Commemorating Gerry Spence

Famed attorney and University of Wyoming College of Law graduate Gerald “Gerry” Leonard Spence passed away August 13, 2025, at the age of 96. Spence practiced law for over 60 years and is regarded as one of the greatest trial lawyers of his time.

 

Spence was born in Laramie, Wyoming. Looking for adventure, he graduated from high school at 16 and joined the Merchant Marine. He considered careers outside of law, including veterinary medicine and opera singing. “I had never known a lawyer, never met one, never seen one, even at a distance,” Spence once said.

 

After his career in the Merchant Marine, he made his way back to Wyoming and the University of Wyoming College of Law. When then Dean Robert Hamilton asked Spence why he wanted to go to law school, Spence responded, “I don’t know… figured I’d be good at it.”

 

While at law school, Spence served as an editor of the Wyoming Law Journal and wrote a student note entitled “The State of Specific Commodity Haulers and the Motor Carrier Act.” He graduated first in his class in 1952. Spence was frustrated that his “formal study of law” was too formal, occasionally describing law school as “hell.” He later worked to ensure that law school included experiential and practical learning for students.

 

Spence is best known for his work as a defense attorney, stating “I represent people against unliving corporate entities, and I represent people who have been charged by the massive power of the state.” He gained national fame winning jury trials for Randy Weaver of the Ruby Ridge standoff, First Lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos, and the estate of Karen Silkwood.

 

The press described him as “Wyoming’s Cowboy lawyer,” an “imposing presence,” and “a John Wayne of the courtroom.” While he might be best known for what the Washington Post called his “aw, shucks” style and his penchant for wearing fringed jackets to court, Wyoming attorneys attest to his careful and comprehensive trial preparation.

 

Spence was a founding member of The Spence Law Firm, in Jackson, Wyoming and the founder and former director of the nonprofit Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming, which has provided continuing education to trial lawyers around Wyoming and the nation. He lent his name to the Spence Historic Trial, a joint effort by the College of Law and the Spence Law Firm to educate students and the public about historical legal events through a fictional mock trial. He always encouraged lawyers to bring their authentic selves to the courtroom. The University of Wyoming awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1990 and in 2014 made him an honorary member of the University of Wyoming College of Law chapter of the Order of the Coif.