The Method lives on at Thunderhead Ranch.
Built on Gerry Spence's lifelong pursuit of justice and authentic advocacy, the Method continues today through a dedicated faculty of experienced trial lawyers committed to carrying his teachings forward.
Win your case in jury selection
Ranch on the Road · Carlsbad, California
October 18–23, 2026 · Omni La Costa Spa & Resort
Learn voir dire from the best in the country. Limited seating.
A lifetime of teaching, entrusted to the next generation.
For decades, Gerry Spence transformed the way trial lawyers approach advocacy, storytelling, and human connection. Today, the Gerry Spence Method remains committed to preserving and advancing those teachings through immersive programs, dedicated faculty, and a community of lawyers united by the pursuit of justice.
While Gerry's voice continues to inspire everything we do, it is the responsibility of each generation of trial lawyers to carry the Method forward.
Eight movements, from you to the verdict.
At its core, the Method begins with you. Before you can connect with a jury, you must first connect with yourself.
It Begins With You
Connect with yourself before you connect with a jury.
Working on the Horse
Psychodrama that uncovers emotional truth.
Finding the Theme
The central truth that anchors the story.
Building the Tribe
Voir dire rooted in authenticity and trust.
Opening Statement
Scenes the jury lives, not facts it hears.
Direct Examination
Testimony directed in the present tense.
Cross-Examination
Your story, told through their witness.
Closing the Deal
Caring becomes contagious.
The barn at Thunderhead RanchThree ways into the Method.
3-Week Program
A 21-day immersion at Thunderhead Ranch: psychodrama, jury selection, storytelling and a closing mock trial.
On the Road
The Method’s working program, brought to trial lawyers across the country.
Advanced Trial Skills
For graduates ready to take the Method deeper into their own cases.
Lawyers leave the ranch different.
“The best training I've ever gotten, by far.”
Jennifer Cross · GSM Class of 2025
Gerry never lost...
Gerry's program remains on Thunderhead Ranch where it all began, with him teaching trial lawyers in 1994. His program is now Gerry Spence Method at Thunderhead Ranch.
Personal Growth
Elevate your practice by embracing your genuine self.
Venture into the Unknown
Leave your comfort zone and experience the power of innovation.
Master the Art of Storytelling
Shift from explanations to compelling narratives that captivate your audience.
Ignite Your Creativity
Rediscover the joy of your craft by tapping into your innate creativity and passion.
Experience the Transformative Program at Thunderhead Ranch
Join us at Thunderhead Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming—the birthplace of the Gerry Spence Method. Built on Gerry Spence's lifelong pursuit of justice and authentic advocacy, the Method continues today through a dedicated faculty of experienced trial lawyers committed to carrying his teachings forward.
Our mission is to revolutionize your trial practice through a deeper understanding of human behavior and the mastery of universal storytelling. Guided by dedicated trial attorneys who volunteer their expertise, you'll experience the same principles and techniques Gerry Spence spent a lifetime developing and teaching to trial lawyers across the country.
We champion small group learning, ensuring you receive personalized attention and support. Bolstered by the collective feedback of your peers, step into the courtroom with confidence, ready to present a compelling, emotional narrative.
Accelerate Your Professional Growth with the Gerry Spence Method
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Carrying Forward Gerry Spence's Legacy
"Gerry Spence invited me to his college in 1998 despite the fact that I was a first year lawyer. He has been my mentor throughout my entire legal career and I owe all of my success to his incredible philosophy, teachings and commitment to teaching me and other hungry lawyers on the art and science of trial."
Unleashing the Caring Attorney
"When you go to law school they teach you how to be a lawyer but they don't teach you how to care. An attorney who cares about their client is the most powerful attorney you will ever meet. It's amazing to know that the basic skill lives within us, we just have to get to it. Here's the best part of GSM. you will leave different. Not a different person, but a different lawyer."
Discovering the Gift of Self
"This is a place where you come to be a human. What's amazing aboout Gerry is that he's one of the most famous trial lawyers in America but he doesn't want people to copy his arguments or to copy how he talks or dresses. He wants people to come here so that he can share a very amazing gift, the gift of self - and when you learn who you are, you realize you have a fire within yourself."
Transforming as Lawyers and Humans
"The magic and the transformation that takes place here that I find remarkable is that by becoming better human beings we become better lawyers; by digging deep into ourselves we're better able to sense what may be holding our clients back and we can get at the real story. it's been quite an experience and I'm going to really miss this place. It's a great group of people."
Stay Connected with the Gerry Spence Method
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