Fallout is looming for lawyers who assisted Donald Trump in his 2020 election efforts, with two key figures facing potential consequences. John Eastman, a conservative law professor, and Jeffrey Clark, a former Trump Justice Department official, are both dealing with attorney discipline cases in their respective jurisdictions. These developments underscore the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s legal team, with several other lawyers facing challenges that could lead to the loss of their law licenses.
In addition to Eastman and Clark, three other Trump lawyers – Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro, and Jenna Ellis – have pleaded guilty to criminal charges in Georgia that may impact their professional licenses. Meanwhile, Stefanie Lambert faced jail time for missing a case in Michigan, and Rudy Giuliani is both bankrupt and suspended from practicing law. Lawrence Joseph, Julia Haller, and Brandon Johnson are also among those facing attorney discipline charges in Washington, DC for their involvement in post-election court filings alleging fraud.
The State Bar of California is set to make a decision on Eastman’s case soon, while Clark’s professional ethics trial began this week. The trial has focused on Clark’s efforts to push Trump’s election fraud claims using the Justice Department, despite evidence to the contrary. Testimony from a senior DOJ official highlighted Clark’s unfounded suspicions and unauthorized interactions with the White House, leading to potential disbarment recommendations.
Clark’s trial, overseen by a disciplinary committee, could result in disbarment if found guilty, similar to Giuliani’s case. Eastman, who is facing a separate trial in California, is also nearing a decision regarding his law license. Both Eastman and Clark are also facing criminal charges in Georgia related to a racketeering conspiracy indictment against Trump and others. These legal challenges underscore the potential consequences for attorneys who enable or support efforts to overturn election results.
Overall, the fallout for lawyers involved in Trump’s post-election legal battles is becoming more apparent, with several facing disciplinary action that could impact their ability to practice law. The ongoing trials and decisions in California and DC highlight the serious consequences facing those who engaged in efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. As the legal battles continue, the impact on the legal careers of those involved serves as a cautionary tale for attorneys who may be tempted to cross ethical lines in pursuit of political goals.
