Avenatti's Audacious New Chapter: Jailed Lawyer Alleges $100 Million Extortion by 'Trump-Hating' Law Firm

Well, folks, it seems Michael Avenatti, even from the confines of a prison cell, isn't quite done with his legal battles. In a move that's classic Avenatti, the once-flamboyant attorney has just launched a rather audacious lawsuit, turning the tables on a law firm he claims is trying to extort him for a truly eye-watering sum: $100 million, no less.

Avenatti, currently serving time for a string of serious federal crimes – including embezzling from clients, mind you – has filed this surprising suit against the Los Angeles firm Dovel & Luner. He’s accusing them of attempting to shake him down with what he labels a completely 'bogus' mortgage fraud case. It’s quite the twist, isn't it?

Now, why would Dovel & Luner be suing Avenatti for mortgage fraud in the first place? Well, it all ties back to a pair of his former clients, Fred and Maria Santiago. They claim Avenatti essentially pilfered nearly a million dollars from them. This was money, believe it or not, that was supposed to be theirs from the sale of their home, held in a trust account. Instead, they allege, it vanished into Avenatti’s pockets, a serious accusation leading to Dovel & Luner representing them in a federal lawsuit against him.

But Avenatti, ever the fighter, insists this whole thing is a carefully orchestrated hit job. He argues that Dovel & Luner deliberately filed their lawsuit in federal court instead of state court, all to sidestep an arbitration clause he had with the Santiagos. And then there’s the truly jaw-dropping part: Avenatti claims the firm sent a 'demand letter' to his legal team, asking for a staggering $33 million. Thirty-three million! He sees this not as a legitimate settlement offer, but as outright extortion, a calculated attempt to pressure him.

And here’s where it gets particularly spicy, a classic Avenatti touch that injects a dose of political intrigue. He suggests this isn't just about money; it’s personal, perhaps even politically motivated. Avenatti alleges that Greg Dovel, the founder of Dovel & Luner, is a 'radical Trump hater.' Given Avenatti's own very public and often aggressive criticisms of former President Trump, he’s implying that Dovel is using this case as a vendetta, a way to punish him for his past outspokenness.

Of course, Greg Dovel isn't exactly holding back either. He’s reportedly dismissed Avenatti's claims as utterly baseless, calling him a 'serial liar' and a 'thief.' Dovel pointed out, quite rightly, that Avenatti's multiple criminal convictions really speak for themselves, making it hard to credit his new allegations. It’s hard to argue with that, isn’t it?

So, what’s Avenatti asking for in his new lawsuit against Dovel & Luner? A cool $100 million in damages. Yes, you read that right. One hundred million dollars. It's a sum that truly underscores the sheer drama and high stakes of this ongoing legal saga, proving that even behind bars, Michael Avenatti remains a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom, for better or worse.