John Eastman, a former attorney for Donald Trump, is seeking to reinstate his law license in California so that he can represent Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene in a legal battle over political speech, as well as pay his own legal fees related to charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Eastman estimates that he already owes over $1 million to his lawyers and could face a bill of more than $3 million, even if he is fully exonerated in the Georgia election subversion case. He is one of 15 remaining defendants, including Trump, in the case, and a trial has not yet been scheduled.
The filing by Eastman sheds light on the significant legal costs being incurred by Trump’s allies and the extent of Eastman’s legal work since his promotion of false information about the 2020 election and his attempts to persuade then-Vice President Mike Pence to block the transfer of power to Joe Biden. A judge decided last week that Eastman should be disbarred due to his actions on behalf of Trump, resulting in his law license being made inactive while he appeals the decision, which would ultimately need to be affirmed by the California Supreme Court.
Eastman’s request to reactivate his law license was made in order to avoid losing his ability to earn a living as an attorney, especially since he is facing significant legal fees and a criminal trial in Fulton County, Georgia. He has stated that his legal fees could surpass $3 million as he deals with the charges related to the 2020 election. Additionally, Eastman has clarified that he is no longer representing Trump in election challenges, eliminating any threat posed to the public or his client.
Despite his disciplinary issues, Eastman continues to work as a lawyer by representing clients such as Gaetz, Greene, and the Republican Party of Colorado in various lawsuits. These clients have shown support for Eastman’s request to resume his legal work, citing his competence and qualifications as reasons to continue representing them. Campaign finance records indicate that Greene’s campaign committee and joint fundraising committee have paid Eastman’s law partnership for legal services since 2021.
Eastman’s other clients have provided sworn statements to the California judge expressing their desire for him to continue representing them, including the mother of a middle schooler involved in a First Amendment lawsuit. The disciplinary judge has yet to rule on Eastman’s request, and the California bar disciplinary prosecutor has more time to respond. Overall, Eastman’s effort to reactivate his law license is driven by financial necessity, as he faces mounting legal fees and the need to continue representing his clients in ongoing legal matters.
