California bar investigators have accused former Trump attorney John Eastman of misconduct in his efforts to keep the former president in power after the 2020 election. Eastman, who faces racketeering and conspiracy charges in Georgia, was slammed for submitting letters from Republican Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz in support of his motion to maintain his law license. State Bar Court Judge Yvette Roland ruled that Eastman violated ethics rules by advancing Trump’s claims of voter fraud, recommending that he be banned from practicing law in California. While Eastman’s license to practice law is currently suspended pending a final decision by the California Supreme Court, he has requested a stay to continue representing clients and pay his legal bills.
State Bar attorneys have filed a motion urging Judge Roland to ignore Eastman’s request for a stay, arguing that Eastman still poses a threat of harm. They pointed to Eastman’s representation of Gaetz and Greene in a lawsuit against California cities that canceled their political rallies, calling their legal actions a “conspiracy theory.” The lawmakers sent letters to the State Bar supporting Eastman’s continued representation in the case. The attorneys noted that Eastman’s motion demonstrates a “complete denial of wrongdoing,” which was cited as a basis for the recommendation of disbarment to protect the public. Despite declarations from Eastman’s clients asserting the meritless nature of the disciplinary charges, the attorneys argued that Eastman continues to misunderstand his duties as an attorney and his misconduct.
After Judge Roland’s ruling recommending his license revocation, Eastman’s attorney, Randall Miller, reiterated that Eastman’s legal actions were based on reliable precedent, constitutional text, and scholarly material. Miller stated that Eastman’s approach in 2020 was no different from what lawyers do every day, emphasizing the ethical duty to be zealous advocates for clients. He expressed confidence that the Review Court would provide a remedy if necessary. Newsweek reached out to Miller for comment on the recent developments in Eastman’s case, highlighting the commitment to challenging conventional wisdom and finding common ground.
The accusations against Eastman stem from his role in promoting Trump’s claims of voter fraud and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. His alleged misconduct in advancing these baseless theories has led to a recommendation for disbarment and suspension of his law license in California. Eastman’s submission of letters from prominent Republican lawmakers supporting his motion to retain his license has further exacerbated the situation, with State Bar attorneys arguing that he continues to pose a threat of harm based on his ongoing denial of wrongdoing. The controversy surrounding his representation of Gaetz and Greene in a lawsuit against California cities has also been a focal point of the proceedings.
Despite the legal challenges and recommendations for disbarment, Eastman maintains his innocence and adherence to ethical standards in representing his clients. His attorney asserts that Eastman’s actions were in line with legal precedent and the duty of zealous advocacy for clients. While the allegations of misconduct have cast a shadow over Eastman’s legal career, he remains steadfast in defending his actions and seeking a remedy through the legal process. As the case against him unfolds, Eastman’s future as a practicing attorney in California hangs in the balance, pending a final decision by the state’s highest court.
