This summer, I had the privilege of attending the Gerry Spence Method Program—a life-changing experience that stretched my limits and reminded me why I chose law in the first place. I shared a video about my time at Thunderhead Ranch last week, but I wanted to honor the writer in me and share my reflections here on my Brief Write and Corrie’s Story blogs.

How I Found My Way to GSM

Earlier this year, at a women’s empowerment event, I met Attorney David Groner. He spoke about financial planning. When he learned I was also a lawyer, he immediately told me about the Gerry Spence Method Program. He called it the best trial lawyer program and encouraged me to apply.

That same day, I applied for the 2026 program, since the 2025 class was already full. I don’t remember checking the waitlist box. To my surprise, a few months later, I received a call from Tommy Muir, who helps oversee the program. He told me I had been accepted off the waitlist for 2025 and asked if I would commit.

I had only months to prepare. Saying yes meant three weeks away from my girls, canceling an international trip, and stepping into the unknown. But I said yes—because opportunities like this come once in a lifetime.

Arriving at Thunderhead Ranch

From the moment I landed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I knew I was in for something special. By the time I reached Thunderhead Ranch, I already felt part of a family. My classmates and instructors made me feel at home immediately. The ranch itself is captivating yet serene — surrounded by mountains, wide pastures, and a beautiful stream that runs through the land. It was the perfect backdrop for the deep work and connection that was about to unfold.

When I first heard GSM President Johnny Z. and Vice President Joey Low speak, I was in awe. Their command of words and presence are powerful, but even more moving is their willingness to share everything they learned from the late Gerry Spence.

The diversity among our instructors was also deeply meaningful. I was especially grateful for Victor Marshall and Stephen King, both Black attorneys who gave their time and wisdom, showing me the importance of representation in spaces like this. I was equally inspired by the women instructors and the instructors of Vietnamese and Hispanic heritage who brought unique perspectives to the program.

A Louisiana Connection

Though I thought I was the only Louisianan in the class, I quickly discovered otherwise. I connected with Ryan Gatti, a former Louisiana senator and fellow classmate, whose story of resilience moved me. He even invited me to donate a Louisiana state flag he’d been given as a senator to Tommy Muir in recognition of Tommy’s dedication to the program and our class.

Later, during week two, I was surprised again—two of our instructors, Jody Amade and Andre Gauthier, also hailed from Louisiana. Meeting them was a highlight, and I was touched by their warmth and generosity, which made me proud of my roots.

The Work We Did

Of all the lessons, none were more impactful than the time spent with the psychodramatists who flew in from around the country. They helped us strip away fear, guilt, shame, and self-doubt so we could connect more deeply with ourselves and, ultimately, with juries. It’s hard to describe the work they led us through—but I left lighter, stronger, and more open.

The GSM method wasn’t about sitting and listening. From day one, we were on our feet, practicing storytelling, connection, and advocacy. I had come to GSM shy and unsure of my trial abilities. I left with tools, confidence, and the unshakable belief that my voice mattered.

One guest speakers we heard from was Darryl Burton, who shared his story of being wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for almost 25 years— confined to a jail cell he never deserved. Before arriving at the ranch, I had already read his powerful book, Innocent: A Second Look. Meeting him and hearing from him in person made his words all the more impactful. His story reminds me why the work we do as trial lawyers matters and how storytelling can be a matter of freedom and justice.

Our three weeks culminated in a mock trial where we put it all together before instructor-judges. I remember being wide-eyed and terrified, but I walked away with invaluable feedback and the deep satisfaction of knowing I had grown.

Bonds Beyond the Ranch

Beyond the classroom, some of my most meaningful memories came from the time spent connecting with classmates. We explored Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, visited Jackson Hole, and shared stories that turned strangers into family. 

Because GSM is about life as much as law, we even attended local rodeos during our time at the ranch. Some of our classmates bravely joined in the fun, giving us memories (and laughter) we’ll never forget.

During one transformative exercise, we were asked to “paint our souls.” It wasn’t about art but about being vulnerable. We had to share our paintings with our classmates. It was unlike anything I’ve done in a professional setting. It allowed me to see myself more clearly and deepen my connection to my GSM family.

Our instructors also arranged for us to climb Spence Mountain together to place a flag at the grave of a past member. That experience left me humbled and reminded me that GSM isn’t just a program; it’s a legacy, and we are now part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Closing Reflections

At our graduation ceremony, I shed tears of joy and pride. I know my late father and my mother are proud of me. To be welcomed into the GSM tribe is an honor I will carry forever.

Less than two weeks after returning home, we learned that Gerry Spence passed away at the age of 96. It is bittersweet to know that my class was the last to train at Thunderhead Ranch during his lifetime. Though I never met him, I know his spirit lives on in every instructor, every lesson we absorbed, and in my classmates and me.

If you are a lawyer considering a trial advocacy program, I encourage you to apply to the Gerry Spence Method. It will challenge you, change you, and stay with you for life.

I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, but I know I will carry Gerry Spence’s legacy forward—in the courtroom, in my practice, and in my life. For that, I am profoundly grateful.

Special Thanks:
A heartfelt thank you to Todd J. Hollis and Ramin Hariri for capturing so many of the beautiful photographs from our time at Thunderhead Ranch. Many of the images shared here were borrowed with love from our GSM shared photo collection, and I am grateful to all who contributed.

I do not own the rights to these photographs and share them here only for educational and informational purposes. Please do not reproduce or distribute these images without the consent of the rightful owners.

Note: This blog post was written by me and edited with the assistance of AI technology.