Michael Avenatti was an outspoken, self-described nemesis of President Donald Trump while representing adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Now, Reuters reports the 48-year-old celebrity lawyer faces an uncertain future, as he goes on trial on Monday.
Avenatti is charged with attempting to extort up to $25 million from Nike Inc, and defrauding a basketball coach he represented.
Avenatti says he is innocent and has tried to paint Nike as the real offender, describing the case against him as retribution for his attacks on Trump.
Prosecutors hope Avenatti’s own words, including some secretly recorded during negotiation sessions with Nike, will establish extortion.