Stormy Daniels' ex-lawyer is still looking for representation in a federal case accusing him of attempting to extort Nike out of $20 million.
Michael Avenatti threatened he would go public with allegations the company secretly paid college basketball recruits, prosecutors said when he was charged in March.
"The defendant seeks additional time to retain counsel to engage with the government," Magistrate Judge Henry Pitman wrote.
"A suit and tie doesn't mask the fact that at its core, this was an old-fashioned shakedown," Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said when Avenatti was busted in New York last month.
Avenatti's attorney in the New York case is still listed as a federal public defender.
He is fighting federal charges on both coasts.
In Los Angeles _ where Avenatti has hired a private attorney _ he's accused of stealing from legal clients, failing to pay taxes and lying in bankruptcy filings.
Avenatti made his name representing porn star Daniels in her legal battle with President Donald Trump and his former fixer, Michael Cohen. He's denied wrongdoing in both cases.
"I am fortunate that I have the pick of some of the best lawyers in America. I expect to have an agreement finalized shortly," Avenatti said.
