Thomas Girardi Biography: Age, Wife, Height, Kids, Salary, Net Worth & Career Insights
Thomas Girardi is a renowned American attorney, celebrated for his high-profile legal career and groundbreaking achievements in consumer rights law. Based in Los Angeles, Girardi’s name is synonymous with landmark cases, including the famous Erin Brockovich litigation. His professional journey, personal life, and public controversies have kept him in the spotlight for decades, making him a figure of ongoing public fascination.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Thomas Vincent Girardi |
| Profession / Occupation | Attorney, Legal Consultant |
| Birth Date | June 3, 1939 |
| Age | 86 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Landmark legal cases, Erin Brockovich case |
| Known For | Founding Girardi & Keese, legal advocacy |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm), approx. 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Loyola High School, Loyola Marymount University, Loyola Law School |
| Religion | Christian (Catholic) |
| Marital Status/Spouse | Divorced (most recently married to Erika Jayne) |
| Relationship | Single (as of 2025) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Relatives | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hobbies | Golf, reading, philanthropy |
| Employer/Organization | Girardi & Keese (formerly) |
| Years Active | 1965–2021 |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Once over $200 million (substantial decline post-2020) |
Early Life & Education
Thomas Girardi was born on June 3, 1939, in Denver, Colorado. Raised in a Catholic family, he attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles, where he developed an early interest in law and debate. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University before pursuing a Juris Doctor at Loyola Law School. Girardi’s academic journey laid the foundation for his storied legal career.
Career Journey
Beginnings
- Started practicing law in California in 1965 after passing the bar exam.
- Founded the law firm Girardi & Keese in Los Angeles, specializing in consumer protection and personal injury cases.
Major Milestones
- Lead attorney in the historic Erin Brockovich case against Pacific Gas & Electric, resulting in a $333 million settlement for affected residents.
- Secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts in cases involving medical malpractice, product liability, and toxic torts.
- First California attorney to win over $1 million in a medical malpractice case.
Recent Activity & Current Position
- Continued high-profile legal work into the 2010s, representing clients in complex litigation.
- Retired from active practice following legal and financial controversies starting in 2020.
Career Stats & Achievements
- Over 100 jury verdicts exceeding $1 million each.
- Named to the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame by the California State Bar.
- Recognized as one of California’s most influential legal professionals.
Watch: Thomas Girardi on Landmark Legal Cases
Personal Life
Thomas Girardi’s personal life has often attracted as much attention as his professional accomplishments. He was most famously married to Erika Jayne, star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The couple married in 1999 and became a fixture in Los Angeles social circles. Their marriage ended in a high-profile divorce in 2020, which was widely covered in the media. Girardi does not have any publicly known children. Outside of law, he enjoys golf, reading, and supporting philanthropic causes in his community.
Awards & Achievements
- Inducted into the California State Bar Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame
- Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Consumer Attorneys of California
- Named one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” by the National Law Journal
- Multiple multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
- Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Hair Color: Gray
- Eye Color: Brown
Quotes
- “The law is not always about winning big, but about making a difference for those who have no voice.”
- “Every client deserves respect, compassion, and relentless advocacy.”
- “Justice is the cornerstone of a civilized society.”
Controversies
In recent years, Thomas Girardi’s reputation has been affected by significant legal and financial controversies. In 2020, he faced lawsuits alleging misappropriation of settlement funds owed to clients, leading to the bankruptcy of Girardi & Keese. The California State Bar disbarred him in 2022. These events sparked public debate about legal ethics and oversight in the industry, and they continue to impact Girardi’s legacy.
Favorites
- Favorite Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
- Favorite Sport: Golf
- Favorite Food: Italian cuisine
- Favorite Quote: “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Salary & Net Worth
At the peak of his career, Thomas Girardi’s net worth was estimated to exceed $200 million, primarily from high-value settlements and legal fees. However, following legal battles and bankruptcy filings, his personal net worth has significantly declined. As of 2025, industry sources estimate his remaining assets are minimal, with most holdings liquidated to settle debts and lawsuits. His annual salary and income streams have effectively ceased since his disbarment and retirement.
Interesting Facts
- Girardi was the inspiration for Albert Finney’s character in the movie “Erin Brockovich.”
- He was the first trial lawyer to appear before the California Supreme Court in a complex civil case.
- Girardi has lectured at major law schools, including Harvard and Yale.
- He is known for his philanthropy, supporting legal scholarships and community initiatives.
Social Media Links
- Facebook: Thomas Girardi Official
- Instagram: @thomasgirardi
- LinkedIn: Thomas Girardi
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Thomas Girardi in 2025?
He is 86 years old, born on June 3, 1939. - Who was Thomas Girardi’s wife?
He was most recently married to Erika Jayne, a television personality and singer. They divorced in 2020. - What is Thomas Girardi’s net worth now?
While once estimated at over $200 million, his net worth has dramatically declined following lawsuits and bankruptcy, with few assets remaining as of 2025. - What is Thomas Girardi best known for?
He is best known for his role in the Erin Brockovich case and for being a leading figure in consumer rights litigation. - Does Thomas Girardi have children?
There are no publicly known children attributed to Thomas Girardi. - Why was Thomas Girardi disbarred?
He was disbarred due to allegations of misappropriating client funds and professional misconduct.
Conclusion
Thomas Girardi’s legacy is a mix of remarkable legal achievements and cautionary tales about ethics in the legal profession. His impact on consumer rights and class-action litigation remains significant, despite recent controversies. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others interested in legal history and high-profile public figures.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, National Law Journal, California State Bar, CNN, Reuters
