A judge's recommendation on Wednesday suggested disbarment for John Eastman, a co-defendant of Donald Trump in the Georgia election interference case, in California. Judge Yvette D.
Roland of the State Bar Court’s Hearing Department in Los Angeles wrote, “In view of the circumstances surrounding Eastman’s misconduct and balancing the aggravation and mitigation, the court recommends that Eastman be disbarred."
After considering the record, the court found that the State Bar of California’s Chief Trial Counsel's Office had proven most of its allegations against Eastman.
Eastman faced 11 disciplinary charges related to promoting a strategy unsupported by facts or law, involving persuading then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject electoral votes cast for Joe Biden during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021.
The judge found Eastman guilty of 10 charges, including misleading a court, making false statements, and failing to support the Constitution. One charge related to comments Eastman made at the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, was dismissed.
Eastman’s attorney, Randall Miller, defended his client’s legal actions after the November 2020 election. Miller stated, “Dr. Eastman maintains that his handling of the legal issues was based on reliable legal precedent, prior presidential elections, research of constitutional text, and extensive scholarly material.”
The judge ordered Eastman to be placed on “involuntary inactive status,” preventing him from practicing law in California while the Supreme Court reviews his case.
This status will be effective three days after the order is served.
Eastman's legal team expressed confidence that the State Bar's Review Court would quickly provide a remedy.
The judge's recommendation comes after the State Bar of California announced an ethics investigation into Eastman’s conduct two years ago. In 2023, the State Bar sought to revoke Eastman’s license to practice law in California.
Eastman also faces other legal challenges related to his conduct after the 2020 election. In August, he was charged with orchestrating a scheme to create fake electors to keep Trump in office.
He was indicted along with 18 co-defendants for allegedly violating Georgia’s racketeering laws. While four defendants have pleaded guilty, Eastman, like Trump, has pleaded not guilty.