NACDL - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
News Release
Former U.S. Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer Receives Champion of Justice Award from Nation's Criminal Defense Bar
September 23, 2025
Washington, DC (Sep. 23, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) presented the Champion of Justice Award to Elizabeth “Liz” Oyer at their Fall Board Meeting in Washington, DC. The Champion of Justice Award recognizes individuals who have worked to uphold constitutional rights and ensure due process for persons accused of crimes in the United States. Oyer received the award for her efforts to expand access to clemency, promote transparency in the process, and support opportunities for second chances.
Liz Oyer served as U.S. Pardon Attorney from April 2022 to March 2025. Before her appointment, Oyer worked for ten years as a federal public defender with the District of Maryland. She was the first former public defender appointed as Pardon Attorney. In this position, Oyer’s office reviewed federal pardon and commutation applications for the President’s consideration. During her tenure, Oyer and her team made recommendations in over 15,000 clemency cases, focusing on sentences that would now be lower due to changes in the law. She also worked to enhance accessibility and transparency in the application process and conducted outreach and education efforts across the country.
“We as defense attorneys are trained to try to find that shared humanity with our fellow citizens,” said Liz Oyer. “It’s how we’re wired, to recognize that there is some common spark of humanity in all of us. I can find it even in the client who is charged with the most serious, most reprehensible, most unforgivable offense. That is what is absolutely missing from all of our discourse right now. Those of us who are defense attorneys, who understand how to see that shared humanity, even in people who have very different life experiences, need to step up and meet this moment with courage and with outspoken advocacy for what’s right.”
“In 2022, Liz made history by becoming the first former public defender to be appointed as the U.S. Pardon Attorney,” said NACDL President Andrew Birell. “Her efforts in this role perfectly align with our work as a leader in reforming the criminal legal system and ensuring that all individuals in the system receive fair, humane, and rational treatment. Today, we recognize Liz Oyer for her unwavering dedication to our shared ideals. She is a true Champion of Justice.”
“Liz Oyer’s unwavering dedication to fairness and second chances has redefined the standards of clemency in our nation,” said NACDL Executive Director Lisa Wayne. “By championing transparency, accessibility, and justice for all, she has given hope to thousands and restored faith in the promise of due process. Honoring her with the Champion of Justice Award is not only fitting—it is a testament to the profound impact one tireless advocate can have on the lives of so many.”
Jessie Diamond, Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Communications, (202) 465-7647 or jdiamond@nacdl.org
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.