy clients, often winning multi-million-dollar settlements. At the peak of his career, some estimates suggested his net worth was as high as $264 million.

However, Girardi’s financial situation took a dramatic turn in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Reports surfaced in 2020 that Girardi & Keese was facing financial troubles, and there were allegations that Girardi had embezzled funds from clients, particularly victims of personal injury and tragedy.

Tom Girardi’s Legal Career and Key Cases

Girardi’s career took off in the 1970s when he founded his law firm. His big break came when he secured a landmark victory in the Erin Brockovich case, representing residents of Hinkley, California, against PG&E for water contamination. The case led to a $333 million settlement, one of the largest of its kind at the time.

Beyond the Erin Brockovich case, Girardi handled several high-profile cases, including litigation against the airline industry, medical malpractice, and defective product lawsuits. His aggressive pursuit of justice for his clients earned him a reputation as one of the best personal injury attorneys in the country.

Throughout his career, Girardi became known for his unique ability to take on corporations and institutions, making him a respected and often feared figure in the legal world. His contributions to the legal field earned him accolades, including being named to the list of “Best Lawyers in America.”

How Did Tom Girardi Build His Wealth?

Tom Girardi’s wealth was primarily built through the successful settlements and verdicts he achieved in the courtroom. Girardi & Keese, his law firm, grew significantly under his leadership, and it became one of the most successful firms in Los Angeles.

His strategy of taking on massive cases involving large corporations allowed him to charge contingency fees. In such cases, the lawyer is paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict, which in Girardi’s case often ran into millions of dollars. With high-profile clients and a track record of success, Girardi was able to command high fees, contributing to his wealth.

In addition to his work in personal injury law, Girardi also gained attention for his role in the legal and business communities. He was a regular fixture in media and often attended high-profile events, which helped build his brand and attract new clients.

Tom Girardi’s Fall from Grace: Legal Troubles and Bankruptcy

While Girardi’s legal career was once synonymous with success, his fall from grace was swift and dramatic. In 2020, Tom Girardi and his law firm were hit with a series of lawsuits and allegations of financial mismanagement.

The most significant of these was the accusation that Girardi had embezzled funds from his clients, including funds intended for the families of plane crash victims. The situation became even more complicated when Girardi filed for bankruptcy, revealing the extent of his financial troubles. In 2021, it was reported that Girardi & Keese owed millions of dollars in unpaid debts and settlements.

Furthermore, Tom Girardi’s finances were scrutinized as it came to light that he had used client funds for personal expenses. These revelations shocked many in the legal community, as Girardi had built a reputation for being a powerful and respected attorney. However, his financial troubles and legal disputes significantly tarnished his once-sterling reputation.

The Impact of Girardi’s Legal Issues on His Net Worth

Girardi’s net worth has undoubtedly taken a massive hit due to the legal troubles that emerged in the past few years. The bankruptcy filings and lawsuits have highlighted how precarious his financial standing became as a result of his actions. In addition, Girardi was accused of fraud, and there were even claims that he had misappropriated funds that were meant for clients in settlement deals.

While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact figure for Girardi’s current net worth, many estimates suggest that it has drastically diminished from its peak. The fall from wealth to financial ruin has been swift, with reports indicating that his personal assets have been severely impacted by the legal battles.

What’s Next for Tom Girardi?

As of 2025, Tom Girardi’s future remains uncertain. His legal and financial troubles continue to unfold, and many are wondering if he will ever recover from the damage done to his reputation and wealth. At this point, it is unclear whether Girardi will ever fully pay back the clients he allegedly stole from, and if his law firm will be able to survive.

Moreover, with his involvement in high-profile cases and his significant public profile, Girardi’s story is likely to continue making headlines for the foreseeable future. Whether or not he can rebuild his career or finances remains to be seen.

FAQ

Q1: How did Tom Girardi become famous?
A1: Tom Girardi became famous for his work on the Erin Brockovich case, where he secured a $333 million settlement for residents of Hinkley, California, who were affected by toxic water contamination.

Q2: What is Tom Girardi’s current net worth?
A2: As of 2025, Tom Girardi’s net worth has significantly decreased due to legal troubles and financial misconduct. While exact numbers are difficult to confirm, his wealth is believed to have been drastically impacted.

Q3: What happened to Tom Girardi’s law firm?
A3: Tom Girardi’s law firm, Girardi & Keese, filed for bankruptcy in 2021 due to financial difficulties and allegations of fraud and embezzlement, tarnishing the firm’s reputation.

Q4: Is Tom Girardi still practicing law?
A4: No, Tom Girardi is no longer practicing law. His legal troubles and bankruptcy have led to his removal from the legal field.

Conclusion

Tom Girardi’s rise to fame and fortune in the legal world was swift and meteoric. His involvement in landmark cases such as Erin Brockovich’s has solidified his place in legal history. However, his financial decline, due to legal troubles and alleged financial misconduct, has cast a long shadow over his once-illustrious career.

As of 2025, his net worth has significantly decreased from its peak, and his legal battles are far from over. Whether or not Girardi will be able to bounce back from this difficult period remains a question that only time will answer. For now, Tom Girardi’s net worth serves as a cautionary tale about the fine line between success and downfall.