Tom Girardi was spotted strolling out of the courtroom looking confused after testifying in his federal trial.

The 85-year-old former attorney and estranged husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne recently testified in his own defense.

He is charged with four counts of internet fraud for allegedly cheating clients out of $15 million in settlements between 2010 and 2020.

Girardi’s defense team has consistently argued that he is mentally unfit to stand trial due to cognitive decline. However, a federal judge ruled earlier this year that he is competent to proceed with the case.

As the last witness called by his lawyers, Girardi pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming that “every client got every penny that every client was supposed to get.”

A confused-looking Tom Girardi was caught shuffling out of court after testifying in his federal trial

The 85-year-old former attorney and estranged husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne recently testified in his own defense

Over the past two weeks, jurors in a Los Angeles courtroom have heard emotional testimony from Girardi’s former clients, describing the trust they placed in him and their subsequent struggles to collect the settlements he secured on their behalf. Some clients said they lost thousands, even millions, of dollars.

Girardi took the witness stand and answered questions for nearly an hour, beginning with his attorney, Samuel Cross.

He began his testimony by casting his former law firm, Girardi Keese, in a positive light, describing it as a successful and respected firm that he owned and ran for more than four decades.

Although he was present in court for all the testimonies, he claimed he could not remember the name of his attorney or the statements of several witnesses, according to entertainment reporter Kiki Monique (@thetalkofshame), who was present at the trial in person.

“The company has done so well because of the great people who worked there and still work there,” he said.

Later, his lawyer asked whether his law firm, which closed its doors and filed for bankruptcy in late 2020, was still operating.

“Is your law office still open, Tom?” Cross asked.

“Yes,” said Tom.

“Tom, what’s my name?” Cross asked.

“I don’t know,” Tom replied. “Bad, mean, horrible, it’s one of them.”

Monique added that he has repeatedly stated that he never took a salary and that he put the financial health of his clients first.

Girardi stressed his dedication to his work, saying he often worked more than 50 hours a week.

He mentioned notable cases he had handled, such as the lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric that was the subject of the film “Erin Brockovich.” He pointed out that Julia Roberts played the lead role in the award-winning film.

However, when his attorney asked Cross about specific instances in which he was accused of embezzling client money, Girardi downplayed his involvement and denied any wrongdoing.

Girardi is charged with four counts of wire fraud, in which he allegedly defrauded clients out of $15 million in settlement money they were owed for injuries they suffered at the hands of clients of his law firm between 2010 and 2020.

As the last witness called to testify by his lawyers, Girardi pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming that “every client got every penny that every client was supposed to get.”

When questioned about the Joseph Ruigomez case, in which Ruigomez received a $50 million settlement for injuries he suffered in the San Bruno gas explosion, Girardi admitted to involvement but denied any wrongdoing.

Other victims, such as Judy Selberg, who never received the full settlement for her husband’s death in a boating accident, testified that Girardi did not respond to their questions. Girardi claimed not to know which lawyers at his firm were handling these cases.

Girardi presented himself as a selfless lawyer dedicated to helping people in need. He stated that he entered the legal profession with the goal of helping people who had suffered harm.

Furthermore, he presented himself as a generous employer who put the well-being of his staff first and stressed that he never accepted a salary.

To address the embezzlement allegations, Girardi shifted the blame to his former CFO, Chris Kamon. Kamon was also charged with wire fraud involving the theft of client funds and a separate case involving embezzlement for personal gain. Girardi alleged that Kamon was adept at stealing millions of dollars.

When asked about his possible actions if he had known about the embezzlement earlier, Girardi became angry and said he would have taken legal action against Kamon.

The tone of the trial intensified when Assistant District Attorney Ali Moghaddas began his cross-examination. Moghaddas questioned Girardi’s well-being, to which Girardi sarcastically replied, “I don’t know. We’ll find out.”

Girardi’s defense team has consistently argued that he is mentally unfit to stand trial due to cognitive decline. However, a federal judge ruled earlier this year that he is competent to proceed with the case

Jayne seen with ex Girardi and son Tommy Zizzo when he was a child

Moghaddas confronted Girardi about misleading the Ruigomez family about their settlement amount, claiming that he had told them it was $5 million when it was actually $53 million. Girardi denied this, claiming that he would never lie to a client.

Under pressure from prosecutors, Girardi suggested that Ruigomez and another client had drug problems and implied that he was acting in their best interests by withholding settlement money. He claimed that Ruigomez’s mother had advised him against providing a large sum of money.

When prosecutors dismissed this explanation as a “story,” Girardi insisted it was true. He maintained that his firm promptly distributed the settlement money to families because of their interests. He reiterated that he had never taken a salary and would never consider stealing money.

Regarding the purchase of jewelry for his estranged wife, Erika, Girardi denied using client funds, insisting that each client was given their full due.

Towards the end of the cross-examination, Moghaddas referred to Girardi’s ability to persuade people. Girardi reacted uncertainly and looked at the jury. He stated that he wanted the jury to believe him, not just be persuaded by him.

The trial is almost over. Jury instructions and oral arguments are scheduled for the coming days.