The conservative attorney John Eastman is facing the possibility of losing his California law license over his involvement in efforts to keep former President Donald Trump in power after the 2020 election. Eastman, a former law school dean, is at the center of 11 disciplinary charges stemming from his legal strategy aimed at having Vice President Mike Pence interfere with the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. The State Bar Court of California Judge Yvette Roland has recommended his disbarment, a decision that will ultimately be in the hands of the California Supreme Court.
Eastman’s attorney maintains that his actions were based on reliable legal precedent, prior elections, constitutional text, and scholarly material. Despite his claims, the judge found Eastman liable for 10 of the charges against him, including misleading courts, moral turpitude, making false statements, and plotting with Trump to hinder the transfer of power. Eastman is separately facing criminal charges in Georgia in connection with the conspiracy to overturn Trump’s loss in the state. However, he has pleaded not guilty, arguing that he was simply executing his duties as Trump’s attorney.
The State Bar of California alleges that Eastman violated the state’s business and professions code by engaging in acts of moral turpitude, dishonesty, and corruption to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Judge Roland recommended Eastman’s disbarment, pointing out that his actions were a departure from professional norms and a violation of his ethical obligations. Eastman’s attorney’s defense that he was simply advocating for his client did not sway the judge, who emphasized that dishonesty and moral turpitude cannot be justified as zealous advocacy.
Eastman’s involvement in advising Trump leading up to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol has further fueled the accusations against him. He authored a memo outlining a plan for Pence to reject electoral votes for Biden during the Congressional session on January 6. However, prosecutors argue that Eastman fabricated baseless theories and made false claims of fraud in an attempt to overturn the election results. The judge’s decision to place Eastman on involuntary inactive status will prevent him from practicing law in California while the Supreme Court reviews his case.
The decision to recommend Eastman’s disbarment has been welcomed by groups such as the States United Democracy Center, which see it as a crucial step in holding those accountable who attempted to overturn the 2020 election. Eastman, who has been a member of the California Bar since 1997, has had a varied legal career, including clerking for Justice Clarence Thomas and involvement in political campaigns. While he has been a prominent figure in conservative legal circles, his recent actions have raised serious ethical and legal concerns that could significantly impact his career in law.
In conclusion, the recommendation to disbar John Eastman highlights the consequences of lawyers engaging in unethical and potentially illegal actions in pursuit of their clients’ interests. Eastman’s involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election has landed him in legal trouble and raised questions about his integrity as an attorney. The California Supreme Court will have the final say on his disbarment, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for Eastman’s legal career and reputation.
