News Releases

John Eastman State Bar Court Review Decision in - Disbarment Recommendation Remains

The State Bar Court’s Review Department today affirmed a March 2024 decision recommending disbarment of attorney John Eastman for his misconduct related to the 2020 presidential election. In response to two separate review requests by Eastman and the Office of Chief Trial Counsel, the three-judge panel upheld findings that Eastman was culpable of 10 out of 11 charges, for his egregious and deceitful conduct. 

“Attorneys have a fundamental obligation to be truthful and uphold the rule of law,” said George Cardona. “John Eastman violated this obligation when, at the behest of his client, now-President Donald Trump, he engaged in a calculated campaign to falsely undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election, which then-candidate Donald Trump lost. In so doing, Mr. Eastman lied to courts, Vice President Michael Pence, and the American people. As the Review Department’s Opinion holds, for this conduct disbarment is both appropriate and necessary. This opinion serves as a powerful and timely reminder that whoever they are and whoever they represent, attorneys must remain true to the ethical rules that govern their conduct and respect the rule of law.”

Oral argument in the Matter of John Eastman, SBC-23-O-30029, occurred in State Bar Court in Los Angeles on March 19, 2025.

In March 2024, the State Bar’s Hearing Department found Eastman culpable of 10 of the 11 counts in which he was charged and recommended his disbarment.  

Mr. Eastman sought review (an appeal) of culpability on all 10 counts and the disbarment recommendation. The State Bar’s Office of Chief Trial Counsel sought review of the Hearing Department’s dismissal of count 11 and its rejection of any aggravation for significant harm. The Review decision left both outcomes unchanged.

OCTC or Eastman may seek further review from the California Supreme Court. 

While his disbarment recommendation remains in place, Mr. Eastman remains on involuntary inactive status and cannot practice law in California. 

You can search more extensive State Bar Court records and documents related to attorney discipline matters using the court’s Search for a Case feature. Input either the case number or attorney’s name (last, first middle).

Attorney discipline matters are investigated and prosecuted by the State Bar’s OCTC, acting on behalf of the public. A Notice of Disciplinary Charges contains only allegations of professional misconduct. The attorney is presumed innocent of the allegations unless the State Bar Court finds the attorney culpable by clear and convincing evidence. 

The State Bar Court oversees disciplinary proceedings and adjudicates charges filed by OCTC. The State Bar Court rules on whether an attorney has committed professional misconduct and may recommend that an attorney be suspended or disbarred. The State Bar Court’s recommendation is transmitted to the California Supreme Court, which determines whether to impose the recommended discipline. See rule 9.18, California Rules of Court.  

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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system