Criminal defense lawyer F. Lee Bailey, who defended O.J. Simpson in his 1995 trial, has died aged 87.
Bailey's son Bendrix confirmed his death but didn't specify a cause. He said his father had been dealing with several medical issues in recent years and living in Georgia to be near another son, Scott.
In a legal career that lasted more than 40 years, Bailey was seen as haughty, self-obsessed and disdainful of authority. But he was also considered relentless, bold, incisive and clever.
Bailey's legal career halted when he was disbarred in two states.
Other prominent clients include Patricia Hearst and the alleged Boston Strangler.
Bailey successfully defended Army Capt. Ernest Medina against court-martial charges in connection to the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War.
Bailey was praised in some corners and rejected in others as he defended highly unpopular individuals ranging from serial killers and international drug kingpins to Ponzi scheme masterminds.
In a touching tribute on his Twitter page, Simpson called Bailey, "a great friend" and "one of the great lawyers of our time."
A court acquitted Simpson of killing former wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, a server, in 1994.
"In many respects, he was the model of what a criminal defense attorney should be in terms of preparation and investigation," The Associated Press quoted Kenneth Fishman, Bailey's former law partner, saying.
Fishman went on to become a Superior Court judge in Massachusetts. His legal association and friendship with Bailey dates back to 1975.
Steven Brill, founder of Court TV and the American Lawyer magazine, once called Bailey "an enduring legal figure in the sense he's been willing, and in fact relished, taking on clients that were the demons of society," The Post said.
Bendrix said his father didn't want a funeral, and he'll most likely be cremated. The family is considering a celebration of life.
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