John Berry isn’t your typical attorney. With two decades of dedicated service in the United States Army and Nebraska National Guard, he brings a rare intensity and focus to his role as a trial attorney. For Berry, the saying “Eagles don’t fly in flocks” resonates deeply, echoing his belief in setting high standards, embracing solitude when necessary, and leading with unwavering integrity. Berry’s warrior ethos has become the bedrock of success for his team at Berry Law. Clients and colleagues alike are drawn to his relentless commitment to excellence, a quality he honed through years of military leadership and refined in the courtroom.
A recognized thought leader and advocate for justice, Berry has earned countless accolades and been invited to speak nationally on trial strategy, constitutional rights and the unique challenges veterans face. His work has been featured in major media outlets, including The Washington Post, Thrive Global and ESPN. But his proudest moments are found in his clients’ victories and the empowerment they feel during their most challenging battles.
Taking Command
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Berry showed a strong entrepreneurial spirit from an early age, running his own paper route by age 10 and detasseling corn by 12. A natural athlete, he participated in a range of sports, and at 16, he attended New Mexico Military Institute, where he made valuable contributions to the school’s athletic programs. Berry’s athletic journey continued as a walk-on for the College of William and Mary football team, where he further demonstrated his determination but failed to ever get on the field in a regular season game.
“I got the opportunity to be on a team with great leaders such as Mike Tomlin and Sean McDermott, and you could see the direct correlation between their success on the field and their drive and intensity off the field,” says Berry.
After sustaining an injury that would certainly keep him on the bench, Berry turned from football determined to find other challenges. Upon graduating, he knew law school was in his future, but not quite yet.
“I just couldn’t get excited about law school at that time,” he says. “I felt I needed a bigger challenge. I’d seen this program on Army Rangers where guys were jumping out of airplanes running difficult missions through jungles, mountains and swamps with no food or sleep and I thought, ‘this looks challenging’. I decided I wanted to transform my body and mind.”
After becoming an Infantry Lieutenant, Berry entered the U.S. Army Ranger School. On his first attempt Berry failed his patrols in “Mountain Phase” and sustained serious injuries to his neck, but six months of recuperating and he was back to try again.
“I went back,” he says, “and this time went straight through and earned the coveted Ranger Tab. Shortly thereafter I deployed to Bosnia in March 1999. “We believed our mission would escalate beyond peace keeping, but it never did.”
Upon returning home, Berry chose to pursue law school. Staying committed to service, he remained in the National Guard, where he soon took on the role of company commander, leading 133 soldiers. This position not only strengthened his leadership skills but also helped defray some of his tuition costs. Immediately upon graduating from Creighton University School of Law, he was poised to take on the greatest challenge of his life – assuming the helm at his father’s law firm.
Plan of Attack
Stepping into the role of leading the small but successful law firm, Berry was confident, industrious, and capable but quickly realized he was also overwhelmed.
“I was married at the time with a brand new baby girl,” he says, “I was also a new homeowner, still a company commander, and trying to step into my father’s shoes because he was basically ready to just hand me the keys. I was buried.”
Berry went to his commander to explain his unsustainable workload and contemplated leaving military service. No problem. He was informed that he would deploy and command his company in Iraq in a month.
“It was exciting but, in many ways, it was less stress than I was feeling at home,” he admits. “All I had to focus on was the mission.”
Upon his return from Iraq, Berry felt better prepared to run the law firm.
“Our firm was founded by my father a Vietnam veteran and JAG lawyer who subpoenaed President Nixon in a famous case involving the Green Berets,” Berry explains. “My father used his military experience to develop his trial skills and became an even better lawyer after military service. I use my military experience and leadership lessons to run and grow our firm.”
Attacking the management and growth of Berry Law by utilizing his extensive military leadership experience, Berry has had unprecedented success. His leadership shines not only through his personal success but in his dedication to his clients and team. With a commitment to leading by example, Berry pushes himself and those around him to meet every challenge head-on.
“We currently represent over 10,000 veterans nationwide and have veteran clients in every state,” he says. “Our three verticals are veterans disability appeals, personal injury, and criminal defense. As soldiers, we took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, now as lawyers we do it one client at a time.”
The post John Berry: Leading by Example appeared first on Attorney at Law Magazine.
