(MONEY Magazine) – In the movie Erin Brockovich, the title character--a legal investigator played by Julia Roberts--tells her boss that their clients "don't even dream of being rich." But that's just what happened to the real-life plaintiffs portrayed in the movie. In 1996, 634 residents and former residents of Hinkley, Calif. recieved $333 million after a utility company polluted their water supply, which they believe resulted in serious health problems like cancer and miscarriages.

Instant wealth like this can be difficult to handle. But Louis Masry, president and CEO of Sunrise Financial Services--and son of the attorney who tried the case--is helping. Masry manages the finances of more than 100 of his father's former clients and helps them "understand the money," explaining everything from interest rates to market caps. He also advises Brockovich and says she's become quite savvy financially. "Instead of someone who spends her money on spiked heels, she spends money on [stocks]," he says.

His clients, some of whom were awarded millions, have gone from a middle-class lifestyle to new Jaguars and vacations in Hawaii. But most continue to work at their old jobs for the health benefits since, as Masry notes, pre-existing conditions make it hard for them to get private insurance. "To my clients, there is no money that will pay for what they go through, what their children go through and what their children's children will go through," Masry comments.

--ADRIENNE CARTER