His mission goes beyond borders and his service extends well beyond his military career. Now flanked with a law degree, John S. Berry continues to honor and protect those who have served this nation, all across the globe.

Honed as a highly accomplished attorney, army veteran and passionate advocate for empowering his fellow veterans, Berry serves as CEO of Berry Law Firm, a nationwide practice dedicated to recovering back pay owed to disabled veterans.

Its motto, “Veterans Serving Veterans.” Its very message to veterans, “Don’t Go Into Battle Alone.”

“His multifaceted career has been defined by exceptional leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to fighting for those who have served their country,” according to the firm.

Under his guidance, Berry Law has secured over $450 million for more than 15,000 veterans nationwide.

“As we acknowledge the many who died protecting our rights, we must also acknowledge there are many more permanently disabled due to injuries sustained in the line of duty, often forever scarred both physically and emotionally,” he has stated on behalf of his firm.

But believes more needs to be done to combat the problems veterans are still facing.

“As both a veteran and veterans’ disability law attorney, I have witnessed the number of veterans who are entitled to receive compensation for injuries and disabilities during service grow rapidly each year. Unfortunately, many of these heroes will be denied compensation for their injuries or have their injuries rated much lower than required under federal law,” he said.

Although their objectives have been similar throughout the years – to deter war and ensure our nation's security – the types of injuries veterans now suffer couldn’t be more worlds apart.

“Twenty years ago, our firm dealt mostly with WWII and Vietnam Veterans who were denied claims for knee injuries, back injuries, PTSD, and other combat and non-combat injuries. Today, our soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are dealing with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, PTSD and Gulf War Syndrome. The battlefields change, but the horrors of war remain similar,” he explained.

Herein lies the crux of their mission …

“Helping these heroes get the treatment and compensation they deserve is what we do. Not only does assisting veterans with their appeals bring us pride, it provides us a running narrative of heroic stories and firsthand chronicles of battles for history yet unwritten,” he said.

A service to veterans, which has garnered them significant and commendable recognition.

“Berry Law’s exceptional commitment to hiring and supporting veterans has earned numerous accolades, including the HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award, recognition as a Military Times Best for Vets Employer, and the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics,” the firm said.

However, not only do they walk the walk and talk the talk – literally, but often physically.

“Berry Law knows that supporting veterans is not only a legal mission, but a purpose that is important to pursue every day,” it said.

As evidenced by their extensive list of affiliated activities and foundations, which benefit the veteran community – from Cowboy Camp, offering holistic, equine therapy, to various scholarships, financial assistance, as well as support for first responders, law enforcement and Gold Star families, suicide prevention through camaraderie, and treatment for post-traumatic stress and other related disorders.

On the more local front, Berry Law has also served as corporate sponsor of “Run to St. Lo Memorial 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk,” organized by the Nebraska National Guard, whose museum in Seward is dedicated to their century’s old history, showcasing more than 11,000 artifacts and military vehicles deployed, during times of war and peace.

Now in its 10th year, the annual event honors the 53 Nebraska National Guard soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the strategic French city, paving the way for an Allied victory during World War II. Many of whom are still buried overseas.

It is a stark reminder, veterans still hold dear.

“As you run, remember the courage of those who carried the full gear across the same distance – motivated by duty, strength and the cause of liberty,” the commemoration states.

Which brings us to the motivation behind Berry’s own call to duty and his subsequent legal career.

“Berry’s military journey began when he received his commission as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army after graduating from the College of William and Mary. He completed Airborne School and Ranger School and deployed to Bosnia in 1999 for Operation Joint Forge as a platoon leader,” according to his bio from the firm.

Berry also served as a company commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, finished his military career as a battalion commander in the Nebraska Army National Guard, and retired as a lieutenant colonel. In 2019, Berry was inducted into the Nebraska National Guard Regional Training Institute Hall of Fame.

“After transitioning from active duty, Berry applied the leadership skills he honed in the military to his legal career. A graduate of Creighton University School of Law and the prestigious Trial Lawyers College, he has been recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 trial lawyers for over a decade. Berry maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Lawyers,” it further states.

But it didn’t end there. He has commanded even more ways to amplify their services.

“Through his ‘Veteran Led’ podcast, Berry continues his mission to inspire fellow veterans to become leaders in their communities by applying the skills forged during military service. His powerful storytelling as an author provides an authentic voice representing the struggles, triumphs, and persevering leadership embodied by America’s veterans,” the firm said.

During a recent lull in legal action, Berry took the time to provide some further insights into his career.

• Why Did You Choose To Be A Lawyer:

I wanted to defend people’s rights, and after military service, it seemed like the best way to continue to serve.

• What Type Of Law Did You Specialize In:

Veterans Law and Injury Law. I enjoyed representing our nation’s heroes, but I also loved trying cases when I practiced criminal law. Now I represent injured veterans and others fighting to get justice in personal injury cases.

• The Importance Of Lawyers To Society:

To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

• What Are The Rewards Of The Job:

Every day is a challenge and requires continuous growth and learning. The reward is sometimes winning the case, other times the win is in fighting the good fight.

• What Are The Biggest Challenges:

Focus, managing energy, and integrating the profession into your personal goals and relationships.

• Best Advice To New Lawyers:

Embrace the suck. You will not get the lesson without the scar.

• After A Hard Day In Court/With A Client, How Do You Unwind:

Exercise or mentoring others.

• If You Could Change One Thing About Your Profession:

There is a lot I would change, but I only expend energy on things I can change.

• Should A President Be Above The Law In Terms Of Immunity:

We are a nation of laws, not men, and yet our laws provide for immunity for government officials in some circumstances. I think in order to look beyond our own shortsighted, personal political opinions, we should reframe the dialogue with the question of whether anyone should be granted immunity based on their position in our government. How do we, the people, hold our government accountable in a meaningful way, and yet, at the same time, provide immunity for some government officials in some circumstances?

• What More Is Needed To Make Sure We Have A Fair And Just Government:

More great lawyers who stand up to our government and hold our government accountable.

• Who Or What Inspires You:

My father, John Stevens Berry, Sr. My father practiced all types of trial law, from personal injury to criminal defense to contracts. He also practiced veterans’ law, which is administrative law.

• What’s Your Secret Sauce, So To Speak:

Focus, hard work, and consistency.

• How Did You Celebrate Law Day:

By exercising my privilege to practice law.

• Other Notable Resources:

To learn more about veterans’ disability benefits, read Berry’s other book, “The Next Battle: A Guide to Veterans Disability Benefits.” To learn more about the origins of Berry Law, check out, “Those Gallant Men: On Trial in Vietnam,” by his father and the founder of Berry Law, John S. Berry Sr.