California Attorney Who Tried to Overturn 2020 Election Loses Law License

John Eastman's license revoked after developing legal strategy to interfere with election certification

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:18am by

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting a somber mood, conceptually representing the weight of institutional responsibility and the consequences for those who abuse their power.The disbarment of an attorney who sought to overturn the 2020 election results underscores the legal profession's duty to uphold democratic norms.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

This decision underscores the consequences for attorneys who abuse their position and spread misinformation to undermine democratic processes. It sends a strong message about the importance of upholding the integrity of the legal profession and the rule of law, even in the face of political pressure.

The details

In 2024, a judge for the State Bar Court of California recommended that Eastman lose his law license after he developed a legal strategy to have then-Vice President Mike Pence interfere with the certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory. Eastman argued he was simply providing legal advice, but the state bar found that he 'advanced false claims about the 2020 presidential election to mislead courts, public officials, and the American public.'

  • The California Supreme Court issued its order disbarring Eastman 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 decision 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 Supreme Court.

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What they’re saying

“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 Supreme Court.”

— Randall Miller, Eastman's Attorney

What’s next

Eastman's attorney, Randall Miller, said they plan to seek review of the decision in the Supreme Court, arguing that it 'departs from long-standing United States Supreme Court precedent protecting First Amendment rights, especially in the attorney discipline context.'

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of the legal profession and the rule of law, even in the face of intense political pressure. It sends a clear message that attorneys who abuse their position and spread misinformation to undermine democratic processes will face serious consequences.