Michael John Avenatti (born February 16, 1971) is an American attorney and entrepreneur. He has appeared on broadcast as well as in print media as a legal commentator and has represented parties in a number of prominent lawsuits, including cases brought against the National Football League, various celebrity defendants, high-ranking business executives, and Fortune 100 companies. He is also a professional race car driver, having participated in races in the United States and Europe.
Avenatti represents adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against President Donald Trump in an attempt to void a non-disclosure agreement she had signed. Avenatti also represents Daniels in a related defamation suit against Trump. In October 2018, a federal judge dismissed the defamation lawsuit and ordered Daniels to pay Trump's legal fees. Avenatti said he would appeal that decision; Daniels later said that Avenatti had initiated the suit against her wishes.