Jonathan L. Berryhill

Jonathan grew up in the shadows of the industrial smokestacks of Birmingham in a family that for generations honored the antiquated notion that hard work pays off. As the son and grandson of lifetime coal miners and steelworkers, he was never far from the industries that sparked the modern growth of this great state. In keeping with his heritage, he worked his way through both college and law school in several fields which he now has the privilege of representing as a lawyer.

As Jonathan progressed through his education, his employment opportunities broadened as well. After holding jobs in the retail, maintenance, and then the construction fields, Jonathan worked with a local insurance defense law firm where he solidified his desire to practice law. While in law school and afterwards, Jonathan had the unique opportunity to work for three years as the law clerk for the eventual presiding judge of the Circuit Court for Jefferson County (Birmingham), Alabama.

As a judicial law clerk, Jonathan gained a unique perspective on the litigation process since the circuit court in Alabama hears civil cases, both jury and non-jury, where the monetary value in dispute exceeds $10,000. Besides managing a judicial docket carrying a large volume of differing cases (car wrecks, workers’ compensation, products liability, medical malpractice, slip and falls, breach of contract, business disputes, etc.), he also assisted the judge in researching and deciding the outcome of hundreds of cases. Given his exposure to and work in the courtroom and judicial offices, it was not surprising for Jonathan to win the moot court competition in law school in his final year.

Jonathan began working with David as an associate in 1997, and became a partner in Wilson & Berryhill, P.C. upon its formation in 2001. He has served as the managing partner of the firm since its inception. Jonathan has been defending companies, individuals, insurance companies and self-insurer funds across a broad spectrum of lawsuits throughout Alabama for 15 years. His client base includes automobile insurers; workers’ compensation self insured companies, self insurer funds, insurance companies, and third-party administrators (TPA); and general liability insurers. Among others, Jonathan has represented clients in the construction industry, trucking industry, the food service and production industry, and in manufacturing. He also has handled matters involving small business disputes and online, print & photography publishing. Jonathan has tried numerous cases to both jury verdicts and bench judgments (non-jury) in a host of counties throughout Alabama and has through dismissal or settlement successfully resolved close to a thousand more. Jonathan has also successfully prosecuted and defended many cases on appeal resulting in several reported appellate decisions.

Jonathan is a BV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. He is active in many local, statewide and national organizations affiliated with his insurance defense litigation background.

Education
J.D., Birmingham School of Law (1996)
B.A., Birmingham Southern College, Political Science (1993)

Admissions
Alabama State Bar
United States District Court for Alabama (Northern, Middle & Southern Divisions)

Professional Memberships and Affiliations
Birmingham Bar Association

• Young Lawyers Executive Committee (2002-2003)
• Grievance Committee (2008-2010)

Alabama State Bar Workers’ Compensation Committee

• Secretary/Treasurer

Defense Research Institute (DRI)

• Workers’ Compensation Committee
• Vice Chair Seminar Committee
• Chair Membership Committee

Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
Alabama Workers’ Compensation Defense Lawyers Association
Alabama Workers’ Compensation Organization
Professional Outdoor Media Association

• Legal Counsel

Personal
Born in Fairfield, Alabama (1970)
Married with two children, one son and one daughter
Volunteer - Boy Scouts of America
Izaak Walton League of America, Birmingham Chapter

• President (2010-2011)
• Vice President (2009-2010)
• Lacey Spring Property Manager (2010-present)

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

• Pastor Parish Relations Committee (2007 - 2010; Chair 2010)