who is the real lawyer from erin brockovich

by Blaise Cormier DVM 8 min read

Tom Girardi

Full Answer

Who represents Thomas Girardi?

Girardi has handled major cases against the former Lockheed Corp (now the Lockheed Martin Corp.), Pacific Gas & Electric Co, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Hollywood's seven major movie studios.

Is Ed Masry Tom Girardi?

Girardi's career includes his work with Ed Masry on the environmental contamination case dramatized in the film “Erin Brockovich” in 2000 and his representation of families of victims of the Lion Air crash in 2018 that killed all 189 on board.

How much did Tom Girardi make from Erin Brockovich?

His famous case against Pacific Gas & Electric was the inspiration for the movie Erin Brockovich, and awarded $333 million to 650 residents in Hinkley, CA.

What is Thomas Girardi famous for?

Tom Girardi is an American attorney. The 82-year-old is known for being a highly-successful consumer lawyer in California at his firm, Girardi & Keese. The high-powered attorney has won billions of dollars in judgments for his clients, taking on malpractice cases.

Where is Thomas Girardi?

Tom, 82, is currently staying at an assisted living facility as he continues to battle dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's. His younger brother, Robert, was officially made his conservator in July 2021.

How much did Ed Masry get from the settlement?

a $333 millionMasry, a crotchety criminal and tort lawyer, and Erin Brockovich, a self-trained legal assistant, filed a class-action suit in 1993 against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In 1997, they, joined by two large law firms, won a $333 million settlement on behalf of 648 residents of the town of Hinkley, Calif.

Is Erin Brockovich based on Tom Girardi?

High profile L.A. lawyer Tom Girardi, who partly inspired the film Erin Brockovich, is embroiled in some serious legal troubles.

Is Erika Girardi still rich?

The richest Real Housewives of Beverly Hills … of all time! While scandal-ridden Erika Jayne's net worth recently plummeted to a paltry US$5 million after her divorce, long-time cast member Kyle Richards has used the reality show to grow her wealth into a US$100 million empire.

What does Tom Girardi do for a living?

LawyerEducatorThomas Girardi/Professions

How much is Erika Jaynes net worth?

$5 millionSo… what is Erika Jayne's net worth? Well, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Erika is worth $5 million, which is impressive on its own but just a fraction of how much Tom was worth before a judge froze his assets.

Where is Erin Brockovich from?

She has two brothers, Frank Jr. and Thomas (1954–1992), and a sister, Jodie. She graduated from Lawrence High School, then attended Kansas State University, in Manhattan , Kansas, and graduated with an Associate in Applied Arts Degree from Wade College in Dallas, Texas.

Who played Erin Brockovich in Pacific Gas and Electric?

Brockovich's work in bringing litigation against Pacific Gas & Electric was the focus of the 2000 feature film, Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts in the title role. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Writing in a Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. Erin Brockovich herself had a cameo role as a waitress named Julia R.

How much did Brockovich get paid for the case?

The case was settled in 1996 for US$ 333 million, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in United States history. Masry & Vititoe, the law firm for which Brockovich was a legal clerk, received $133.6 million of that settlement, and Brockovich herself received a settlement of $2 million.

What lawsuit did Brockovich and Masry file against the school district?

Brockovich and Masry alleged that 300 cancer cases were linked to the oil wells. Subsequent testing and epidemiological investigation failed to corroborate a substantial link, and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Wendell Mortimer granted summary judgment against the plaintiffs. In May 2007, the School District announced that it was to be paid $450,000 as reimbursement for legal expenses.

What documentary did Brockovich appear in?

Brockovich had a more extensive role in the 2012 documentary Last Call at the Oasis, which focused on not only water pollution but also the overall state of water scarcity as it relates to water policy in the United States.

Where was the prime tanning lawsuit filed?

Brockovich assisted in the filing of a lawsuit against Prime Tanning Corp. of St. Joseph, Missouri in April 2009. The lawsuit claims that waste sludge from the production of leather, containing high levels of hexavalent chromium, was distributed to farmers in northwest Missouri to use as fertilizer on their fields.

Where is Brockovich's storage facility?

In early 2016, Brockovich became involved in potential litigation against Southern California Gas for a large methane leak from its underground storage facility near the community of Porter Ranch north of Los Angeles.

Who is Tom Girardi's wife?

The Truth About Tom Girardi's Connection To Erin Brockovich. The Bravo-verse was shocked when Erika Jayne not only announced that she and her husband, lawyer Tom Girardi, were divorcing after 21 years of marriage, but that Tom was also charged with stealing or misappropriating over $13 million in settlements meant for his clients.

Who is Tom Girardi?

Tom Girardi was the actual, real-life attorney who stepped in to help Erin Brockovich get justice for the residents of Hinkley, Calif. back in 1993. However, if you're looking for him in the movie, you won't find a guy named Girardi in the Julia Roberts film "Erin Brockovich." Instead, they turned the Girardi character into a fellow named Kurt Potter, played by Peter Coyote. However, Girardi was an advisor on the film and was closely involved with turning the true story into an Oscar-winning motion picture.

