Spencer Gales

Spencer Gales joined Southwestern Law School in 2025 as a Reference Librarian, bringing a dynamic blend of legal expertise, library science, and strategic risk management. His journey into law librarianship is rooted in a passion for connecting people with the information they need—whether they're seasoned attorneys or first-year law students.

Before joining Southwestern, Spencer built a strong foundation at the Los Angeles Law Library, where he advanced through several roles, ultimately serving as Reference & Research Librarian. There, he provided direct support to legal professionals and the public, managed government document collections, and led the law firm members' reference request program. His earlier roles as Library Associate and Reference Assistant gave him a deep appreciation for public service and legal information access.

Earlier in his career at the LA Law Library, Spencer worked as a Library Associate and Reference Assistant, gaining firsthand experience in legal information services and public engagement. His legal expertise also includes serving as a Law Clerk for the Hon. James R. Dabney of the Los Angeles Superior Court, where he conducted complex legal research and drafted memoranda focused primarily on criminal law.
Spencer held leadership and consulting roles in the private sector that further broadened his professional scope. As Vice President of Property & Casualty at USI Insurance Services, he specialized in risk analysis and client strategy. He also served as a Technical Consultant for Pete Fowler Construction Services, focusing on construction contracts and legal document analysis.

When he’s not helping students navigate legal databases or untangle research questions, you’ll likely find Spencer near the water or in the garden. He enjoys growing everything from mushrooms to tomatoes and peppers. Whether you’re wrestling with a tricky citation, wondering how to keep your basil alive, or just facing challenges with your law school experience, Spencer’s door is always open.