Former Girardi Keese lawyer Robert Finnerty finds himself facing serious charges in the California State Bar Court. The charges stem from allegations that Finnerty, while serving as a partner at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, participated in misleading clients about settlement payments alongside discredited lawyer Tom Girardi.
Central to the allegations is an incident involving a $53 million settlement following a catastrophic event involving the Ruigomez family. Their home fell victim to a devastating gas pipeline explosion that claimed the life of Joseph Ruigomez’s girlfriend and left him with severe burn injuries. According to the notice of disciplinary charges, Finnerty played a role in concealing this massive settlement from the Ruigomez family in cooperation with Girardi.
The case in question involved Pacific Gas & Electric, and the settlement was reportedly reached in 2013. The Bar Court’s documents reveal that the settlement was concluded without the Ruigomez family’s prior knowledge or approval, thereby violating ethical expectations. Finnerty and Girardi allegedly provided the family with only a signature page devoid of the comprehensive details of the settlement, further complicating the family’s ability to make informed decisions regarding their legal standing and financial compensation.
This is not the first time such allegations have rocked the legal community. The Girardi Keese firm, once a powerhouse in Los Angeles, has seen its reputation crumble. With the latest proceedings against Finnerty, the California State Bar signals continued efforts to uphold legal ethics and accountability among legal practitioners.
The implications of these charges extend beyond the individuals involved, prompting an industry-wide reflection on settlement practices and client disclosures, particularly in high-stakes litigation. As Finnerty’s case progresses, it raises critical questions for legal professionals about the ethical stewardship of client trust and the identification of settlement protocols that protect all parties’ interests.