Liz Oyer Biography
Liz Oyer (born Elizabeth Genevieve Oyer) is an American lawyer and former pardon attorney known for her controversial firing in March 2025 after she refused to recommend restoring Mel Gibson’s gun rights following his 2011 domestic violence conviction.
Liz Oyer Wikipedia and Education
Elizabeth “Liz” G. Oyer began her professional journey at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, graduating magna cum laude. She then attended Harvard Law School, where she earned her degree cum laude, served as an executive editor of the Harvard Law Review, and won Best Oralist in the prestigious Ames Moot Court Competition. After law school, she clerked for Judge Stanley Marcus on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, gaining a strong foundation in federal law and appellate work.
Transition Into Private Practice
After her clerkship, Oyer joined Mayer Brown LLP in Washington, D.C. She handled both civil and criminal litigation across trial and appellate courts and rose to partner within the firm. She also maintained a significant pro bono practice, reflecting her dedication to public-interest work and justice-centered legal service.
Service as a Federal Public Defender
Oyer later shifted to public defense, joining the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the District of Maryland. Across nearly a decade, she represented clients in all phases of federal criminal proceedings. Her work ranged from early-stage pretrial matters to complex sentencing hearings. Within the office, she took on leadership roles, including senior litigation counsel, ethics advisor, discovery policy coordinator, and mentor to junior attorneys. This chapter of her career deeply informed her understanding of federal sentencing and the lived experiences of incarcerated individuals.
Appointment as United States Pardon Attorney
In April 2022, Oyer was appointed the United States Pardon Attorney—the first former public defender ever to hold the career position. Leading the Office of the Pardon Attorney, she was responsible for reviewing federal clemency petitions and making formal recommendations to the President. She championed transparency and fairness in the clemency process, modernized application forms, and expanded outreach to advocates, incarcerated people, and communities directly impacted by outdated sentencing laws. Under her leadership, the office reviewed and made recommendations in thousands of cases.
Firing and Public Controversy
On March 7, 2025, Oyer was suddenly fired by the Department of Justice. The dismissal arrived without a detailed explanation, prompting national attention and concern. According to Oyer, her termination came shortly after she refused to recommend restoring firearm rights to actor Mel Gibson, citing ethical issues and the seriousness of his prior domestic violence case. She stated that she was pressured to alter her stance and that her refusal may have been a factor in her removal. After her firing, she alleged that armed marshals were sent to her home with a warning not to testify publicly, further heightening scrutiny of the situation.
Work After Leaving the DOJ
Following her dismissal, Oyer continued her commitment to justice reform. She joined Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights as an attorney, focusing on clemency, fairness in sentencing, and the protection of constitutional rights. She also launched her Substack newsletter, “Lawyer Oyer,” where she writes about criminal justice policy, government ethics, clemency reform, and her experiences inside the Justice Department. Her advocacy has made her a prominent voice on institutional independence and the dangers of political pressure within federal legal systems.
@lawyer.oyer Here’s a brief “about me” post for all who are new to my page or don’t know my story. THANK YOU for trusting me me with your time and attention as we navigate the chaos in our country together. You can learn more over on my Substack at lawyeroyer.com. I’m so grateful for your support!
♬ original sound – Liz Oyer
Current Work and Advocacy
Today, Liz Oyer remains active as a lawyer, writer, and public advocate. She continues to speak about fairness, accountability, and integrity in the justice system—the principles that have guided her career from the beginning.
Liz Oyer Age
Liz Oyer is 46 years old. She was born on December 25, 1978, in the United States. Her birth sign is Capricorn.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Genevieve “Liz” Oyer |
| Age / Birthdate | Born December 25, 1978 (46 years old as of 2025) |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Georgetown University (Bachelor’s, magna cum laude) Harvard Law School (J.D., cum laude) |
| Spouse | Married to Geoffrey Wyatt |
| Children | One son |
| Parents | Dr. Rosanne Oyer and Dr. Randall Oyer |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. |
| Political Party | Not publicly disclosed |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Notable For | Serving as United States Pardon Attorney (2022–2025) and her high-profile firing in 2025 |
| Current Role | Attorney at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; writer and justice reform advocate |
Liz Oyer Husband
Liz Oyer is married to her loving husband, George Wyatt, who hails from East Lansing, Michigan. The lovely duo got married on August 19, 2006. Liz and her husband met at Harvard Law School, where they both graduated cum laude. Their wedding was held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington.
Liz Oyer Family
Liz is the daughter of Dr. Rosanne Oyer and Dr. Randall Oyer of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She was born in Lancaster and later on moved to Washington due to her studies.
Liz Oyer Net Worth
Liz Oyer currently has an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2025. This figure is majorly due to her extensive career as an attorney.
