Avenatti Saga Spotlights Attorney Ethics, When to Draw Lines

Probably the last thing on Michael Avenatti’s mind right now is potential bar discipline in California as he faces federal allegations he stole from a client and tried to extort millions from Nike.

Yet the celebrity attorney’s unfolding saga raises questions anew and teachable moments broadly about conduct that may not draw the interest of the FBI, but may still push the boundaries of ethical representation, legal experts say.

Helping attorneys, especially future ones, to recognize the difference between aggressive advocacy and shakedowns should be of great interest to lawyers, said Robert Hillman, a University of California Davis law professor. ...