Controversial former top cop Clint Rickards has applied to become a duty solicitor in Auckland.
Legal sources confirmed to NZPA tonight that Mr Rickards applied to the Legal Services Agency, which is still considering his application. About a month ago it was reported he had completed the courses necessary to become a duty solicitor.
His work as a defence lawyer could see him cross examining victims of sexual assaults.
Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas alleged in 2004 that she had been the victim of sexual violence in Rotorua in the 1980s at the hands of Mr Rickards as well as two other police officers Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum.
Mr Rickards was assistant commissioner of police when her allegation became public.
All three were found not guilty of sexual violence charges against her at a 2006 High Court trial, and of sex charges against another unnamed Rotorua woman a year later.
Mr Rickards' bid to become a duty solicitor has support from some of his friends and peers.
He was supported in his application by Auckland lawyer Leigh Langridge and also by Waipareira Trust head and former Labour MP John Tamihere.
It is understood Mr Tamihere said in his letter of support that while Mr Rickards could be "intimidating" that was not a bad thing as a defence lawyer.
Auckland defence lawyer Marie Dyhrberg said she would welcome Mr Rickards as a defence lawyer or duty solicitor.
She said he had no criminal convictions and the Law Society believed "quite properly in my view he is a fit and proper person to act as a lawyer.
"Having been given that, I cannot see any problem whatsoever with him being a duty solicitor."
She said the Law Society would have a "total look at the character and they have certainly said he is a fit and proper person".
She said defence lawyers did not represent sex victims and that should not be an issue for anyone he would represent.
"If you are a defence lawyer, if you do your job properly unfortunately you cannot consider the situation of a complainant."
Mr Rickards had been working for west Auckland urban Maori organisation Waipareira Trust as part of the team attempting to reduce the crime rate among Maori youth.
A spokeswoman for trust told NZPA they supported Mr Rickard's bid to become a duty solicitor.
"It's continuous support as we've supported him right from the beginning.
"We're elated that he's done so well to achieve in himself and his status to the bar," she said.
NZPA