Counsel
Justice Action Center
Columbia, Maryland

Meet Hillary Li, a civil rights attorney whose dedication to social justice blossomed at Emory. Inspired by her parents, who immigrated from China and instilled in her the importance of giving back to the community, Li grew as a civil rights advocate through Campus Life activities like Crossroads. After graduating, she pursued law school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where she interned at the Americana Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina. 

She is now counsel with Los Angeles-based Justice Action Center, an organization that uses litigation and storytelling to fight for immigrant justice. Li litigates high-profile cases in federal court to defend noncitizens harmed by state violence.

Li’s sister, Honna 20Ox 22C, also graduated from Emory, and Li met her husband, Diego, another Emory legacy, at the university.

Li enjoys trail running and hiking, weightlifting, reading, creative writing, exploring local bookstores and coffee shops, and spending time with her family and cats. Li finds fulfillment in representing clients, including asylum seekers and long-term residents, many of whom have experienced trauma. She is inspired by their resilience and dedication to fighting for a better world. She says Emory’s diverse environment and focus on social justice issues were fundamental to her career trajectory, informing her commitment to justice and continuous learning.