LOS ANGELES (AP) — John Eastman, the former lawyer for Donald Trump’s election campaign who was involved in the “fake electors” scheme, has been officially disbarred by the state of California. The decision came on Tuesday, as the state took action against Eastman for his role in the controversial attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
The disbarment follows a January lawsuit filed by California’s State Bar Association, accusing Eastman of spreading baseless claims of election fraud and attempting to undermine the democratic process. The Bar Association argued that Eastman’s actions violated multiple ethical rules and that his behavior had caused harm to the legal profession as a whole.
Eastman, who served as legal counsel to Trump during his unsuccessful campaign to challenge the election results in multiple states, faced backlash for his involvement in the “fake electors” plan. The scheme aimed to have alternate slates of electors cast their votes for Trump, despite the certified results showing Joe Biden as the winner. The plan was widely criticized as an attack on democracy and an attempt to subvert the will of the voters.
The disbarment of Eastman marks a significant blow to his legal career and serves as a clear rebuke of his actions in the aftermath of the election. It is also a reminder of the repercussions that lawyers may face for participating in attempts to undermine the democratic process.
In disbarment proceedings, California’s State Bar Association presented evidence and arguments to a panel of the state bar court. The panel ultimately concluded that Eastman’s actions were inconsistent with the professional responsibilities and duties of an attorney, leading to the decision to disbar him.
Eastman has been a controversial figure in legal circles since his involvement in Trump’s election campaign. His disbarment is expected to further tarnish his reputation and limit his future opportunities in the legal profession.
The disbarment order against Eastman highlights the continued fallout from the events surrounding the 2020 presidential election. As the investigations and legal actions unfold, individuals involved in attempts to undermine the election results may face professional consequences for their actions.
The disbarment of John Eastman demonstrates the commitment of legal authorities to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and protect the democratic process. It serves as a warning to other attorneys who may be tempted to participate in similar schemes that there will be consequences for their actions.
Overall, the decision to disbar Eastman stands as a significant development in the ongoing fallout from the 2020 election, sending a strong message against efforts to subvert the democratic process. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical standards and promoting the integrity of the legal profession.