Michael Avenatti ripped into his former law partner Wednesday in a scattered cross-examination that ranged from misconduct allegations to questions about courtroom skills and experience, continuing a defense that focuses on casting not only doubt, but blame.

Filippo Marchino of The X-Law Group in Pasadena, California, worked with Avenatti on two settlements Avenatti is accused of stealing, and his direct exam with Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Wyman focused on his middleman role in wire transfers and client contacts that are key evidence in the trial.