Gerry Spence Dies at 96, Legal Giant in Fight Against Corporate Power

Gerry Spence, the legendary trial lawyer whose career was defined by his fight for individual rights against corporate and governmental power, died on August 15, 2025, at the age of 96 in Montecito, California [2]. Surrounded by family, Spence’s passing marks the end of a legal legacy that spanned over half a century and helped shape the modern American trial bar. A founding figure in the Trial Lawyers College and a relentless advocate for the rights of ordinary people, Spence’s influence endures in the legal community and beyond.

Spence’s career took off with his landmark 1979 victory in the Karen Silkwood case, in which he secured a $10.5 million verdict against Kerr-McGee Corporation. The case, which was later dramatized in the 1983 film Silkwood starring Meryl Streep, centered on the death of a nuclear worker who had been contaminated with plutonium. Although the verdict was overturned on appeal, it led to a $1.3 million out-of-court settlement and cemented Spence’s reputation as a fearless litigator [2].

Over the years, Spence took on a wide array of high-profile cases. He represented former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos and achieved an acquittal in a federal racketeering trial in 1990. He also successfully defended Randy Weaver in the Ruby Ridge standoff, securing an acquittal despite the tragic death of an FBI agent and Weaver’s family members. These cases underscored his ability to challenge powerful institutions while navigating complex legal and public relations landscapes [2].

Spence’s advocacy extended beyond the courtroom. In 1994, he founded the Trial Lawyers College, later renamed the Gerry Spence Method, in Dubois, Wyoming. The institution, housed at Thunderhead Ranch, continues to train attorneys in the art of courtroom storytelling and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of representing the voiceless [2]. Spence’s philosophy, which he described as fighting to “free the people of this country from the slavery of its new corporate masters,” resonated with a generation of lawyers who saw the courtroom as a battleground for social justice [1].

Spence was known not only for his legal acumen but also for his distinctive style and personality. His signature suede fringe jacket, designed and sewn by his wife Imaging, became a trademark of his public image. He often reflected on the emotional and cultural significance of the garment in his writings and speeches, drawing a personal connection between his legal battles and the love that shaped his identity [2].

His contributions to the legal field were widely recognized. He received numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Wyoming and a lifetime achievement award from the Consumer Attorneys of California. In 2009, he was inducted into the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame [2].

Spence is survived by his wife of 57 years, LaNelle “Imaging” Spence, five children, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His legacy lives on through the Trial Lawyers College, which continues to train attorneys in the methods he pioneered, and through his many books, including How to Argue and Win Every Time, which remain popular among legal professionals [2].

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[1] title1 (https://www.ainvest.com/news/gerry-spence-dies-96-legacy-fighting-corporate-power-2508/)

[2] title2 (https://davisvanguard.org/2025/08/country-lawyer-gerry-spence/)