Well known American trial lawyer specializing in high profile cases and disputes throughout the United States. Routinely featured in the media. Responsible for securing over $1 Billion in verdicts and settlements as lead counsel, including an April 2017 $454 Million verdict after a jury trial in Federal Court in Los Angeles in a fraud case against Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and Halyard Health (NYSE: HYH) that was featured on 60 Minutes; a $80.5 million class action settlement against Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) in another case featured on 60 Minutes and in the international press (settlement reached in the middle of trial); a $39 million settlement in a case involving the alleged theft of trade secrets; and a $13 million plus verdict after a six week jury trial in Palm Beach, Florida. In 2015, prevailed against the National Football League in a two week jury trial in Federal District Court in Dallas, Texas after obtaining a court order requiring Jerry Jones to attend trial and be cross-examined.

Following undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania, and while in law school at George Washington University, he served as a public relations consultant and strategist to litigants and political candidates on a national level. After graduating from GW, the law school established the Michael J. Avenatti Award for Excellence in Pre-Trial and Trial Advocacy, an annual award given to the member of the graduating Juris Doctor class who demonstrates excellence in pre-trial and trial advocacy. Has received numerous honors and awards, including being voted as the top trial lawyer of the year.