In a dramatic turn of events at the federal criminal trial of disgraced attorney Tom Girardi, the defense team has attempted to deflect blame onto a former associate of Girardi Keese law firm. The strategy unfolded during the cross-examination of prosecution witness Kimberly Archie on August 9, 2024, in a Los Angeles federal courtroom.
Girardi, 85, faces four counts of wire fraud for allegedly embezzling millions of dollars from his clients’ settlement funds. His trial, which began on August 6, has drawn significant attention due to his former high-profile status and connection to “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne.
During the cross-examination, Girardi’s defense attorney, Harland Braun, focused on the role of David Lira, Girardi’s former son-in-law and a longtime associate at the firm. Braun questioned Archie about Lira’s involvement in handling client funds, suggesting that Lira may have been responsible for the misappropriation of settlement money.
Archie, whose son died in a football-related incident and was represented by Girardi Keese, testified that Lira had been her primary contact at the firm. She stated, “David Lira was the one who called me and told me about the settlement.”
The defense’s strategy appears to be an attempt to create reasonable doubt by suggesting that others at the firm, particularly Lira, may have been responsible for the alleged fraud. This approach aligns with earlier court filings where Girardi’s team indicated they would argue that the firm’s former CFO, Christopher Kamon, was primarily responsible for financial mismanagement.
Prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Paetty, have alleged that Girardi used client funds as his “personal piggy bank,” including to finance his wife’s entertainment career. According to court documents, over $25 million was allegedly diverted to support Erika Jayne’s company, EJ Global.
The trial has broader implications for the legal community and has shed light on the operations of high-profile law firms. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton previously ruled that Girardi and Kamon would face separate trials due to conflicting defense strategies.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how effective the defense’s strategy of shifting blame will be. The prosecution is expected to present further evidence linking Girardi directly to the alleged fraud.
This case has captivated both the legal world and reality TV audiences, highlighting the intersection of celebrity, law, and alleged financial misconduct. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for how law firms handle client funds and the accountability of high-profile attorneys.
Citations:
[1] https://www.dailynews.com/2024/07/18/judge-agrees-that-estranged-rhobh-spouse-tom-girardi-should-be-tried-alone-in-embezzlement-case/
[2] https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/girardi-defense-tries-to-deflect-to-firm-associate-in-cross-exam
[3] https://www.vulture.com/article/tom-girardi-trial-erika-jayne.html
[4] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-22/tom-girardi-used-client-money-to-fund-wifes-entertainment-career
[5] https://twitter.com/maia_spoto/status/1821714926999847045
[6] https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/tom-girardi-and-the-real-housewives-trial-of-the-century
[7] https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/girardi-ex-cfo-face-separate-california-criminal-trials-2024-07-18/
Last modified: June 20, 2025
