Even More King of the Courtroom

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Because of its intrinsic similarity to life, Gerash believes that chess is a great learning tool for youth. "I think chess is very important for young people because it teaches respect for the other side," while he says at the same time it also demonstrates the astronomical number of possible permutations and combinations any life situation contains. "That's what makes law interesting. As in chess, no two situations are the same, and no two personalities are the same."

Like grandmaster David Bronstein, Walter Gerash has an appreciation of the art of chess which goes far beyond just winning. "Unfortunately," he says, "in law you have to worry more about winning than your art because you have a client to represent." Yet, in spite of this, Gerash is noted for his uncanny ability to bring an artistic quality to law by delivering some of the most eloquent summations ever heard in Denver courtrooms. He considers going to court a pleasure and looks at summations as an opportunity to give a "gift of art" to the jury.

With a busy caseload, Gerash still finds time for other pleasures in life. A connoisseur of music, he enjoys an eclectic mix of folk, ethnic, blues, jazz, and classical artists, ranging from Mozart to Janis Joplin. His love of travel finds him contemplating going to Asia, Latin America, China, and Japan. And then, of course, there's the game he loves.

Gerash now plays informal chess, "But not enough of it," he's quick to add. "Now that makes me relax. When I play chess I forget everything else. I forget about my clients in jail awaiting trial. I forget about how to defeat the death penalty. I forget about my horribly burned client and how I have to get a seven or eight figure verdict. It's an escape."

"if I lose it doesn't bother my ego; I know where my ego is; I know where my head is; and I know my role in society. At least I have a fight, at least it was daring."

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