Gerry Spence, the flamboyant Wyoming trial lawyer whose courtroom theatrics and unyielding advocacy for the underdog made him a legend in American jurisprudence, died overnight Wednesday at his home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was 96. Spence, who never lost a criminal case as a defense attorney and boasted a remarkable winning streak in civil litigation, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, according to sources close to him. His death marks the end of an era for trial lawyers who drew inspiration from his folksy, buckskin-wearing style that blended rural wisdom with razor-sharp legal acumen.

Born in 1929 in Laramie, Wyoming, Spence grew up in a modest ranching family, experiences that shaped his populist ethos and distrust of powerful institutions. After earning his law degree from the University of Wyoming in 1952, he initially worked as an insurance defense lawyer, a role he later renounced as soul-crushing. By the 1970s, Spence had reinvented himself as a champion for plaintiffs, taking on corporate giants in high-stakes cases that often seemed unwinnable.

A Trailblazer’s Path Through High-Profile Battles

One of Spence’s most celebrated victories came in 1979, when he represented the estate of nuclear whistleblower Karen Silkwood in a lawsuit against Kerr-McGee Corp. The case, which alleged the company contaminated Silkwood leading to her mysterious death, resulted in a $10.5 million verdict—later reduced but still a landmark for worker safety litigation. As detailed in a 1979 profile by The New Yorker, Spence’s closing arguments were masterpieces of emotional storytelling, drawing on his Wyoming roots to connect with juries on a human level.

Spence’s defense work was equally storied. In 1993, he successfully defended Randy Weaver in the Ruby Ridge standoff trial, where federal agents killed Weaver’s wife and son. Spence argued government overreach, securing acquittals on major charges. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from legal enthusiasts, including one user recalling Spence’s book “Police State” as the definitive account of the horrors, underscore how his work influenced public perceptions of federal law enforcement.

The Founding of a Legal Institution and Its Turbulent Aftermath

In 1994, Spence founded the Trial Lawyers College at his Thunderhead Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming, a boot camp-style program that trained thousands of attorneys in his empathetic, narrative-driven approach to advocacy. The college became a pilgrimage site for litigators seeking to master the art of persuasion, as noted on the institution’s website and in Spence’s own writings. However, his later years were marred by bitter disputes over control of the college.

In 2020, Spence and allies were ousted from the board, leading to protracted litigation. The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld the removal in a 2022 ruling, as reported by Casper Star-Tribune, dealing the aging lawyer a rare defeat. The battle involved logo disputes and even an attempted dissolution, highlighting tensions between Spence’s visionary founding and modern governance demands.

Legacy of Advocacy and Cultural Impact

Beyond the courtroom, Spence authored over a dozen books, including bestsellers like “How to Argue and Win Every Time,” which extended his influence to business leaders and public speakers. His television appearances, from defending Imelda Marcos to commentary on O.J. Simpson’s trial, cemented his celebrity status. A 1995 feature in The Washington Post portrayed him as a “country-smart” warrior, blending Methodist upbringing with legal bravado.

Tributes poured in on X following news of his death, with users hailing him as a “Wyoming warrior” and defender of the little guy. The Spence Law Firm, which he founded and which continues under his mentees, issued a statement praising his six-decade fight against injustice, as covered by The Spence Law Firm. Industry insiders note that Spence’s methods—emphasizing vulnerability and storytelling—have reshaped trial practice, influencing everything from jury selection to closing arguments in an era of data-driven lawyering.

Reflections on a Life of Defiance and Inspiration

Spence’s personal life was as colorful as his career. Married to his wife Imaging for over 50 years, he often credited her as his muse. In a 2025 Medium essay by Andrew Szanton, Spence was depicted as a Jackson Hole fixture, living amid nature that fueled his philosophy. Yet, controversies lingered, including criticisms of his showmanship as manipulative.

As the legal world mourns, Spence’s death prompts reflection on the evolution of advocacy. In an age of corporate law firms and AI-assisted briefs, his human-centered approach remains a beacon. According to Cowboy State Daily, which broke the news of his passing, Spence died true to form—a proud Wyoming native who never backed down from a fight. His enduring lesson: in the courtroom, as in life, authenticity wins.