Attorney Kenneth Chesebro, a central figure in former President Donald Trump’s 2020 election subversion efforts, has been officially disbarred in New York following a ruling from the state’s Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department.
Chesebro, widely regarded as one of the authors of the so-called “coup memos” that outlined a plan to overturn the election results under the guise of constitutional legitimacy, was stripped of his license to practice law after the court reviewed disciplinary proceedings prompted by his criminal conviction in Georgia.
The disbarment follows Chesebro’s October 2023 guilty plea in Fulton County to one felony count of conspiracy to file false documents as part of the broader racketeering case brought by District Attorney Fani Willis. In exchange, six other charges, including violations of Georgia’s RICO Act, conspiracy to commit forgery, and making false statements, were dropped.
While a referee involved in the disciplinary process recommended a suspension, the appellate court overruled that suggestion, calling Chesebro’s conduct egregious and incompatible with the duties of an attorney.
“Chesebro’s actions strike at the heart of the administration of justice and undermine the constitutional democracy he swore to uphold,” the court wrote in a sharply worded per curiam opinion.
The Coup Blueprint
Court records show Chesebro provided Trump campaign officials with documents including instructions for how alternate electors in Georgia could cast unauthorized votes and submit a forged certificate claiming Trump had won the state. While Chesebro claimed he had recommended revisions to signal the plan was contingent on ongoing litigation, the fake electors ultimately submitted a certificate using his original language — a key element of his criminal plea.
Chesebro argued his memos were only “rough drafts” offering a general legal theory, but the court found those arguments unconvincing.
“Despite his attempt to distance himself from the ‘architect’ label, the evidence makes clear his legal guidance and documentation fueled the election interference plan,” the opinion said.
The court rebuked Chesebro for what it described as a failure to responsibly guide the Trump campaign regarding the legality of their actions and noted that an attorney with his experience in constitutional and election law should have taken far greater care in issuing such advice.
Harsh Words, Final Judgment
The court emphasized Chesebro’s conduct not only compromised his integrity but also aggravated the situation given his legal background.
“His cavalier attitude, especially considering his extensive experience, makes the misconduct more serious,” the ruling stated.
Ultimately, the panel determined disbarment was the only appropriate outcome.
“Given the testimony and evidence produced at the hearing, we conclude that respondent should be disbarred based on his conviction of a serious crime.”
Chesebro remains one of several lawyers involved in Trump’s post-election legal efforts facing disciplinary action and criminal charges. His license to practice law in New York is now permanently revoked.
