Gerry Spence

Gerry Spence, who died at 96, was one of the most celebrated trial lawyers of the twentieth century, renowned for his unbroken record in the courtroom and his dramatic presence in buckskin fringe.

Spence was born, raised, and educated in Wyoming, a landscape that shaped his character and remained central to his identity. After graduating cum laude from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1952, he began practicing law and quickly distinguished himself with his unshakable commitment to clients who often had little power against the forces arrayed against them.

He spoke of dedicating his career to “the forgotten and the damned” — those struggling against corporations, government institutions, or circumstances beyond their control.

Gerry’s courtroom victories became landmarks. In the 1979 Karen Silkwood case, he represented the family of a worker at a plutonium plant, winning a verdict that highlighted corporate negligence and later inspired a Hollywood film. He defended Randy Weaver after the Ruby Ridge standoff, a case that focused national attention on questions of government authority and individual rights.

Over the course of his career, he also defended Imelda Marcos, Miss Wyoming in her case against Penthouse magazine, and countless others in both civil and criminal trials. Remarkably, Spence never lost a criminal case and had not lost a civil case since 1969, achieving a record virtually unmatched in American trial law.
Beyond the courtroom, Spence sought to train the next generation. In 1994, he founded the a trial college on his Thunderhead Ranch in Wyoming—Gerry Spence Method. Here, he emphasized the human side of lawyering: listening, storytelling, and advocacy rooted in empathy. His program became a haven for lawyers dedicated to representing ordinary people and a platform for opposition to the death penalty.

Spence’s influence extended to the public sphere as well. He wrote 18 books, including the best-seller How to Argue and Win Every Time, and was a frequent commentator on television, where his plainspoken wit made him a recognizable figure. His honors included an honorary doctorate, induction into the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Consumer Attorneys of California.

Despite the accolades, he remained grounded in Wyoming. He preferred buckskins to business suits and saw the law not as an abstract system but as a human endeavor. For him, trials were not contests of ego but opportunities to give voice to those who otherwise might not be heard.

Gerry Spence is survived by his wife of 54 years, Imaging, six children, and thirteen grandchildren. His family, along with generations of clients, students, and admirers, inherit his enduring belief that the law must serve the people.