Gerry Spence Method

How To Argue and Win Every Time.At Home. At Work. In Court. Everywhere. Every Day.

Join us for an immersive learning experience as Thunderhead Ranch goes On the Road. You will have the opportunity to refresh or broaden your understanding of the Gerry Spence Method, or you’ll be introduced to it for the very first time where you will experience how impactful and game-changing it truly is.

Background Image

Course Overview

A multi-day workshop using the principles and techniques for trial developed by Gerry Spence. Participants in the workshop will be constantly on their feet practicing the techniques with live feedback from others while guided by highly trained and experienced instructors in the method. You will be working on your case and your client’s story to prepare you and your client’s story to “Win Your Case.”

What You'll Learn
  • In jury selection, how to tell your client’s story so it feels to the jurors as if you are telling their story;
  • How to build a tribe of jurors with you as their leader;
  • How to form a real and genuine connection with the jurors so that there is real trust between you;
  • How to get the jury to connect with your client’s story and route for them to win;
  • How to get the jury to see the defense as the villain;
  • How to learn to use story structure like the big Hollywood movie makers;
  • How to use storytelling techniques to deliver that story that a jury can feel;
Skills You'll Gain
  • Jury selection and the art of inclusion, not exclusion;
  • Opening statement that leaves the listener with the feeling that they want to hear more;
  • Direct examination that feels more like a demonstration and reenactment;
  • Cross-examination that has the opposing witness testify for you;
  • Closings that inspire, motivate, and educate jurors on how to change their lives and others.;

By the end of this program, you will be introduced to everything that you will need to be a powerful polarizing force for justice. You will become far more persuasive and real beyond what jury instructions, motions, and case law can be to a case. You will develop your voice in a way that is charismatic, persuasive, and real. You will be able to recreate this ability by way of the techniques so that you will be the most persuasive and credible person in the courtroom each and every time.

Essential Course Details

Discover the key information about Thunderhead Ranch On the Road, including location, fees, and prerequisites for attending. Join GSM to reconnect with Gerry Spence’s methods, learn how they have evolved, or to be introduced to them for the very first time, on your continued path to personal and professional development.

Location
Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
Fees
The cost is $2,750 for education and some meals, snacks, and beverages during the program.
Prerequisites
Open to all personal injury plaintiff lawyers and all criminal defense lawyers in good standing with their state bars.

Upcoming Program Dates

Choose from two convenient dates for the On the Road Program in Nashville, Tennessee. Select the session that best fits your schedule and apply today to secure your spot.

January 22 - 25 | 2026

Meet the Expert Instructors: Joey Low and John Zelbst

Learn from two of the most respected trial lawyers in the country. With decades of experience, numerous high-profile wins, and a deep commitment to justice, Joey Low and John Zelbst bring unmatched knowledge and courtroom insight to every session. Their passion for teaching and dedication to ethical, impactful advocacy will guide you in mastering the art of trial law.

Joey Low

Senior Instructor and Director of Curriculum

Joey Low
  • Over 20 years of teaching experience;

  • Recognized as one of the country's elite jury-selection lawyers;

  • Multiple high-profile, high-dollar personal injury litigation wins;

  • Recipient of several national awards for courtroom excellence;

  • Frequent speaker and legal analyst for media outlets;

Joey Low is a renowned attorney and legal educator who has dedicated over 20 years to teaching attorneys and advancing the legal profession. As a graduate of the Gerry Spence Method program in 1998, Joey was personally mentored by Gerry Spence and entrusted with his techniques, ideas, and methods. He made a promise to pass along these teachings and continue the fight for the rights of ordinary people.

Transitioning from military defense to civil plaintiff representation, Joey's expertise in applying Spence's doctrines led to his recognition as one of the country's elite jury-selection lawyers. He is a passionate advocate for above-reproach ethical standards and the representation of plaintiffs in high-profile, high-dollar personal injury litigation, particularly where victims suffer severely disabling injuries, including TBI and PTSD. In 2020, three of his wins were included on California's 2019 Top 100 Verdicts list, and he was included on the Los Angeles Daily Journal's 2020 Top Plaintiff Lawyer list.

Joey has received several national awards for his excellence in the courtroom, including the American Board of Trial Attorneys and Order of the Barristers. He is a recipient of the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Medallion for Excellence in Trial Advocacy from the American College of Trial Lawyers and is a member of the prestigious Association of Trial Lawyers of America, American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Joey is often called upon to speak at law lectures around the country and has become a legal analyst and commentator on legal and national media outlets.

John Zelbst

Senior Instructor and Legendary Trial Lawyer

John Zelbst
  • Over 20 years of teaching experience;

  • Nationally recognized trial lawyer with numerous verdict records;

  • Numerous awards and recognitions in the legal field;

  • Active in community service and leadership roles;

  • Endorsed by Gerry Spence as his lawyer of choice;

John Zelbst is a nationally known and recognized trial lawyer with an unwavering commitment to representing those who have been injured, wronged, falsely accused, and mistreated. With over 20 years of teaching experience, John's association with Gerry Spence began in 1999 as a student. He has tried cases in both state and federal jurisdictions throughout the United States, often with the assistance of local counsel.

Based in Lawton, Oklahoma, John is licensed to practice before various courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States, the Court of Federal Claims, and numerous circuit and district courts. He has been honored with multiple awards and recognitions, including Top Attorney in Oklahoma, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and America's Most Honored Lawyers.

As a passionate advocate for justice, John is a member and in good standing with several legal associations. His courtroom presence has been described as bringing "life, thunder, and justice" to the often sterile and lifeless environment of modern courtrooms.

Deeply committed to his community, John serves on various boards and participates in community organizations, such as the Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, and Meers Volunteer Fire Department. He is a distinguished alumnus of Cameron University, where he also played college football.

Gerry Spence has repeatedly honored John Zelbst by publicly stating that if he ever needed a lawyer, John would be his choice. This endorsement speaks volumes about John's expertise, passion, and dedication to the practice of law and the pursuit of justice.
Mentored by Gerry Spence

"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."

Joseph LowVice President, Director of Staff and Curriculum & Chief Instructor GSM
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."

Christian Morris2013 Student & 2021 Faculty
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."

Arnold ReedStudent
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."

Thomas BurnsStudent

Frequently Asked Questions about On the Road Program

Find answers to common questions about the On the Road Program, covering topics such as program dates, costs, application deadlines, and what to expect during the course.

What is the Thunderhead Ranch On the Road Program?
Where will the On the Road Program take place?
What is the cost of the On the Road Program?
Who can attend the On the Road Program?
What will I learn in the On the Road Program?