ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The news about the passing of a prominent Rochester attorney is rippling through the legal community.
Local Attorney James Hinman confirmed that Dan Aureli died.
Aureli's distinguished law career spanned more than three decades.
He defended numerous clients charged in criminal cases over the years.
One high-profile trial includes Thomas Johnson III who was convicted of fatally shooting Rochester Police Officer Daryl Pierson in 2014.
"Dan was a wonderful guy," local attorney James Hinman said. "He was a great lawyer and friend. We worked together very closely during the Johnson trial. Got to know each other real well. He was always there to help and he'd give you the shirt off your back if you needed it. He was a great guy"
Reportedly, Aureli had knee surgery last week and it's believed he died from a blood clot.
Aureli graduated from the University of Rochester in 1975.