LOS ANGELES — An investigator for the State Bar of California and his wife received over $1 million in undisclosed gifts and payments from disgraced former attorney Tom Girardi and dozens of client complaints against the high-profile attorney were closed without any action taken, according to reports issued Friday.
The reports reveal the extent of Girardi’s allegedly decadeslong efforts to corrupt those at the State Bar who handle discipline complaints, likely impacting the handling and eventual improper closing of those grievances. The corruption attempts extended to at least nine former State Bar employees or board members who accepted items of value, travel or meals from the then-attorney who is currently facing federal charges, the bar association found.
Girardi’s relationship with then-State Bar investigator Tom Layton and his wife, Rose, was described in one report as “particularly remarkable.” Layton, who was fired from the association in 2015, received gifts and payments estimated at over $1 million from Girardi, through his firm, while Layton was employed at the bar, according to a report, which said the handouts were never properly disclosed.
Investigators found that Girardi is the godfather to Layton’s daughter and the two were close friends and had what was described by one witness as a “father-son-” type relationship. According to records from Girardi’s law firm, Girardi Keese, Layton, his wife and a business entity they ran together received over $600,000 in payments from the law firm while Layton was employed at the State Bar, according to the report.
The probe determined that Girardi Keese also leased Layton multiple cars over the years and gave Layton a firm credit card, which he used to pay for routine expenses. Layton also received a large bank loan that Girardi guaranteed and for which Girardi Keese made repayments. Girardi’s firm also employed two of Layton’s children while their father was employed at the State Bar,…
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