Dr. John Eastman is a prominent legal scholar and figure in conservative circles, widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional law and jurisprudence. As the Founding Director of the Claremont Institute’s Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence and a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute, John Eastman has dedicated his career to upholding and interpreting the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Until January 2021, he held the esteemed position of the Henry Salvatori Professor of Law & Community Service at Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law, further solidifying his academic credentials.
John Eastman’s career boasts impressive milestones, starting with a prestigious clerkship for the Honorable Justice Clarence Thomas at the United States Supreme Court from 1996 to 1997. This formative experience provided him with invaluable insights into the highest levels of the American legal system. Following his clerkship, John Eastman joined the renowned law firm Kirkland & Ellis in Los Angeles, where he practiced law until 1999, gaining practical experience in a demanding legal environment.
Returning to academia, John Eastman began teaching at Chapman University in 1999. His leadership abilities were quickly recognized, and he served as Dean of the Chapman University School of Law from 2007 to 2010. Demonstrating his commitment to constitutional principles, John Eastman founded the Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence in 1999. This center, under his directorship, has become a significant voice in constitutional law discourse, advocating for a faithful interpretation of the Constitution.
Beyond his roles at Chapman University and the Claremont Institute, John Eastman has held significant positions within influential organizations. He served as chairman of the Federalist Society’s Federalism and Separation of Powers Practice Group, a testament to his standing within conservative legal thought. Furthermore, he chaired the Board of the National Organization for Marriage, reflecting his engagement in prominent social and political debates. His affiliations also include advisory roles for the St. Thomas More Society of Orange County and St. Monica’s Academy, highlighting his engagement with legal and educational communities. Chapman University has recognized John Eastman’s contributions with awards such as Professor of the Year (2002) and the Faculty Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activity award (2013). Further accolades include the St. Thomas More Award from Franciscan University (2010) and the J. Reuben Clark Award from the J. Reuben Clark Society of Orange County (2010), underscoring his respected position within legal and academic circles.
John Eastman is a prolific author, contributing significantly to legal scholarship. His notable publications include essays such as “The Moral Conditions of Liberty,” featured in Freedom and the Rule of Law (2009), and “The Roberts Court and Federalism,” published in the New York University Journal of Law and Liberty (2009). His expertise extends to social issues as demonstrated by “Full Faith and Republican Guarantees: Gay Marriage, FMPA, and the Courts,” in the BYU Law Journal (2006). His scholarly work reflects a deep engagement with contemporary legal and constitutional challenges.
Dr. Eastman’s expertise has been sought after by lawmakers, as evidenced by his multiple invitations to address Congressional committees. His testimonies have covered critical issues such as President Obama’s Executive Order on Immigration and the IRS’s controversial disclosure of tax returns, demonstrating his influence on public policy discussions.
In the courtroom, John Eastman has demonstrated his legal acumen by representing seventeen parties before the Supreme Court of the United States. His involvement extends to over 150 cases as amici curiae, including landmark cases such as Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores (2014), Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Burwell (2014), and National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012). These cases underscore his active role in significant constitutional litigation.
John Eastman’s commentary and analysis are frequently featured in major media outlets. He has appeared on prominent news programs across ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, CNN, BBC World News, and PBS. His writings on legal and constitutional matters have been published in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Review, Economist, Atlantic, Slate, National Catholic Register, and ABA Journal. This broad media presence highlights his role as a leading public intellectual in legal and constitutional discourse.
Dr. Eastman’s academic foundation is robust, holding a B.A. from the University of Dallas, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Government from Claremont Graduate School. He earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School in 1995 and commenced his legal career with a clerkship for Judge Michael Luttig in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This extensive education and early career experiences laid a strong foundation for John Eastman’s impactful career in law, academia, and public service.
