Noted Queen's Counsel Kevin Ryan has died after a short illness at the age of 77.
In nearly 50 years as a barrister he appeared in more 100 homicide trials.
Mr Ryan acted for Arthur Allan Thomas, who was subsequently pardoned over the murders of Jeanette and Harvey Crewe in the 1970s; for "Mr Asia" drugs boss Terry Clark and serial rapist Joseph Thompson.
He was one of two Auckland barristers appointed as Pitcairn Island magistrates, with the job of deciding whether accusations of rape and sexual abuse on the island should be committed to the Supreme Court.
After multiple applications, he was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1998.
When he retired in 2006, Mr Ryan shocked lawyers by saying an accused person's right to silence is outdated and should be abolished and that juries should be allowed to know a defendant's criminal history.
Auckland District Law Society president Keith Berman says Mr Ryan was best known for his criminal defence work, but was always willing to help people who struggled with life.
Peter Williams QC, who worked alongside Mr Ryan on many high-profile cases, says he was not motivated by money and took on many pro bono cases.
Mr Williams says Mr Ryan was a great conversationalist and was an icon in legal circles.
