Gerry Spence, one of the most famous trial attorneys of the 20th century and a proud son of Wyoming, died Wednesday at his Montecito, California, home at the age of 96, his family said. A legend in the trial bar, he was renowned for his civil practice and criminal defense work, defending the poor and injured and taking on high-profile cases that drew national attention.
Spence rose to national prominence with a string of landmark disputes, including a $10.5 million verdict for the family of nuclear whistleblower Karen Silkwood, the successful defense of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, and the acquittal of Randy Weaver on the most serious charges stemming from the Ruby Ridge standoff. His victories also included a $52 million judgment against McDonald’s and a $26.5 million libel award for Miss Wyoming against Hustler magazine. Beyond the courtroom, he built a legacy as a mentor, bringing lawyers to Thunderhead Ranch beginning in 1994 to train a generation of attorneys in what became known as the “Spence Method”—an approach centered on authenticity, emotional connection and moral courage. The Gerry Spence Method continues to influence lawyers today. He was also a prolific author of more than a dozen books and a familiar voice on national television during major trials, earning lifetime achievement honors from the American Association for Justice and the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame.
Spence is survived by his wife of 57 years, LaNelle “Imaging” Spence; his brother Thomas Spence; his children Kip, Kerry, Kent and Katy Spence, and Brents and Christopher Hawks; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, according to his family.
Starting Out
Spence began his legal career in Riverton, Wyoming, alongside Frank Hill, and soon built a practice that would span the state and nation. He later moved into Casper, then Cheyenne, before forming long-term partnerships that would shape his career. Spence’s early work included prosecuting repeat killer Mark Hopkinson, the last person Wyoming executed in 1992.
Bob Schuster, Spence’s law partner of 25 years, recalled a fierce work ethic. “Trials can be fearsome places. It is combat, and the stakes for winning or losing can be immense. Sometimes life or death,” Schuster said. “It wasn’t that Gerry had no fear. It was his courage to face it, which came through meticulous preparation.” Spence’s routine often began before trial weeks, arriving at the firm at 5 a.m. to craft voir dire questions, witness questions and openings and closings.
Spence’s reputation for flamboyance had its origins, but his partners emphasized that the real “flamboyance” lay in preparation and the ability to read witnesses. He believed in the power of storytelling, a skill he also shared with younger lawyers as part of his mentorship.
A Place Of Death
Growing up, Spence worked on ranches, herding sheep and hauling hay, and he learned to “paint” a picture with words—an approach he later turned into a courtroom philosophy. He loved animals and initially wanted to be a veterinarian, but the world of speech and advocacy drew him in. He described the courtroom as a place of life-and-death stakes but also a place where the defense of the vulnerable could make justice possible.
The Mentor
Spence, though a formidable trial attorney, was known as a generous mentor. Among his protégés, Jim Fitzgerald recalls a teacher who urged law students to be themselves in court. “Being authentic was their great power,” Fitzgerald said, underscoring Spence’s belief that his own strength lay in encouraging others to bring their genuine voices into the courtroom.
The Prosecution and Public Life
Spence’s public roles included service as a special prosecutor in the Hopkinson case, a troubling death-penalty matter in Wyoming. Governor Dave Sullivan recalled that Spence opposed the death penalty, even as he had secured a conviction in that case, noting the complexity of balancing personal beliefs with legal work and the need for careful judgment in such matters.
His career also shaped the broader understanding of civil defense against insurance practices that he described in his writings, alongside a shift away from representing certain insurers as he broadened his focus to protect individuals against powerful systems. This evolution helped fuel the growth of his national reputation and his firm’s expansion.
The Legacy
Spence’s impact extended beyond verdicts. His “Spence Method” and the Thunderhead Ranch program trained generations of lawyers to emphasize authenticity, moral courage, and emotional connection with juries. He authored more than a dozen books and remained a prominent voice during major trials on television and in print. His honors included lifetime achievement awards from the American Association for Justice and the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that reshaped American trial advocacy.
What he leaves behind is a blueprint for pursuing justice with integrity and humanity. The Spence Method remains active, and his books continue to be read by lawyers and students seeking to understand how storytelling, presence, and ethical commitment can influence the course of a case.
A Final Thought
Gerry Spence’s extraordinary life bridged small-town Wyoming and national legal prominence, rooted in a belief that lawyers must fight for the underdog with authenticity and care. His work transformed how trials are argued and how lawyers mentor the next generation. In remembering him, many will focus not only on the verdicts but on the guideposts he set for defending the vulnerable and telling compelling, truthful stories in the courtroom.
Summary
Gerry Spence, the iconic Wyoming-born trial attorney who shaped modern civil and criminal advocacy with landmark verdicts, a transformative mentoring program, and a lifelong commitment to authenticity, has passed away at 96. His legacy lives on through the Gerry Spence Method, his writings, and the countless lawyers he trained to pursue justice with courage and conscience.
Commentary and context
– Spence’s life illustrates the arc from rural roots to national leadership in law, underscoring how personal philosophy and rigorous preparation can influence courtroom outcomes and professional culture.
– The ongoing influence of the Spence Method highlights a continuing trend in legal practice: coaching attorneys to connect with juries on a humane, authentic level while maintaining rigorous advocacy.
– His death marks the passing of a figure who not only achieved high-profile wins but also shaped the way many lawyers think about ethics, mentorship, and the responsibilities of advocacy.