The purpose of the site is to chronicle the accomplishments of American Attorney Claude Raymond Branch. In concert, the site spotlights selected events at the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Branch was an American Patriot, Legendary Attorney and highly accomplished businessman. Finally, the site seeks to inspire both current and future students of the legal profession.
Whether his willingness and ability to tell a story, legal judgement, life on the tennis court, tip of a hat to a passing lady, his presence seemed larger than life. Be it his role as advisor to the Solicitor General, legal counsel to corporations or as a faithful alumnus to the schools he believed in, he was most steadfast.
In walking down the street a summer afternoon near the former Branch Residence in Northwest DC in 2016, one might imagine Mr. Branch traveling in the morning by motorcar to the Department of Justice in 1930.
Seems time appears to have stood still on Wyoming Avenue in DC, yet somehow the timeless work of Mr. Branch drives on. Whether in the Halls of the Supreme Court, long days in Boston, Providence or Washington, or along the beaches of Narragansett, Rhode Island, Mr. Branch is still remarkably present, over 40 years after his passing.
As his oldest grandson, he once told me that I was the closest he ever had to having a son. Along with our entire family, we knew him as being a terrific and caring grandfather. Further, he was most gracious with his contemporaries, often quoting them in conversation. He was one of the most remarkable men I have known, most assuredly ahead of his time.
Research for this site commenced in the 2016, to include my attendance at Supreme Court Historical Society events and lectures, further detailed in the events section of this homepage. Sources for this site include:
John Hay Library, Brown University
Lauinger Library Special Collections, Georgetown University, D.C.
National Archives, Washington D.C.
Regent University Law Library, Virginia Beach
Supreme Court Historical Society, D.C.
United States Supreme Court, D.C.
Linda Eggeman, Daughter of Claude Branch
Attorney Philip Tavlian, Fresno California
Since inception in July of 2016, thousands have visited this homepage. Thanks to the those who have spent time here, both known and unknown to Mr. Branch. He would most welcome your continuing presence.
Commander Lincoln Stephen Smith, USNR (Ret)