Elizabeth (Liz) Oyer served as the Pardon Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice from April 2022 until her dismissal on March 7, 2025. In this role, she led the Office of the Pardon Attorney, which advises the President on clemency matters, including pardons and commutations.
Before her appointment, Ms. Oyer spent a decade as a federal public defender in Maryland, where she represented individuals at all stages of federal criminal proceedings. Her experience in this capacity shaped her understanding of the importance of clemency in providing second chances.
During her tenure as Pardon Attorney, Ms. Oyer initiated efforts to enhance transparency in the clemency process. She organized educational sessions within federal correctional facilities to inform inmates and staff about the clemency process, aiming to increase accessibility and understanding.
On March 7, 2025, Ms. Oyer was terminated from her position as Pardon Attorney. The dismissal was executed “effective immediately,” as per a memo she shared on LinkedIn, which cited the President’s executive authority under the U.S. Constitution.
Her departure marked a significant change in the leadership of the Justice Department’s clemency processes, prompting discussions about the future direction of the office and its policies regarding pardons and commutations.