Melissa L. Jampol, Member of the Firm in the Health Care & Life Sciences and Litigation practices, in the firm’s New York office, was quoted in Bloomberg, in “Avenatti Doubles Down, Says Nike Targeted Him to Cover Up ‘Crimes,’” by Erik Larson.
Following is an excerpt:
Michael Avenatti brushed aside claims by prosecutors that he tried to extort millions of dollars from Nike Inc., thanking followers for their support after he was released on bail and lobbing fresh accusations at the world’s biggest sports apparel and footwear company. …
The circumstances are “highly unusual,” according to Melissa Jampol, a former state and federal prosecutor in New York and New Jersey who isn’t involved in the case. Avenatti was making tough negotiation remarks that “might not normally be construed as extortion” in a difference context, she said.
“This case boils down to the lines between firm negotiations and zealous advocacy, and stuff that crosses the line into extortion,” Jampol said. “The government ultimately will have to prove at trial that there was criminal intent here -- that he willfully and knowingly intended to extort the company.”
People
Board of Directors / Member of the Firm