Spencer Short is a trial and appellate litigator representing a wide array of private, governmental and institutional clients in state, federal and tribal courts, as well as before domestic and international arbitration panels.
From challenging experts’ opinions in complex multidistrict litigation to constitutional questions of first impression, Spencer’s practice focuses on resolving his clients’ most complicated issues with forceful advocacy and unmatched clarity. A published author and a graduate of the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Spencer’s writing combines creativity and analytical rigor in a manner designed to cut through thorny problems and busy dockets alike.
Prior to joining Stradley Ronon, Spencer worked for a New York law firm, where his practice focused on mass torts and complex litigation.
Featured Representative Matters
Devised strategy and drafted briefs in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, resulting in a reversal of a federal district court’s ruling that the House pre-session prayer practice was unconstitutional.
Directed legal strategy and briefing in federal district and appellate court on behalf of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in a constitutional challenge to an insurance statute.
Defeated petition for certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of a Buddhist temple.
Secured a dismissal on pleadings in an insurance dispute on behalf of an insurance broker.
Secured a dismissal on the pleadings in a federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act action brought against a municipal insurance pool.
Defeated certification of a putative nationwide class on behalf of a major property insurer in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
Recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of a pharmaceutical manufacturer in a series of international arbitrations against excess insurers.
Achieved a favorable settlement in a bellwether wrongful death suit on behalf of an energy drink company.
Defeated an interlocutory appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit by the state of Louisiana, preserving removal of a parens patriae class action suit against numerous insurers.
Community Impact
Spencer has worked closely with a variety of civil and human rights organizations — most prominently, contributing extensive briefing and research to the Innocence Project’s Strategic Litigation Department in its ongoing battle against forensic pseudoscience. This effort continues advocacy Spencer began in law school at the University of Chicago, where he worked for the MacArthur Justice Center on civil rights- and national-security-related constitutional issues.
Recognitions
Honoree, Empire State Counsel Program, New York State Bar Association
