In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Chicago has established a trial date of March 3, 2025, for David Lira and Christopher Kamon, former members of the now-defunct law firm associated with disbarred California attorney Tom Girardi. The duo faces serious charges of misappropriating millions in client funds, casting a shadow over their legal careers.
U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland, presiding over the case, opted to temporarily halt Girardi’s own criminal proceedings. The decision regarding whether to conduct a separate hearing on Girardi’s competency has been postponed until after a crucial May trial in Los Angeles, where he faces related charges.
During the recent status hearing, Judge Rowland voiced her inclination, stating, “My gut is we should put that off until we see what happens in that trial.” This strategic delay raises questions about the overall trajectory of the legal battle surrounding Girardi and his former associates.
Last February, prosecutors in both Chicago and Los Angeles accused Girardi of siphoning more than $18 million from his firm’s clients. The 84-year-old attorney has maintained his innocence in both cases, with his legal team asserting that he is not mentally fit to stand trial.
Christopher Kamon, also implicated in both Chicago and Los Angeles cases, faces additional wire fraud charges related to the alleged embezzlement of $10 million from the defunct Girardi Keese law firm. Federal prosecutor Corey Rubenstein disclosed at the recent hearing that Kamon is exploring the possibility of a comprehensive resolution for his legal troubles.
Meanwhile, David Lira, solely charged in Chicago, pleaded not guilty to accusations that he, along with Girardi and Kamon, misappropriated over $3 million in client funds meant for families affected by the 2018 Boeing 737 MAX Lion Air Flight 610 crash in Indonesia, which claimed the lives of all 189 onboard.
Damon Cheronis, Lira’s attorney, speculated about Kamon reaching a settlement, leaving his client to face the charges alone in the courtroom. The unfolding dynamics and potential negotiations underscore the complexity of the legal landscape surrounding Girardi and his former colleagues.
In a parallel development, Seema Ahmed, Girardi’s federal public defender in Chicago, expressed frustration during the hearing, emphasizing the need to independently assess Girardi’s competency apart from the ongoing Los Angeles proceedings. Ahmed asserted, “I don’t think that’s their place to decide it,” signaling a potential divergence in legal strategies.
As the legal saga continues to unfold, the March 2025 trial date looms large, promising a high-stakes courtroom drama that could reshape the fates of those entangled in the Girardi firm’s tumultuous downfall.
