Walter Braswell, a former interim U.S. attorney in Birmingham and lawyer who help defend clients in some high-profile political cases, has died.
Mr. Braswell, who was 55, died Sunday. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Tuscaloosa. Visitation will be at 9 a.m.
Mr. Braswell was a longtime assistant to the late Claude Harris of Tuscaloosa, a former congressman who died of cancer a year after taking the job of U.S. attorney in Birmingham. Braswell managed Harris' 1986 campaign for Congress and became his top assistant.
When Harris was confirmed for the U.S. attorney job, Mr. Braswell became the first assistant U.S. attorney in Harris' office. He became interim U.S. attorney following Harris' death in October 1994, remaining in the post until early 1995.
Mr. Braswell remained in Birmingham, practicing law, singing in the choir at Highlands United Methodist Church, and sharing with friends and associates his love of history and politics, frequently e-mailing them humorous anecdotes, quotes and observations on the foibles of Alabama politicians.
Mr. Braswell helped represent some politicians, including former Jefferson County Commissioner Gary White who faced bribery and other charges. He also helped a political newcomer named Vanessa Hill successfully challenge her apparent election defeat in the 2004 mayoral election in the Black Belt town of Greensboro.
Mr. Braswell's survivors include his mother,