From working at a law firm to launching his practice during the pandemic: Adam Berger’s Story (Ep. 33)

Are you an employee aspiring to become a law firm owner? Look no further! In this episode, Darren Wurz and guest Adam Berger, a partner and co-founder of Miller Berger located in the great city of Chicago navigate the complexities of managing a successful law firm. Adam shares some insights on how to build your professional network, the importance of a lean business model and successfully transitioning from an employee to a law firm owner. Adam discusses: The business models and strategies he adopted to grow his law firm even in the midst of a global pandemic. The importance of delivering great work to your clients to drive business growth. How to balance lifestyle considerations with high performance. The importance of bringing on team members who align with your firm culture. How to get business referrals by helping people. Why law firm owners need to be more flexible instead of simply being taskmasters. Resources: Wurz Financial Services Connect with Darren Wurz: [email protected] 30 Minute Chat With Darren Wurz Financial Services The Lawyer Millionaire: The Complete Guide for Attorneys on Maximizing Wealth, Minimizing Taxes, and Retiring with Confidence by Darren Wurz LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz LinkedIn: The Lawyer Millionaire Twitter: Wurz Financial Services Connect with Adam Berger: [email protected] LinkedIn: Adam Berger Miller Berger About our guest: Adam’s focuses his practice on Corporate, Complex Commercial Litigation, Insurance Defense, and Employment matters, as well as a wide variety of Commercial Transactions including “buy-sells” and Real Estate.  Adam serves as outside general counsel to numerous privately held companies in the Greater Chicago Area, including many automobile dealerships and construction companies. He is regularly engaged to defend lawsuits alleging breach of contract, fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of Federal statutes such as the Truth in Lending Act. Adam is often retained to resolve shareholder disputes and employment charges filed with the EEOC and Illinois Department of Human Rights. Adam also has extensive experience defending construction companies against claims of negligence and wrongful death. Adam has tried numerous cases to verdict and has an impressive appellate record.  He regularly represents clients in arbitration hearings, mediations, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Adam has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in Construction Litigation and is the proud recipient of an Illinois Jury Verdict Reporter “Trial Lawyer Excellence Award” for obtaining a defense verdict on behalf of an electrical contractor in a wrongful electrocution death case. Adam serves on the Boards of various public and private organizations. Prior to establishing Miller Berger, LLC, Adam was a partner in a large, multi-state law firm and the owner of a boutique law firm in Chicago. Bar Admissions​ Illinois U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois U.S. District Court Southern District of Illinois U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Trial Bar   Education Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois J.D. – 1999 Dean’s List CALI Highest Grade in Legal Research Best Oral Advocate, Regional Finals, National Moot Court Competition National Moot Court Team Winning Team, Intra-School Moot Court Competition Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Team Washington University B.A. – 1993 Professional Associations Chicago Bar Association Northwest Suburban Bar Association Illinois Defense Counsel Illinois Independent Auto Dealer Association, Board Member National Independent Auto Dealer Association HACIA   Published Works Co-Author, Chapter 1 and Chapter 4, A Young Lawyer’s Guide to Real Estate Practice, The Young Lawyers Section, Chicago Bar Association   Honors Illinois Jury Verdict Reporter “Trial Lawyer Excellence Award” Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star, Construction Litigation Super Lawyer 2022 Elite Lawyer 2020-2022