The Council of the District of Columbia has passed a ceremonial resolution to honor Elizabeth G. Oyer for her exceptional public service and commitment to justice during her tenure as the United States Pardon Attorney. Ms. Oyer, a Washington, D.C. resident, has dedicated her legal career to advocating for the rights of underserved populations and ensuring a fair justice system. Her career includes roles as a law clerk, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Senior Litigation Counsel, and a partner at Mayer Brown LLP. In 2022, she made history as the first former public defender to lead the Office of the Pardon Attorney, where she implemented reforms to streamline the clemency process and prioritize equity.

Despite facing significant political pressure during her tenure, Ms. Oyer maintained her commitment to ethical decision-making and the rule of law, notably resisting requests that could compromise public safety. Her principled stance ultimately led to her dismissal in March 2025, which sparked national attention regarding the importance of independent decision-making in the federal justice system. Even after her departure, Ms. Oyer has continued to advocate for justice reform and mentor legal professionals dedicated to public interest law. The resolution recognizes her lifelong dedication to serving others through the law and her impactful leadership in the pursuit of justice.