WASHINGTON, D.C., July 7, 2022 – Former Baker Botts lawyer Khizr Khan, a Gold Star father and founder of the Constitution Literacy and National Unity Center, has been named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In the early 1980s, Mr. Khan worked as a foreign lawyer in Baker Botts’ Houston office. The award will be presented at the White House today.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

According to a White House press release, this year’s recipients “demonstrate the power of possibilities and embody the soul of the nation – hard work, perseverance, and faith. They have overcome significant obstacles to achieve impressive accomplishments in the arts and sciences, dedicated their lives to advocating for the most vulnerable among us, and acted with bravery to drive change in their communities – and across the world – while blazing trails for generations to come.”

Mr. Khan is a prominent advocate for the rule of law and religious freedom and served on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom under President Biden. A Muslim-American patriot, Mr. Khan became a household name following his 2016 speech at the Democratic National Convention. He is the father of Captain Humayun Khan, a U.S. Army officer who was killed in Iraq in 2004.

Last month, Mr. Khan returned to Baker Botts as the keynote speaker for a Memorial Day event hosted by BB Vets, the Firm’s military veteran affinity group. During his remarks, Mr. Khan provided a personal account, while paying tribute to our nation’s veterans and members of the bar for each of their work in defense of our country, Constitution and the rule of law.

ABOUT BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
Baker Botts is an international law firm whose lawyers practice throughout a network of offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Since 1840, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit bakerbotts.com.