California Supreme Court disbars Eastman over election scheme

John Eastman, a former lawyer for President Donald Trump, has been disbarred in California. The California Supreme Court issued the ruling on Wednesday, citing Eastman’s involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Disbarment and Sanctions

The California Supreme Court disbarred John Eastman from practicing law in California. Eastman, 65, must also pay a $5,000 sanction to the State Bar of California Client Security Fund. This fund provides reimbursement to clients who have suffered financial losses due to dishonest conduct or theft by their attorneys.

Role in Election Overturn Efforts

Eastman is considered a key figure in the plan to substitute legitimate electors with false electors in several battleground states, including Georgia. He faced accusations of promoting the false claim that Vice President Mike Pence had the authority to delay or reject the certification of Joe Biden’s victory as the 46th U.S. president.

Disciplinary Proceedings

An investigation into Eastman was initiated by the State Bar of California in September 2021. Eleven disciplinary charges were filed against him in January 2023. In March 2024, California State Bar Judge Yvette Roland found Eastman culpable for 10 of the charges, recommending disbarment. Roland’s ruling cited Eastman’s false and misleading statements in court filings and public remarks regarding the 2020 election and Pence’s role. The State Bar Court Review Department affirmed Roland’s decision in July.

Reactions and Related Cases

Jeffrey Clark, another lawyer facing disbarment in Washington for his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, called Eastman’s disbarment a “travesty.” Clark claimed Eastman only represented the former president in litigation challenging the election results. Eastman, Clark, and Donald Trump were among 19 co-defendants charged in a Georgia RICO case related to alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 election. Georgia prosecutors dismissed the case after Trump won the 2024 election. In November 2025, Trump pardoned Eastman, Clark, and numerous other allies accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election.