California Attorney Who Tried to Overturn 2020 Election Loses Law License

John Eastman's disbarment follows years-long effort by state bar to strip his license over false election claims.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:24am by

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A realistic oil painting of a lone law book on a desk, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and deep shadows across the surface, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of ethical responsibility in the legal field.The disbarment of an attorney who sought to overturn a democratic election casts a somber shadow over the legal profession.San Francisco Today

The California Supreme Court has ordered the disbarment of attorney John Eastman, who aided former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The state bar found clear evidence that Eastman 'advanced false claims about the 2020 presidential election to mislead courts, public officials, and the American public.'

Why it matters

Eastman's disbarment represents a significant consequence for an attorney who played a key role in the attempts to subvert the democratic process and undermine the will of voters. It sends a strong message about the importance of upholding ethical standards and the rule of law, even in the face of intense political pressure.

The details

The California Supreme Court ordered Eastman's name to be stricken from the state's roll of attorneys, capping a years-long effort by the state bar to strip him of his law license. A judge had previously recommended that Eastman lose his license after he developed a legal strategy for then-Vice President Mike Pence to interfere with the certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory. Eastman argued he was simply providing legal advice, but the state bar found he had 'advanced false claims about the 2020 presidential election to mislead courts, public officials, and the American public.'

  • The California Supreme Court issued its disbarment order on April 16, 2026.
  • In 2024, a judge for the State Bar Court of California recommended that Eastman lose his law license.

The players

John Eastman

A California attorney who aided former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

George Cardona

The chief trial counsel for the State Bar of California, who said the court's order underscores that Eastman's misconduct was incompatible with the standards of integrity required of every California attorney.

Randall Miller

Eastman's attorney, who said the decision 'raises pivotal constitutional concerns' and that they plan to seek review in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Christine P. Sun

A senior vice president for the States United Democracy Center, which filed an early ethics complaint against Eastman and cheered the decision to disbar him.

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What they’re saying

“His unethical actions have had real, lasting consequences for our democracy.”

— Christine P. Sun, Senior Vice President, States United Democracy Center

“The Court's order underscores that Mr. Eastman's misconduct was incompatible with the standards of integrity required of every California attorney.”

— George Cardona, Chief Trial Counsel, State Bar of California

“The decision 'raises pivotal constitutional concerns' and that they plan to seek review in the U.S. Supreme Court.”

— Randall Miller, Eastman's Attorney

What’s next

Eastman's attorney has said they plan to seek review of the disbarment decision in the U.S. Supreme Court.

The takeaway

Eastman's disbarment serves as a significant consequence for an attorney who played a key role in attempts to subvert the democratic process and undermine the will of voters. It sends a strong message about the importance of upholding ethical standards and the rule of law, even in the face of intense political pressure.