The Passing of Firm Co-Founder Roger C. Spaeder

Firm co-founder and named partner, Roger C. Spaeder, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023. 

Mr. Spaeder, along with firm partners Roger E. Zuckerman and William W. Taylor, III, established what became known as Zuckerman Spaeder LLP in 1976. Since its founding, this collaborative team has built a law firm of more than 85 lawyers who span the East Coast, primarily representing clients in litigation, trials, and white collar defense. Throughout his time at the firm, Mr. Spaeder was known for his careful and tenacious advocacy and his integrity.

Partner and longtime friend, Mr. Zuckerman shares: “To his clients, Roger was a brilliant trial lawyer. To younger lawyers, he was a revered mentor. And to all, he represented the best our profession has to offer – as a person and an advocate.”

Prior to establishing the firm, Mr. Spaeder received a B.S. in mathematics at Bowling Green State University before moving to Washington, D.C. to work as a mathematician/analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency. Later, while serving as a math teacher at Kensington Middle School, he pursued his law degree at The George Washington University. He went on to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

“Over many years, Roger Spaeder brought intelligence, professionalism, and kindness, to the firm he founded and helped grow and lead. It’s not an accident that when clients, lawyers, adversaries, judges, and non-lawyers think of our firm and all those who work here, they think first and foremost of these qualities. For this, everyone at the firm owes a great debt,” says firm Chair Dwight P. Bostwick.

Mr. Spaeder has left an indelible mark on the fabric of the firm. His commitment and achievement in the practice of law was second only to his commitment to his colleagues, friends, and family. 

To read Mr. Spaeder’s complete obituary, please visit here.