Gerry Spence's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 18, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Gerry Spence. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Gerry Spence was a renowned American trial lawyer and author, inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. Notably, he founded the Trial Lawyers College. Spence maintained an impressive record, never losing a criminal jury trial, whether prosecuting or defending, and remained undefeated in civil cases from 1969 to 2010. He is widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most accomplished lawyers and one of the best trial lawyers ever, celebrated by legal experts like Richard Falk as a "lawyer par excellence."

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1969: Start of not losing a civil case

After 1969, Gerry Spence did not lose a civil case.

1969: Beginning of Civil Case Winning Streak

In 1969, Gerry Spence began a winning streak in civil cases that would last until 2010.

1980: Dealt with around 50 murder cases

By 1980, Gerry Spence had dealt with around 50 murder cases, not losing a single one of them.

1981: Won libel damages for Kim Pring against Penthouse

In 1981, Gerry Spence won a $26.5 million lawsuit in libel damages for 1978 Miss Wyoming, Kim Pring, against Penthouse.

1984: Won lawsuit against McDonald's

In 1984, Gerry Spence won a $52 million lawsuit against McDonald's.

1984: Supreme Court upheld the family's right to seek punitive damages in Silkwood case

In 1984, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the Silkwood family's right to seek punitive damages under state law.

May 1990: Awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree

In May 1990, Gerry Spence was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

1992: Earned $33.5 million verdict

In 1992, Gerry Spence earned $33.5 million verdicts for emotional and punitive damages for his quadriplegic client after a major insurance company refused to pay on the $50,000 policy.