Mr Russell, known to many as Jay, qualified as a solicitor in 1944 after an apprenticeship with TG Mackintosh of Newtownards.

He established his own practice in the town, J W Russell & Co, adding partners until 1981 when he became the firm’s consultant.

Mr Russell later served as coroner for North Down from the late 1960s until he took up the position of assistant director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) in 1978, becoming director on the retirement of James Elliott.

During his career, he was regularly instructed by colleagues as an expert witness where issues arose in conveyancing and probate cases.

In a statement, the Law Society of Northern Ireland said it “offers its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends”.