Adverse Witness
LION OF THE LAW RETIRES, RECEIVES MULTIPLE HONORS
By the Honorable Janeice T. Martin AW
Just two weeks later, on May 6th, the FACDL dedicated their Headquarters in Tallahassee to Jerry, under whose leadership as FACDL President the property was purchased and renovated for the organization. Several of us were privileged to join Jerry and his family in Tallahassee to celebrate the newly christened “Berry Building,” including all of his beloved co-workers and three of his fellow Lions and dear friends, Ed Cheffy, John Cardillo and John Passidomo. Through it all, we know that Jerry’s greatest pride has always, and will always be his accomplishments at home. The beautiful family that he and his wife Cathy have built are very much enjoying this time with him. On behalf of the CCBA and all of us who are fortunate to be a part of Jerry’s extended family, we congratulate him on his truly extraordinary career.
Disclosure: some bias may be apparent in the following article 1 Jerry Berry has retired, and it is indeed the end of an era. His career has spanned five decades, and his memorable name has been synonymous with intellect, perseverance, integrity and dedication. In his relatively short time as a prosecutor, first in Polk County, and then in Collier, Jerry served with distinction. But while it is often said that the best lawyers can easily argue either side of a case (and Jerry surely could), it seems that fighting for the underdog and being the voice for the voiceless was what Jerry was born to do. Jerry has internalized the philosophy behind our constitutional protections in a way most lawyers never will: innocent until proven guilty, entitled to a trial by a jury of one’s peers, entitled to a vigorous defense by counsel in an adversarial proceeding before a neutral magistrate. You will never hear Jerry apologize for doing a job that so few people - even colleagues - can fully understand. Over time, justice officials could only smile when they heard an accused person swear, “I will hire Jerry Berry!” as they quietly admitted to themselves, “Yeah, buddy, I will do the same thing if I ever find myself in your shoes.” To judges and prosecutors, he has been a patient teacher. Jerry doesn’t so much argue as aim to educate - if you could simply understand, then you would, no doubt, agree. Among his many leadership roles, Jerry was the President of this Bar (CCBA), the President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), a Founder and President of the Collier County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CCACDL), and most recently, the Board Chair for Innocence Project Florida. For all of these reasons, it is extremely fitting that Jerry’s retirement has been met with multiple honors bestowed in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Bar, and to his career spent defending the accused.
First, on April 22nd, the CCBA recognized Jerry’s service to the Bar and to others in the profession by awarding him the Medal of Honor. To all who know Jerry, it was fitting that he had to miss his own celebration because of a prior commitment to spend time with family. Happily, Jerry recorded a video message for all in attendance, and his former law partner, the Honorable Shannon McFee, dutifully and eloquently accepted the award on Jerry’s behalf. 1. I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues for patiently understanding over these last 13+ years why I could never preside over any of Jerry’s cases; thank you all for generously accepting those reassignments.
July / August 2022 Vol. 210
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