Gerry Spence: A Lasting Legacy in the Courtroom and Beyond

“Never expect the jury to do anything which you, yourself, will not do.” - Gerry Spence

Gerry Spence, who passed away this month at the age of 96, was more than a legendary trial lawyer. He was a storyteller, a teacher, and a force who forever changed how attorneys connect with juries. His belief that advocacy requires honesty, courage, and humanity continues to guide generations of trial lawyers — including our own Tanya Gomerman, who attended the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and describes the experience as life-changing.

The Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming, founded by Spence in 1994, remains a cornerstone for generations of advocates.

The Trial Lawyers College: Spence’s Greatest Gift

Founded in 1994 in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, the Trial Lawyers College became one of Spence’s greatest legacies. It was created not just to sharpen trial skills, but to challenge attorneys to look inward, shed pretense, and speak with their most authentic voice.  

Many describe the program as transformative, and its lessons continue to ripple outward through the lawyers who trained there and the clients whose stories they carry into the courtroom.

Although she never met Spence personally, Tanya credits the College with shaping her approach to advocacy and deepening her commitment to representing clients with integrity, courage, and compassion.

Tanya with colleagues during her time at the Trial Lawyers College - an experience that shaped both skills and community.

Landmark Cases that Defined a Career

Mr. Spence first rose to national prominence in 1979 when he represented the family of Karen Silkwood, the nuclear plant worker who died on her way to share safety concerns with a reporter.  The case exposed dangerous practices and ended in a $10.5 million verdict — a landmark in corporate accountability and one of the defining trials of the era.

His career was as remarkable for its results as it was for its philosophy. He never lost a criminal trial and had not lost a civil case since 1969, a record that remains among the most extraordinary in modern American legal history.

In the years that followed, Spence became known for his ability to humanize clients in even the most high-profile cases. In 1990, he defended former First Lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos in a New York racketeering trial, persuading jurors with his gift for simple, human-centered storytelling. In 1993, he represented Randy Weaver after the tragic Ruby Ridge standoff, securing acquittals on the most serious charges while challenging government overreach in a case that captured national attention.

In his own words, Gerry Spence shares his philosophy on advocacy - lessons that continue to inspire trial lawyers today.

Beyond the Courtroom: Author, Commentator, and Teacher

Spence’s influence reached far beyond the courtroom. In the 1990s, he became a household name as a commentator during the O.J. Simpson trial, where his sharp analysis and distinctive voice drew millions of viewers. Around the same time, he hosted The Gerry Spence Show on CNBC, bringing his insights on law and justice to a broader audience.

He was also a prolific writer. His works ranged from trial guides like Win Your Case and How to Argue and Win Every Time to reflections on freedom in Give Me Liberty! and even novels later in life. His writings gave both lawyers and non-lawyers a glimpse into his philosophy: that true persuasion comes not from tricks, but from authenticity, vulnerability, and conviction.

Spence’s words reflect the very values Tanya strives to uphold in representing her clients

A Legacy That Lives On

Even late in life, Spence remained a student of humanity as much as a teacher of law. He continued writing, painting, and sharing his reflections well into his later years. His books in the 2000s and 2010s explored themes of justice, freedom, and storytelling, showing that his curiosity and passion never dimmed.

While Gerry Spence is no longer with us, his presence is everywhere: in the courtroom strategies of the lawyers he trained, in the voices of clients whose stories were heard, and in the enduring principles that trial work must always be grounded in integrity.

For Tanya and for countless others who passed through the Trial Lawyers College, Spence’s teachings remain a guiding light. His legacy reminds us that advocacy is not only about winning, but about standing bravely for justice, speaking with conviction, and never losing sight of our shared humanity.