Christopher J. Berry

University of Houston
J.D., cum laude, May 1992; Top 10%.
Chief Research Editor, Houston Law Review.
Order of the Coif; Order of the Barons.
A.P. Jones Scholarship; Phi Delta Phi.

University of Arizona
B.A., summa cum laude, May 1989; History and Political Science.
Phi Beta Kappa; Phi Kappa Phi; Phelps Dodge Scholar; University Honors Program and Outstanding Honors Thesis Award recipient (1989).

Legal Experience
Berry Law Group, PLLC (formerly Whitten Berry), Phoenix (2002-Present).
Stinson Morrison Hecker, LLP (currently Stinson), Phoenix Office. Associate (1997-99), Partner (1999-2002).
Daughton & Hawkins, Phoenix (1994-97). Associate.
Mayer Brown, Houston Office (1992-94). Associate.

Christopher Berry is the firm’s managing attorney and lead trial counsel. He began his legal career at a large national commercial law firm in Houston, and returned to Arizona in 1994, where he has practiced for thirty years. Chris has been AV Rated (highest peer review ratings for legal ability and ethical standards) by Lexis-Nexus Martindale-Hubbell since 2001. He has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers from 2013 through 2026.

Chris handles municipal liability matters including use of force by police and detention staff, in custody medical treatment, and emergency responder liability lawsuits.  Chris also handles commercial litigation lawsuits, and professional licensing matters including State Bar and Medical Board complaints, investigations, and disciplinary matters in addition to professional malpractice lawsuits.  Chris has considerable trial experience. He has tried lawsuits involving unfair trade practices and misappropriation of trade secrets, real estate agent malpractice, legal malpractice, fraudulent transfer and commercial embezzlement, construction standards and defective construction, forcible entry and detainer of private utility land, hotel industry franchise disputes, and employment non-compete matters. He also tries personal injury and wrongful death claims, including in-custody death, use of force, and law enforcement and delivery driver collisions resulting in injury or death. Chris also acts as a private settlement mediator in any type of litigation.  He also acts as an expert consultant and witness in legal ethics and malpractice matters.

Chris has been a frequent speaker on trial and litigation practice issues, including: Police Liability in Arizona (2003-06, 2009-13); Government Liability in Arizona, (2003); Auto Injury Litigation from Start to Finish (2008-2013, including national webcast 2013); Obtaining the Best Settlements for Personal Injury Clients, (2007-2013); Litigating to Win Through Advanced Trial Advocacy (2009); Maximizing and Minimizing Damages in Business Disputes (national webcast 2015); and Commercial Business Disputes and Litigation (national webcast 2014); Partnership and Shareholder Disputes and Litigation (national webcast 2015).

Maria Elena Garcia

Maria Elena Garcia is the Berry Law Group’s firm administrator and paralegal. She manages the firm’s business and administrative side, including calendaring and scheduling for the firm and its new and pending cases. Maria Elena has over 36 years experience in civil/commercial/business litigation, appeals, arbitrations and mediation.

Maria Elena was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona.