Meghann M. Cuniff

Meghann Cuniff is a reporter and editor based in Southern California. A graduate of the University of Oregon, she worked at The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, and the Idaho Statesman in Boise, Idaho, before moving to California in 2013 to work at the Orange County Register. She spent four years as a litigation reporter for the Los Angeles Daily Journal and has written for Los Angeles Magazine, Bloomberg Law, ABA Journal, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Forward, Los Angeles Business Journal and the Laguna Beach Independent. Email her at [email protected]. Twitter: @meghanncuniff

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August 05, 2021 | The Recorder

'How About ZERO?': Avenatti Hammers Ex-Law Partner in Sprawling Cross-Examination

Some of the most-heated questioning focused on a lawsuit actor Jim Carrey filed against the witness accusing him of falsifying lab records in an extortion attempt.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

6 minute read

August 04, 2021 | Law.com

What's Next: Trial Tweets Before Testimony? + Two Rulings Spark AI Patent Optimism + Activision Blizzard Lawsuits Are a Major Moment for Gaming

Twitter again becomes an issue in Michael Avenatti's federal wire fraud trial in California, with Avenatti complaining about a witness reading trial tweets before her testimony.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

10 minute read

August 04, 2021 | The Recorder

California Judge Agrees to Exclude Unvaccinated People From Jury in Katten Muchin Legal Malpractice Trial

Orange County Superior Court Judge William D. Claster agreed to the plan Friday after attorneys voiced concerns about the COVID-19 Delta variant that's taking hold across the United States.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

3 minute read

August 02, 2021 | The Recorder

'I Thought He Was Working for Me All the Time': Avenatti's Ex-Client Recounts Plight Over Alleged Missed Settlement Money

"Did you ever authorize the defendant to use your settlement money to buy a private plane?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Sagel asked as his final question.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

8 minute read

July 30, 2021 | The Recorder

Jury Hears of 'Another Matter' After Avenatti Opens Door to Testimony About NY Case

U.S. District Judge James V. Selna agreed prosecutors were entitled to explain the purpose of government meetings with Avenatti's paralegal after the pro se defendant questioned her about them in cross-examination.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

6 minute read

July 29, 2021 | The Recorder

Avenatti's Cross-Exams Fuel Fight About Defense Discovery Duties

Avenatti's lawyering is so central to the criminal case against him that trial testimony so far also is testing the divide between crimes and malpractice.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

6 minute read

July 26, 2021 | The Recorder

Prosecutor Sues DOJ, Alleging Discrimination Linked to Bias Motivated by His Hispanic Family Members

The 19-page complaint, filed by Neama Rahmani and Ronald L. Zambrano of West Coast Employment Lawyers, alleges racism permeates the Santa Ana branch of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

2 minute read

July 23, 2021 | The Recorder

Avenatti Asks Ex-Client in Theft Trial: 'Sir, They Came to You, Didn't They?'

Michael Avenatti's four-hour cross examination of a former client and alleged theft victim dominated the second day of his federal wire fraud trial before U.S. District Judge James Selna in Santa Ana.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

5 minute read

July 22, 2021 | The Recorder

'Close Is Not Good Enough': Michael Avenatti, Defending Himself, Says Client Theft Case Is 'About Math'

"This case is about how you calculate what a client is due after their settlement is received," Avenatti told Central District of California jurors.

By Meghann M. Cuniff

5 minute read