Posted on 08/14/2025 11:04:09 AM PDT by Red Badger
One of the most famous trial attorneys of the 20th century and a proud son of Wyoming, Gerry Spence, died overnight Wednesday, at the age of 96. Spence was a legend among the trial bar — especially for his civil practice and criminal defense work.
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One of the most famous trial attorneys of the 20th century and a proud son of Wyoming, Gerry Spence died overnight Wednesday in his Montecito, California, home at the age of 96, his family says.
Spence was a legend among the trial bar, especially for his civil practice and criminal defense work.
He was known for his defense of the poor and injured, as well as for high-profile cases like the defense of Ed Cantrell in the famous Rock Springs murder case.
Spence rose to national prominence through a series of landmark cases, including a $10.5 million verdict for the family of nuclear whistleblower Karen Silkwood; the successful defense of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos; and the acquittal of Idaho survivalist Randy Weaver on the most serious charges stemming from the Ruby Ridge standoff.
His high-profile victories also included a $52 million judgment against McDonald’s and a $26.5 million libel award for Miss Wyoming against Penthouse magazine.
Beyond the courtroom, Spence founded the Trial Lawyers College in 1994 at his Thunderhead Ranch in Wyoming, training generations of attorneys in the “Spence Method” — an approach centered on authenticity, emotional connection and moral courage.
(Excerpt) Read more at cowboystatedaily.com ...
I think Spence was on that “The Constitution” special on PBS and he was very interesting.
If that was the one where the lady sued McDonalds after she spilled her hot coffee on herself, I don't see a whole lot of moral courage in that. Goes against common sense and personal accountability.
The results of stupid judgments like that are unnecessary rise in costs and price hikes for all consumers.
RIP
Who gets his fringed leather jacket?
Never heard of him although maybe 1 or 2 of his cases. I guess I’m not a famous lawyer groupie.
A fixture on Hardball with Chris Matthews in the 90s. RIP.
A fixture on Hardball with Chris Matthews in the 90s. RIP.
I preferred the Jackie Chiles case more. “Who told you to use a balm?”
Back when OJ trial was going on he was on TV a lot...........
It wasn’t a stupid judgment. The woman was severely injured and disfigured in a way that was irreparable. The coffee was kept between 180 and 190 degrees, and they had receeived hundreds of other complaints about burns previously.
The jury heard the facts and came to a decision..
The woman had been willing to settle for 20K to cover her medical expenses, but McDonald’s refused. They wound up paying much more than that.
That whole event disgusted me. I only followed it from afar. I was not riveted like many.
I remember him talking up his huge win against Penthouse.
He never mentioned that the whole thing was tossed on appeal. Good lawyer, though.
Ah, authenticity. As the old joke goes, once you can fake that, you are all set.
Exactly, in the McDonald’s the issue was how “hot” should hot coffee be. The answer was, not scalding hot.
It shouldn’t be served at that - especially through a drive through window. Scalding injury results from only 133 degree liquid. (And if they had received hundreds of burn complaints, don’t you think they might have gotten a clue and made an adjustment? That’s only due diligence.)
THAT CASE CAME OUT WRONG, IMO
IF SHE HAD SPILLED HOT COFFEE ON HERSELF AT HOME-—WHO WOULD SHE HAVE TRIED TO SUE???
He was effective at his peak
Are you a coffee drinker? hot coffee is hot. Many drink above 133 degrees. People like FRESH coffee, and many are en route to a job where they will drink it half an hour later. hundreds got scalded? Many thousands will swap coffee vendors if the coffee isn’t hot and fresh. They also know NOT to wedge the cup between the thighs!
One doesn’t have to wedge it between their thighs to get severely burned.
The jury got this one right.
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