As an experienced attorney Judge Berger sought justice in the cases he prosecuted. As a judge he strives to promote access to justice and an open court system. In his years of experience he has had the opportunity to work with many great legal minds in the state to better understand the law and how to apply it fairly

Upon graduating from the University of Montana School of Law, Judge Berger accepted a clerkship with the Montana Supreme Court for Justices Brian Morris, John Warner, and Patricia Cotter. Judge Berger assisted the justices by drafting memorandums and opinions on a wide range of legal issues.

Judge Berger then became the city prosecutor for the City of Helena. In this position he tried cases ranging from traffic accidents to domestic violence and DUI crimes. He was actively involved in one of the pilot projects for the 24/7 program and testified before the Legislature on DUI issues.

Judge Berger accepted a position with the Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office. He began prosecuting in Justice Court then moved to District Court where he prosecuted felony level DUI, domestic violence crimes, complicated forgery schemes, robberies, and homicides. He was also responsible for prosecuting crimes involving mental health issues and involuntary civil commitment proceedings for the County. Judge Berger testified before the Legislature numerous times regarding civil commitments and was active in teaching law enforcement officers during their crisis intervention training. Judge Berger also lobbied for a change in the laws regarding surreptitious visual observations after prosecuting a case where an employee secretly filmed his co-workers on more than 80 occasions.

During his time as trial attorney with the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County, Judge Berger tried over 2000 bench trials and more than two dozen jury trials.

In January of 2017, Judge Berger was appointed the Fifth Judicial District Court judge by Governor Steve Bullock and was unanimously confirmed by the Montana State Senate. He took the bench in February 2017. In November 2017 Judge Berger was appointed to the Criminal Jury Instructions Commission

During his time on the bench, Judge Berger has sought to increase access to justice by putting substance over form and by encouraging a change in the local court rules to adapt to the ever changing effect technology is having on the practice of law.

Every person who appears in the Fifth Judicial District should expect to be treated with dignity and respect and be met with a judge who strives to have a calm demeanor and open mind.”