John Eastman Represented Amy Wax After Disbarment
John Eastman appeared in the Third Circuit to represent law professor Amy Wax following his California disbarment.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Law
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John Eastman has continued to practice law in federal courts despite being disbarred in California earlier this year. He recently represented University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax before the Third Circuit.
Why it matters
The case highlights the complex nature of legal licensing, as disbarment in one state does not automatically prevent an attorney from practicing in jurisdictions where they remain in good standing.
John Eastman was officially disbarred in California in April 2026. He remains eligible to practice in other courts where he maintains current admission status.
The players
John Eastman
John Eastman is a lawyer who has faced professional disciplinary action following his involvement in legal challenges to the 2020 election results.
Amy Wax
Amy Wax is a tenured law professor at the University of Pennsylvania who has been involved in high-profile legal and disciplinary disputes.
The details
Eastman secured representation for Amy Wax, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, in her proceedings before the Third Circuit. He continues to perform legal work in specific venues where his credentials remain valid notwithstanding the California ruling.
Timeline
John Eastman was disbarred in California in April 2026.
Political Context
Opponents and legal ethics advocates argue that disbarment should carry broader consequences across all jurisdictions to protect the public from attorneys deemed unfit. Critics suggest that the ability to continue practicing in federal courts undermines the severity of state-level disciplinary sanctions.
This development reminds citizens that legal professionals are subject to different licensing boards that may not always act in unison. Taxpayers and clients should verify an attorney's current standing in every jurisdiction where they are performing legal work.
The takeaway
Licensing reciprocity remains a fractured landscape that allows some attorneys to continue work despite state-level sanctions. Clients should always check the active status of their counsel within the specific court where their case is being heard.
Further reading
For more on national legal proceedings, visit Law.
Live Poll
Should courts automatically revoke law licenses for attorneys disbarred in another state?