Who is Erin Brockovich?

Who the Real Erin Brockovich? In the 90s, a small town in Hinkley, California made headlines after it was discovered that something sinister was going on in the city. The people there had settled into their own way of life, but things in the town were quickly changing.

Who won the direct arbitration case against Pacific Gas and Electric?

Led by Erin Brockovich, who was just a simple law clerk at the time, a group of residents eventually got together and won a huge direct-arbitration against Pacific Gas and Electric. The courts found the company was liable for dumping the dangerous chemical. The settlement from the company was at that time, the largest payout on record ...

What is the real Erin Brockovich?

The real Erin was the youngest of four children born in Lawrence, Kansas. After earning an Associate degree in Applied Arts from Wade College in Dallas, Texas, she moved to California in 1982.

How much did Brockovich get from the settlement?

Brockovich’s attorneys received 133.6 million dollars from the settlement, while Brockovich herself received two million as a bonus. However, in the real story, Brockovich’s attorneys held onto her portion of the money for six months. They finally paid her portion after she threatened several lawsuits.

How to contact Hameroff Law Firm?

To schedule a free initial consultation with a Tucson personal injury attorney at The Hameroff Law Firm, PC, call (520) 792-4700. We offer honest answers and caring support from an experienced legal team. Our Tucson personal injury firm has more than a quarter century of experience.

Who was the actress in the 2000 movie "Against PG&E"?

Brockovich’s work against PG&E was the focus of the 2000 feature film, starring Julia Roberts. The film earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Writing in a Screenplay. Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal ...

How much did the PG&E lawsuit cost?

PG&E settlement: When the case against PG&E settled in 1996 for $333 million, it was the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in United States history.

Who is Erin Brockovich?

Erin Brockovich is a true American hero who’s icon status and “stick-to-it-iveness” only fuels her determination to expose injustice and lend her voice to those who do not have one.

Why did Erin Brockovich become a household name?

Over time, Erin realized that she could use her notoriety to spread positive messages of personal empowerment and to encourage others to stand up and make a difference.

How many seasons did Erin Brockovich host Final Justice?

Then, for three seasons, Erin hosted the Lifetime series, “Final Justice With Erin Brockovich”. The show celebrated everyday women who triumphed when faced with overwhelming adversity.Erin Brockovich has conquered all forms of media….

How long has Julia Roberts been in Erin Brockovich?

It’s been 12 years since Julia Roberts starred in the Oscar-winning tour de force “Erin Brockovich”. The film turned an unknown legal researcher into a 20th century icon by showcasing how her dogged persistence was the impelling force behind the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history. Since then, Erin hasn’t been resting on her laurels… she continues to fight hard and win big!

What was Erin Brockovich's first TV show?

Her first TV project was ABC’s 2001 special “Challenge America With Erin Brockovich” where she helped motivate and organize the rebuilding of a dilapidated park in downtown Manhattan. This show is best described as “Extreme Make-Over Home Edition” on steroids.

Where does Erin live?

Erin lives in Southern California with her husband, three children and 5 Pomeranians and admits to one guilty pleasure… shopping!

Where did Erin and her husband live?

When she realized that beauty pageants weren’t her thing, Erin, her husband and two children settled in Reno , Nevada. After divorcing, the single mother became a secretary at a brokerage firm where she met and married her second husband. But that marriage was short lived and the now mother of three was solo again.

Who played Erin Brockovich?

The film is a dramatization of the true story of Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts, who fought against the energy corporation Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) regarding its culpability for the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident. The film was a box-office success, and gained a positive critical reaction.

How much did Erin Brockovich make in 2000?

Erin Brockovich was released on March 17, 2000, in 2,848 theaters and grossed $28.1 million on its opening weekend. It went on to make $126.6 million in North America and $130.7 million in the rest of the world for a worldwide total of $257.3 million.

Why does Ed visit Erin in Hinkley?

Later, Ed visits Erin because he needs the documents she found while investigating, and she takes the chance to request her job back in return. Rehired, she continues her research, and over time, visits many Hinkley residents and gains their trust. Ed and Erin hold a barbecue in order to speak to many of the residents and explain to them what PG&E has been trying to get away with, at which point Erin is awkwardly flirted with by one of the men. Erin and Ed find numerous medical problems in Hinkley, and that virtually everyone has been treated by PG&E's doctors who have led them to believe their issues are unrelated to the "safe" chromium. The Jensens' claim for compensation ultimately becomes a major class action lawsuit. Unfortunately, Ed explains that all direct evidence is linked solely to PG&E Hinkley, rather than PG&E corporate. Until headquarters can be implicated, PG&E corporate can deny any knowledge of what's happening in Hinkley.

What does Erin know about Charles's cousin?

