Spencer J. Pahlke

Spencer J. Pahlke is a shareholder at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, focusing on personal injury and wrongful death cases. He represents clients affected by gas explosions, defective products, vehicle collisions, hazardous property conditions, and medical malpractice. With a strong trial background, he has helped clients recover substantial settlements in complex cases. Spencer’s dedication to justice ensures that individuals and families receive the support they need after life-changing injuries.

Spencer graduated with Highest Distinction from the University of Nebraska, earning a double major in Economics and Psychology. He later obtained his J.D. from Berkeley Law in 2007. During law school, he was an active California Law Review member and an Ecology Law Quarterly associate editor. He won the Prosser Awards in Legal Ethics and Environmental Law. Spencer also excelled in trial advocacy competitions, gaining national recognition for his skills in the courtroom.

Since joining Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger in 2007, Spencer has built a reputation as a skilled trial attorney. His expertise covers cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and product liability. He has successfully litigated and secured multi-million-dollar settlements for clients, including $45 million for housecleaners in a premises liability case and $10 million for a baby in a medical malpractice case.

Outside the courtroom, Spencer is a committed legal educator and trial advocacy expert. He teaches trial advocacy at Berkeley Law, where he also co-directs the highly regarded Trial Competition Program. Spencer has been invited to lecture at leading institutions, including the University of Michigan School of Law and Baylor University’s School of the Trial. He is also the co-author of *Introduction to Trial Advocacy*, a video lecture series designed for law students and aspiring trial lawyers seeking practical, real-world trial skills.

Recognized for his excellence, Spencer J. Pahlke has been named a Super Lawyer (2013-2024), listed in Best Lawyers (2014-2024), and honored by the Daily Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40”. He continues to fight for injured clients, ensuring they receive fair compensation and justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger
• Member, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California Berkeley School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges