Renowned New Orleans Defense Attorney Mike Fawer Dies at 90

Fawer represented high-profile clients like former Gov. Edwin Edwards and helped overturn a death sentence.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a wooden gavel against a stark black background, the harsh flash illuminating the textured surface and creating dramatic shadows to convey a serious, investigative mood without words.The passing of renowned defense attorney Mike Fawer signals the end of an era for New Orleans' legal community.New Orleans Today

Mike Fawer, a renowned criminal defense attorney in New Orleans who handled over 125 cases across several states and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, died on Wednesday at the age of 90. Fawer was known for representing high-profile clients such as former Governor Edwin Edwards, civil rights leader Charles Evers, and Curtis Kyles, whose death sentence he helped overturn.

Why it matters

Fawer was considered one of the most skilled criminal defense attorneys in Louisiana, known for his ability in cross-examination. His passing marks the end of an era for the New Orleans legal community, as he had been practicing law for nearly 60 years.

The details

Born in the Bronx, Fawer graduated from Cornell University and Columbia Law School before moving to New Orleans in 1971 and opening his own practice in 1974. Over the course of his career, he handled more than 125 cases across several states and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. Fawer was widely praised for his skill in cross-examination and for defending some of the state's highest-profile cases, including those involving former Governor Edwin Edwards, Charles Roemer, Aaron Mintz, and Curtis Kyles, whose death sentence he helped overturn.

  • Fawer passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home with private burial at Ahavas Sholom Cemetery.

The players

Mike Fawer

A renowned criminal defense attorney in New Orleans who handled over 125 cases across several states and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court over the course of his nearly 60-year career.

Edwin Edwards

A former Governor of Louisiana whom Fawer represented in a high-profile case.

Charles Evers

A civil rights leader whom Fawer represented in a high-profile case.

Curtis Kyles

A man whose death sentence Fawer helped overturn.

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The takeaway

Fawer's passing marks the end of an era for the New Orleans legal community, as he had been a prominent and influential figure in the city's criminal defense landscape for nearly six decades.