GOP Operative to Lose Law License Over Voter Intimidation

Jack Burkman, a Washington lawyer and Republican operative, is set to lose his law license following his guilty plea in a case involving voter intimidation through robocalls. According to a Reuters report, the D.C. Board on Professional Responsibility has recommended Burkman’s disbarment to the D.C. Court of Appeals, which holds the authority to finalize disciplinary actions.

Burkman, founder of the lobbying firm Burkman & Associates, and his associate Jacob Wohl, admitted guilt in October 2022 to telecommunications fraud. The case centered around their use of robocalls to deter people from voting by mail in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Both were sentenced to two years of probation, a fine of $2,500 each, and required to complete 500 hours of community service.

In addition to the criminal charges, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission imposed a hefty $5.1 million fine on Burkman and Wohl for making over 1,100 unlawful robocalls in August and September 2020. These calls falsely informed recipients that their personal information would be collected and used by police and debt collectors if they voted by mail.

Following his guilty plea, Burkman’s law license was temporarily suspended. His impending disbarment marks a significant professional setback and underscores the legal consequences of his actions during the 2020 election cycle.