At Spangenberg, we know that exceptional legal representation starts with an exceptional team. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and caring team are the heart of our firm and bring integrity and dedication to every case.
Through this blog series, we’re proud to introduce the team members who make a difference every day by supporting clients, developing legal strategies, and ensuring every detail is handled with care. These individuals each uphold Spangenberg’s legacy of excellence and commitment to justice.
Today, we’re featuring Jessica Berberich, one of our outstanding Paralegals. Known for her attention to detail and empathy for her clients, Jessica plays a crucial role in our success. Learn more about her path, her passion for her work, and what being part of the Spangenberg team means to her:
How long have you been with Spangenberg?
I started at the firm in September 2012 as a Receptionist. Within a year, I was promoted to Intake Coordinator and then became a Paralegal in 2018.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy so many things about my role! The partners at Spangenberg are successful, motivated, and inspiring leaders, but they also allow me to think for myself and to make decisions that allow me to be very successful in my position as we navigate through a complex case. I feel as if what I bring to the firm is always recognized and that respect is always reciprocated amongst the partners, staff and in the culture of the firm.
Can you describe your day-to-day role at the firm?
Our firm works in a consortium of five firms on the Iraq War Fund case, and I am the Paralegal that manages the project for Spangenberg that’s led by two of our outstanding Partners, Jeremy Tor and Dustin Herman.
My role covers all aspects of the anti-terrorism case. Just to name a few, I am responsible for client communication, obtaining and managing military and medical records, creating exhibits (thousands of them) for experts, economists, and the Special Masters to help establish liability and damages of each attack for our clients and their family members named in the complaints. I also manage the USVSST fund applications as well as assisting each client, and their family, in writing a detailed declaration that tells of their personal experience of the attack and injuries that they suffered. And spreadsheets, a lot of spreadsheets to keep it all straight!
On a day-to-day basis at the firm, I am most proud of the relationships that I have established with our clients and their families. I believe that they appreciate my honest, direct, and straightforward nature about the case and what we need to be successful, while still being friendly and compassionate. They have dealt with so much for nearly 20 years since the attack and their injuries and I have the utmost respect for our clients.
I had the honor and privilege in 2022 to be a part of the Bellwether trial in Washington D.C with Partner Jeremy Tor. I got to meet several of our clients and experts and help prepare the case for our day in court. It was exhilarating, stressful and challenging; one of the most rewarding things I have done in my professional career.
What is a fun fact about you or a personal interest you enjoy outside of work?
Honestly, I don’t think I can narrow down just one interesting fact about my life outside of work!
- My partner and I purchased a home in Cleveland a few years ago and have been renovating and remodeling, room by room, for the past couple of years. Though it is still a work in progress, he and I were able to move in a couple of months ago and it has been wonderful to finally be in our home!
- My degree is in the fine arts (BFA), and outside of work, I enjoy ALL things creative; painting, going to art shows, reading, cooking, traveling, spending time with my friends and family, decorating our home, gardening, and working in the yard. I also love a good nap.
- We purchased a 1963 Falcon wagon from Sacramento about 10 years ago. Being a car guy and drag racer, my boyfriend keeps her clean and running so we can take Sunday cruises around Cleveland. Her name is Gladys, after the street my grandmother lived on, who also owned a Falcon in the early 60’s.
- Every morning before work, we feed the neighborhood cats, squirrels, birds, pigeons, a ground hog, racoons and skunks. But inside the house are our two kittens, Emmitt and Elliott, who we adopted the same week that I started working at the firm back in 2012. So, my annual work anniversary is the same week as the Gotcha Day for “The Boys.”
