Star City Six – Justin Kalemkiarian
Berry Law is nationwide Veteran’s Benefits practice focused on relentless representation of clients facing criminal and civil battles. Justin Kalemkiarian is an attorney at Berry Law.
Tell us a little about your business.
The attorneys and advocates at Berry Law spend all day, every day fighting for the rights of our clients. I do a lot of criminal defense, white collar defense, professional licensing defense, Title IX defense, and provide counsel when there are both criminal and civil implications. I’m proud of the growth and direction of Berry Law and our growing practice areas.
How did you get started in the business?
While in law school, I determined I wanted to be in court. After passing the bar, I reached out to the founder of Berry Law, John Stevens Berry, Sr., and asked him for his advice on how to start out. He called me in for a meeting with his son, which I knew immediately was a job interview. I’ve had the privilege of learning from great attorneys, so I got off to a good start.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
For many of our clients, they are facing the most critical fight of their lives, and they’re entrusting this fight to us. It’s a tremendous honor, but it’s also a huge responsibility knowing that we must get the best possible result. There are some cases that are stomach-turning, but my job is to protects the rights of everyone, even those charged with the most heinous crimes. As soon as we decide that the Constitution doesn’t apply to certain crimes, we might as well get rid of it.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Anytime a client thanks me for saving his or her life, that’s an achievement. More specifically, I have won a couple of cases that have been used by attorneys around the state. I’m proud of those results. Outside of the courtroom, I have been involved with some nonprofits, including NextGen Lincoln, Downtown Rotary 14, and the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. Lincoln is a great city to be involved with nonprofits!
Tell us a little about your family.
I was born and raised in Lincoln but left for college in my 20s. After moving back, I dated a bit before meeting my wife Taylor who was living in Kansas City at the time. She moved to Lincoln and we got married this past August. We live in a house not far from where I went to middle school and enjoy the company of two fantastic miniature schnauzer watchdogs.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Moving back to Lincoln and reaching out to Mr. Berry set in motion the past six years of my life, both personally and professionally. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Golf, socialize, attend events, and visit the KC area with my wife.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I’m proud of my Armenian heritage. I’ve been to the country twice, including a summer internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Feedback is a gift. It’s not always the gift you want, but it can be what you most need.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
DISH or MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 466-8444; justin@jsberrylaw.com; berrylawfirm.com.