PHOENIX - Peter Baird, an attorney who argued several high-profile cases during a 43-year career, died Thursday. He was 68.

Baird died of acute lymphatic leukemia, said Joe McGarry, a senior partner at the law firm of Lewis and Roca LLP in Phoenix, where Baird was a partner for 39 years. McGarry said Baird was diagnosed with leukemia about two weeks ago and died at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Among Baird's cases was a successful lawsuit challenging the U.S. Justice Department's use of informants at worship services. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the practice was unconstitutional.

Baird also unsuccessfully defended Ernesto Arturo Miranda on criminal charges following the landmark 1966 Miranda v. Arizona decision, which said that police have to inform criminal suspects of their constitutional right to consult with an attorney and to remain silent before they are questioned.