Gerry Spence: A Journey Through The Life Of A Legendary Lawyer

Gerry Spence's life story is not just about courtroom victories; it's a tale of dedication, passion, and unwavering principles. Born in Laramie, Wyoming, he has become a symbol of justice and advocacy for the underprivileged. With a career spanning decades, Spence has made a significant mark in the legal world, becoming a household name in the realm of trial law.

He graduated from the University of Wyoming Law School in 1952, and his journey as a lawyer began in earnest. Over the years, he has taken on numerous high-profile cases, championing the rights of those who often go unheard. His commitment to social justice and his remarkable track record of winning every jury trial since 1969 have established him as a formidable force in the legal community.

Spence's impressive net worth of $20 million is a testament to his success, but it is his dedication to his clients and the values he stands for that truly define him. From the infamous Karen Silkwood case to his role in setting up the Trial Lawyers College, Gerry Spence's life is filled with lessons of perseverance, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

What is Gerry Spence's Net Worth?

Gerry Spence is a semi-retired American trial lawyer who has a net worth of $20 million. He has built an impressive career, establishing himself as a successful lawyer who has never lost a jury trial or civil case since 1969. His contributions to legal literature have also been significant, with over a dozen legal books to his name.

Born Gerald Leonard Spence on January 8, 1929, in Laramie, Wyoming, he embarked on his legal career shortly after graduating from the University of Wyoming Law School in 1952. Initially, he worked as a defense attorney for insurance companies. However, the turning point in his career came with the Karen Silkwood case, which brought him international fame.

Karen Silkwood was a chemical technician who criticized plant safety at the Kerr-McGee plutonium production plant. Tragically, she lost her life in a suspicious car accident, leading her family to accuse the plant of exposing her to dangerous levels of plutonium. Spence represented the Silkwood family, winning a landmark $10.5 million judgment that catapulted him into the spotlight and solidified his reputation as a fierce advocate for justice.

Among his most notable cases is a $52 million verdict against McDonald's on behalf of a small ice-cream factory. Spence is known for his commitment to defending “the poor and the forgotten,” a mission he refers to as standing against “the new slave master” – a term he uses to describe the collusion between large corporations and government.

In addition to his courtroom victories, Spence has been a prominent speaker at universities and legal organizations, sharing his expertise and insights with aspiring lawyers. He founded the Trial Lawyers College, a nonprofit organization that trains lawyers and judges to support those marginalized by society. His last case was in 2008, after which he chose to retire before reaching 80. His academic achievements include receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from his alma mater in May 1990. Spence enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife, Imaging, and they are proud parents to six children and grandparents to thirteen grandchildren.