Tom Girardi on trial

Disbarred attorney Tom Girardi, 85, took the witness stand in his federal trial, facing four counts of wire fraud for allegedly stealing over $15 million from clients between 2010 and 2020. He denied intentionally misleading clients, arguing that he withheld settlement funds for their own good, particularly to prevent drug abuse. Girardi's defense has centered on claims of cognitive decline, with his attorneys insisting he is mentally unfit, though a judge ruled him competent to stand trial. During his testimony, he expressed confusion about the status of his former law firm, Girardi Keese, which closed in 2020, and reminisced about his past successes, including the Erin Brockovich case. Emotional testimonies from former clients have illustrated the deep trust placed in him and their ensuing struggles to reclaim funds owed to them. Girardi's trial is ongoing, with the jury having heard significant evidence and witness accounts over the past two weeks.