Legal issues surrounding Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne and her husband, well-known plaintiff’s attorney Thomas Girardi, have captivated both fans of the show and the legal profession alike. This intersection reminds listeners that real-world legal issues can have profound impacts on reality television, lawyers, and how both are viewed in the press, the entertainment industry, and among colleagues.

In Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 24, Host Jay Edelson, nationally recognized plaintiff’s attorney and Founder of Edelson PC, and Guest Kate Casey, the host of Reality Life with Kate Casey Podcast, discuss the ongoing allegations against Tom and Erika, the couple’s power dynamic, Tom’s fall from grace as a leading plaintiff’s lawyer, and how to handle a crisis in the entertainment industry.

Jay and Kate first discuss how the claims of Girardi taking client funds from widows and orphans of the Boeing Lion Air crash for his own use have captured the attention of both reality television and legal worlds (5:45). The combination of Tom’s fall from grace combined with his appearances on the Real Housewives has captured a unique audience of legal professionals and reality show fans.

Next, Kate gives her insight into the power dynamic of Tom and Erika’s relationship, the couple’s ongoing divorce proceedings, and how it is being portrayed on the show and in the press (8:05). Jay and Kate further dive into the opulent lifestyle that Tom and Erika portray on the show (11:05).

Later in the show, Kate and Jay chat about Tom’s legacy as a leading plaintiff’s bar lawyer as he faces legal pressure over allegedly using client funds (25:05). Tom went from the inspiration of the movie Erin Brockovich and landing massive settlements for his clients to allegedly embezzling the very client funds he swore to protect.

To wrap the show, Kate, a former crisis manager and PR professional for law firms, discusses how Erika is handling the legal drama in the media (32:25). Kate examines Erika’s response to the allegations and why she should take a different approach and be more willing to speak with attorneys and authorities to craft a better image. Although negative attention can give a reality star a high-profile, Kate explains that the allegations and being labeled a villain can have a detrimental impact to her brand (35:00).

Check out the show to hear more about the Real Housewives and how former cast members have been able to grow worldwide brands through the show (18:40).

If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a review. You can also send us an email at podcast@edelson.com with any questions or for guest booking.

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Listen to Kate’s podcast:

The Reality Life with Kate Casey: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reality-life-with-kate-casey/id1154758766

Check out Kate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateCasey

Recent Non-Compliant Podcast Episodes:
Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 23: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/non-compliant-podcast-episode-23-one-where-we-talk/id1491233296?i=1000503229823

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 22: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-22-one-where-law-students-take-on-big-law-climate/id1491233296?i=1000501895986

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 21: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-21-one-where-two-plaintiffs-attorneys-try-to/id1491233296?i=1000499995905