Thomas Girardi --- a lawyer in numerous high-profile cases like the case against Pacific Gas & Electric, popularly known as the "Erin Brokovich" trial --- has given a gift of $1 million to Loyola High School in Los Angeles.

A member of Loyola's class of '57, Girardi earmarked his gift for Loyola's 12-year, four-phase expansion to enhance and develop the school and its physical plant.

Girardi's gift will go in part to support construction of the William H. Hannon Science Hall and the Frank J. Ardolf and Frances R. Ardolf Academic Hall. The new science center and academic hall will centralize and expand the classrooms, laboratories and science faculty offices, allowing Loyola to increase the curricular offerings and enhance the technological resources and services on campus. In addition, his gift will support the first phase of the Campus Master Plan, including the refurbishment of Loyola Hall as well as the costs incurred in acquiring surrounding real estate for expansion.

"If you do well at Loyola, you don't have to study till your bar exam --- it's that good of an education," said Girardi, co-founder, Girardi & Keese law firm. "Former students like myself are so appreciative of that education, that they give back, helping to keep tuition at a more affordable level. Believe me, whatever good qualities I have came from Loyola."

Raised in Los Angeles, Girardi earned degrees from Loyola University and Loyola University Law School. He is the incoming president for the International Academy of Trial Lawyers