Former Chief Appellate Immigration Judge David H. Wetmore Joins GYH as Senior Counsel

Washington, D.C. — May 12, 2025 — Former Chief Appellate Immigration Judge David H. Wetmore has joined Grossman Young & Hammond as Senior Counsel. His arrival marks a major milestone for the firm and reflects its unwavering commitment to principled advocacy and the rule of law.

Appointed by the U.S. Attorney General in 2020, Wetmore served as the Chief Appellate Immigration Judge for the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)—the nation’s highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration law. In this role, he adjudicated thousands of appeals and led a historic modernization effort that brought unprecedented efficiency to the immigration appellate process. Under his leadership, the BIA completed more cases in Fiscal Year 2024 than in any of the previous fifteen fiscal years.

“With his unmatched experience, David adds extraordinary depth to our litigation and appellate practice,” said Sandra Grossman, Managing Partner. “He brings not only a commanding knowledge of immigration law, but also a deep understanding of how to navigate the system at the highest levels with integrity and strategic foresight.”

Wetmore’s two-decade career in public service also includes senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice and the White House. As Associate Deputy Attorney General, he advised on national immigration policy and interagency initiatives. Earlier, he spent eight years as a litigator in the DOJ’s Office of Immigration Litigation, authoring hundreds of federal court briefs and arguing dozens of appellate cases.

“Joining Grossman Young & Hammond is a natural next step in my career,” said Wetmore. “This firm is known nationally for its commitment to legal excellence and due process in every case it handles. I look forward to using my experience to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes while continuing to uphold the values that define our legal system.”

The addition of Wetmore underscores Grossman Young & Hammond’s position as a thought leader in high-stakes immigration litigation and complex legal matters affecting businesses, individuals, and families. It also affirms the firm’s mission to advance justice through legal excellence and a profound respect for the rule of law.