Los Angeles, California – Conservative attorney John Eastman could face disbarment in California for his involvement in creating a legal strategy aimed at helping former President Donald Trump maintain power after losing the 2020 election. The recommendation for disbarment was made by State Bar Court of California Judge Yvette Roland in a 128-page ruling on Wednesday. If the California Supreme Court upholds the recommendation, Eastman’s law license would be placed on “involuntary inactive” status. Eastman would also be required to pay $10,000 in monetary sanctions to the State Bar of California Client Security Fund, as per Roland’s recommendation.
In her ruling, Judge Roland dismissed Eastman’s claim that the disciplinary proceeding against him was politically motivated, stating that his actions constituted serious ethical violations. Eastman’s attorney, Randy Miller, defended his client’s actions, asserting that they were based on legal precedent, constitutional research, and scholarly materials.
Eastman, who spoke at a rally preceding the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, faced 11 disciplinary charges related to allegations of devising a legal roadmap for Trump to overturn the 2020 election results. While Roland dismissed one of the charges, she determined that the Office of Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California had proven the remaining ones.
Apart from his potential disbarment in California, Eastman is involved in other legal cases related to election interference. He faces criminal charges in Georgia, accused of conspiring with Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. Additionally, Eastman is an unnamed co-conspirator in an election interference case brought by the Justice Department, although he has not been charged.
These events further highlight the contentious aftermath of the 2020 election and the legal battles that have ensued. The final ruling on Eastman’s disbarment recommendation lies with the California Supreme Court, where Eastman can exercise his right to appeal.