Erin realizes Charles has been trying to communicate with her, and is finally able to listen to his story. Charles tells Erin he and his cousin were both employees with PG&E Hinkley. Heartbroken, he tells her his cousin has just died; dying a painful death from the poison he interacted with at PG&E.

How much did Ed give Erin in the aftermath?

She begins complaining loudly that she deserves more respect, but is astonished to find that he has increased it—to $2 million.

Who is the waitress in Traffic?

Soderbergh received a separate Best Director nomination for Traffic, another film released that same year, which he won. Early in the film, the real Erin Brockovich has a cameo appearance as a waitress named Julia; the real Ed Masry also appears in the same scene.

Was Brockovich ever Miss Wichita?

Brockovich had never been Miss Wichita; she had been Miss Pacific Coast. According to Brockovich, this detail was deliberately changed by Soderbergh as he thought it was "cute" to have her be beauty queen of the region from which she came. The "not so good employee" that met Brockovich in the bar was Chuck Ebersohl.

Who played Brockovich in the movie?

If that name sounds familiar, it's probably because of the critically-acclaimed film of the same name from the year 2000 that starred Julia Roberts as the trash-talking, cleavage-baring legal clerk who built a case against Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Roberts even won Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her portrayal of Brockovich. Why is her story so significant, you ask? Brockovich, never having had a formal law education, won a $333 million settlement for 650 residents of Hinkley, California with the help of a high-powered legal team including, you guessed it, Thomas Girardi.

Why is the Brockovich case so famous?

The Brockovich case is perhaps famous now because of the movie's longevity over 15 years later, but back then, the film was made because of the notoriety of the case, and that's partially due to Girardi. He may not be a household name (yet), but he's definitely a star player in his own right.

Who is Erika Jayne's husband?

While Erika Jayne is making waves as the fun and flashy new addition to the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, it's her husband who is getting lots of media attention. Thomas Girardi may be raising a few eyebrows due to the significant age gap between him and his pop star wife (that's 30 years, for those keeping count), I think one of the most fascinating facts about the high-powered California attorney is Thomas Girardi 's link to Erin Brockovich.

image

Overview

Erin Brockovich (born Pattee; June 22, 1960) is an American legal clerk, consumer advocate, and environmental activist who, despite her lack of education in the law, was instrumental in building a case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) involving groundwater contamination in a town in California with the help of attorney Ed Masry in 1993. Their successful lawsuit was the subject of the Oscar-winning film, Erin Brockovich (2000), starring Julia Roberts as Brockovich and Albert …

Early life

Brockovich was born Erin Pattee in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Betty Jo (born O'Neal; c. 1923–2008), a journalist, and Frank Pattee (1924–2011), an industrial engineer and football player. She has two brothers, Frank Jr. and Thomas (1954–1992), and a sister, Jodie. She graduated from Lawrence High School, then attended Kansas State University, in Manhattan, Kansas, and graduated with an Associate in Applied Arts Degree from Wade College in Dallas, Texas.

Pacific Gas & Electric litigation

The case (Anderson, et al. v. Pacific Gas & Electric, file BCV 00300) alleged contamination of drinking water with hexavalent chromium (also written as "chromium VI", "Cr-VI" or "Cr-6") in the town of Hinkley, near Barstow in southern California. At the center of the case was a facility, the Hinkley compressor station, built in 1952 as a part of a natural-gas pipeline connecting to the San Francisco Bay Area. Between 1952 and 1966, PG&E used hexavalent chromium in a cooling tow…

Other litigation

Working with Edward L. Masry, a lawyer based in Thousand Oaks, California, Brockovich went on to participate in other anti-pollution lawsuits. One suit accused the Whitman Corporation of chromium contamination in Willits, California. Another, which listed 1,200 plaintiffs, alleged contamination near PG&E's Kettleman Hills compressor station in Kings County, California, along t…

Awards

• Honorary Doctor of Laws and commencement speaker at Lewis & Clark Law School, Portland, Oregon, in May 2005
• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and commencement speaker at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, on May 5, 2007
• Honorary Master of Arts, Business Communication, from Jones International University, Centennial, Colorado

Movies and television

Brockovich's work in bringing litigation against Pacific Gas & Electric was the focus of the 2000 feature film, Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts in the title role. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Writing in a Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. Erin Brockovich herself ha…

Books and articles

Brockovich's first book, Take It from Me: Life's a Struggle But You Can Win (ISBN 978-0071383790), was published in 2001. A second book, Superman's Not Coming, was released on August 25, 2020.
In 2021, Brockovich wrote about hormone-disrupting chemicals (such as PFAS) decimating human fertility at an alarming rate.

Personal life

Brockovich has three children: a son Matthew and a daughter Katie from her first marriage to Shawn Brown, and a daughter Elizabeth "Beth" from her second marriage to Steven Brockovich. Her third husband was an actor and country music DJ, Eric L. Ellis. As of 2016, Brockovich resides in Agoura Hills, California, in a house she purchased in 1996 with her US$2.5 million bonus after the Hinkley settlement.