University of Alabama alumnus Brett Talley was nominated by President Donald Trump for a seat as judge on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, left vacant by Mark Fuller. 

Talley graduated from the University with a Bachelors of Arts in philosophy and history in 2004, before attending Harvard Law School and earning his J.D. in 2007. He currently serves as a deputy assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice.

Controversy has surrounded his nomination, calling his experience into question. Talley has never tried a case before and The American Bar Association Standing Commission on the Federal Judiciary unanimously rated Talley “not qualified” for the lifelong appointment of federal district judge. This is one of only four times that has ever happened.

Concerns about his conflicts of interest have also been called to attention. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Talley failed to disclose that his wife is a senior lawyer for the White House Counsel’s Office.

Recent national attention on Talley has also brought some of his past experiences to light. 

While living in Tuscaloosa, Talley was a member of the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group. He has also written fiction books about haunted sites in Alabama, such as “Haunted Tuscaloosa” and “Haunted Alabama Black Belt.”

His confirmation is still pending a vote from the United States Senate.