John Eastman petitions Supreme Court to reverse California bar's disbarment

John Eastman, a constitutional attorney and Claremont Institute senior fellow, submitted a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court requesting it hear his challenge to California’s disbarment. The state bar revoked his license, claiming he aided President Trump in a strategy to overturn the 2020 election by obstructing electoral vote counts. Eastman contends the bar punished him for core First Amendment activities—legal counsel, public commentary, and petitioning—rather than genuine misconduct, and that the bar failed to apply strict scrutiny to his speech.

He warns that allowing such disciplinary actions could deter lawyers from representing controversial clients or raising unsettled constitutional questions. The petition cites backing from Jay Sekulow and the American Center for Law and Justice and emphasizes the broader implications for attorney advocacy across the country. A minimum of four justices must agree to grant review before the case can proceed.