High Point Law hosted a most distinguished guest: Lieutenant General Joseph B. Berger III, United States Army (Retired).
Lieutenant General Berger, the former Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army, now serves as Executive Director of the American Inns of Court. After more than three decades of Army service, culminating in leadership of the Army’s global legal enterprise, he focuses on advancing the Inns’ mission of promoting professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence in the legal profession, while strengthening membership, scholarship programs, and the organization’s long-term impact.
While in the Triad region to visit a local Inn of Court, Lieutenant General Berger made time to come to High Point Law. During his visit, he toured the law school’s recently constructed building and spoke briefly with students in three classes: First Amendment Law, Criminal Procedure, and Federal Taxation.
Lieutenant General Berger spoke to the students about his role with the American Inns of Court and reminded the students that their careers in the law are a calling not just a job. He challenged students to become attorneys who embody professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence in the legal profession, the very same values that resonate strongly with the academic mission of High Point Law. The students warmly welcomed him and were overwhelmingly receptive to his brief remarks.
Second-year law student, Kaitlyn Bryne commented:
“Hearing Lieutenant General Berger speak in my First Amendment class left a lasting impression on me. His humility, passion for human connection, and deep knowledge of the law were inspiring. As a law student hoping to join JAG, I found his perspective a reminder of why I want to pursue this path and the responsibilities it carries. He stressed knowing the law and being ready to make difficult decisions without losing sight of the people who depend on you. It was an honor to hear from someone who has devoted so much of their life to serving our country and upholding the Constitution.”
The highlight of Lieutenant General Berger’s visit was a tour of the school’s law clinics, particularly the Bergmann & Moore Veterans Law Clinic. Through the clinic, law students help veterans pursue VA disability compensation appeals free of charge, under the direct supervision of clinic director Ashley Castillo. Professor Castillo reflected, “Having a three star general who has given so much of his life in military service at the clinic was a poignant reminder to our students of the importance of serving veterans.”
Founding Dean and former Chief Justice Mark Martin noted,
“It was a great honor for a three star general who has served our nation with such distinction to visit High Point Law and inspire our students.”