About D. Scott
D. Scott Berry earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Minnesota Morris in 1993 and went on to receive his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in 1997. He entered the legal profession at a time when Minnesota's courts were adapting to new procedural and family law developments. His education combined a liberal arts grounding with professional training in a law school known for producing practical trial attorneys and counselors.
Berry is admitted to practice in Minnesota and before the Federal Circuit. He has worked in both state and federal settings, handling matters that require navigation of local rules as well as federal appellate procedures. That dual admission shapes the way he approaches case strategy. He has represented clients in court and participated in alternative dispute resolution processes, balancing trial preparation with negotiation and settlement efforts.
He holds a certification as a Qualified Family Law Mediator pursuant to Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of Practice, granted by the Minnesota Supreme Court. That credential authorizes him to serve as a neutral in family law mediations under the court's framework. In that role he conducts settlement conferences, assists parties in framing agreements, and works to narrow contested issues so matters can be resolved without a full trial when possible.
Over the course of his career he has handled a variety of family law matters, including divorce, custody, parenting time, and related financial issues. He has also been involved in cases that touch on broader civil litigation principles where federal appellate consideration was required. His practice has combined courtroom work with the more private, facilitative work of mediation.
Peers and judges have observed that effective lawyering in family cases requires attention to both legal detail and human dynamics. Berry's practice reflects that dual demand. He prepares pleadings and motions, conducts hearings, and also spends significant time in meetings and mediation sessions where the goal is to produce durable agreements that address family and financial concerns.
He currently practices in Minnesota, where he handles family law matters and serves as a Rule 114 qualified family law mediator, and he remains admitted to practice before the Federal Circuit for matters that require federal appellate attention.
