U.S. Supreme Court Grants Gibson Dunn Pro Bono Team’s Petition for Certiorari in First Amendment Case

Firm News  |  July 3, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a Gibson Dunn pro bono team’s petition for certiorari in Olivier v. City of Brandon et al., a civil rights case in which our team was supported by a diverse coalition of 11 amicus briefs.

Gabriel Olivier, an evangelical Christian, shared his faith on a public sidewalk near the City of Brandon, Mississippi’s amphitheater during well-attended events.  He was silenced when the City adopted an ordinance prohibiting him from communicating his religious beliefs on the public sidewalk, and then arrested him for violating the ordinance by continuing to share his faith.  After paying a fine, he sued the city in federal court, challenging the constitutionality of the ordinance.

The district court dismissed his lawsuit without considering the merits, relying on a Supreme Court decision that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has applied to prevent persons convicted under a law from challenging the constitutionality of that law.  The Fifth Circuit affirmed and then declined to revisit its past precedent by a narrow one-vote margin over vigorous dissents.  Now the Supreme Court will hear his case.

“We’re pleased the Court agreed to take up this important case, and we look forward to presenting our arguments that Mr. Olivier is entitled to his day in court,” said Gibson Dunn partner Allyson Ho, who is leading our pro bono team. The team includes associates David Casazza, Aaron Smith, and Savannah Silver. Our co-counsel is the First Liberty Institute.