Law, Life, and Recovery: Gary Gwilliam on His Spiritual Journey | Coopers' Code

Coopers' Code | Podcast | Episode 78: Law, Life, and Recovery: Gary Gwilliam on His Spiritual Journey

Today we are thrilled to share Part I of our conversation with the legendary Gary Gwilliam.

Gary, along with his partners and talented team, runs an Oakland-based consumer practice whose efforts have had national impact. Gary has tried over 180 jury trials and has received every accolade, award, and acknowledgement during his 61 – yes 61 – years in practice.

While Gary’s accomplishments are legion, there’s one that impacts everyone. In 1988 Gary served as the California Trial Lawyers’ Association president. He led the successful fight against Proposition 106, an attempt by the insurance companies and big corporate interests to cap contingent attorneys’ fees and bar access to justice for those who cannot afford to hire high hourly rate lawyers.

Gary is a whole person lawyer, and as anyone who has read his autobiography knows he lives out loud. He’s been a gang member and a fraternity brother with Kris Kristofferson. He barely graduated high school yet went on to graduate from Berkeley Law. He comes from Mormon stock and is an alcoholic. He pours everything into his cases and has taken the time to step back and do deep dives into his spirituality and being.

So please sit back and enjoy as we talk cases, initiative battles, stress in the practice and everything in between.

More on Gary: https://giccb.com/attorneys/j-gary-gw...
LinkedIn:   / garygwilliam  

Gary Gwilliam’s autobiography: Getting a winning verdict in my personal life – Gary says to reach out to his office directly and he’ll get you a copy. Also available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Winnin...

One of Gary’s 1980s Rolaids commercials (he’s the one in the suit about 3 seconds in):    • Roger Staubach for Rolaids  

Episode Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:02:12 - Introduction and Early Life
00:02:13 - 00:04:45 - Gang Involvement and Teenage Challenges
00:04:46 - 00:06:56 - Family Interventions and Moving in with Biological Father
00:06:57 - 00:08:00 - Transition to College and Realizations
00:08:01 - 00:10:30 - Drinking, Partying, and the Appeal of Alcohol
00:10:31 - 00:14:55 - Rise in Alcohol Dependency as a Lawyer
00:14:56 - 00:17:56 - Intervention and Decision to Quit Drinking
00:17:57 - 00:22:42 - Spiritual Journey and Self-Discovery Post-Alcoholism
00:22:43 - 00:24:46 - Reflections on Recovery and Family Support
00:24:47 - 00:28:42 - Fertility Issues and Personal Losses
00:28:43 - 00:31:56 - Changes in Perspective and Political Views
00:31:57 - 00:34:06 - Embracing Spirituality and New Life Path
00:34:07 - 00:37:58 - Life Transformation and Gratitude

Episode Takeaways:
The journey from a troubled youth to a successful trial lawyer
Struggles with alcohol addiction and its impact on his life and career
Family interventions and pivotal moments leading to his decision to quit drinking
Embracing a spiritual journey as a path to personal recovery and growth
The role of spirituality in maintaining resilience in high-stress legal environments
Reflections on personal losses and fertility challenges, impacting his worldview
Shifts in perspective on life, politics, and purpose over the years
Insights on balancing personal well-being with the demands of a legal career
Importance of gratitude and self-discovery in fostering a fulfilling life

Hosted by   / coopersllp-miles-cooper  
Produced by   / maurokenjiserra   | Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠: ⁠https://www.kenjiproductions.com⁠⁠⁠
Recorded & Co-produced by   / zachmorvant  
Music by ⁠⁠⁠The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble⁠⁠

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Read Miles Coopers articles and publications: https://www.coopers.law/articles/

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