Thomas Girardi faced fresh accusations in a Los Angeles federal courthouse, where a client testified that Girardi had concealed key settlement terms involving $53 million. The case revolves around a settlement agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) following a home explosion that severely affected Joseph Ruigomez, a victim represented by Girardi.
Joseph Ruigomez and his family insisted they had not been provided with full disclosure of the settlement details when it was finalized in 2013. Ruigomez testified that Girardi had misrepresented the status and management of a portion of the funds, specifically claiming they were held in an interest-bearing account. However, the interest payments were said to be inconsistent, prompting Ruigomez to seek clarity over the years, which Girardi never provided. This testimony presents another layer in the unfolding legal troubles for Girardi, who is already under scrutiny for alleged financial mismanagement and fraud.
The defense argued that the firm’s tight control over funds was an effort to “protect” the victim, although this justification appeared to contrast sharply with the prosecution’s narrative. The ongoing trial seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding the financial dealings of Girardi’s law practice and its impact on clients.
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Bloomberg Law.