The Byron and Max L. Berman Student Fellowship Fund was established in June 1990 through the generosity of the family and friends of Max Berman (’29) and Byron Berman (’59). Max Berman represented a tradition of high ideals, ethical principles and good judgment, which Byron continued in his legal practice and passed on to his sons, Scott and Blair. Each year, the Berman Student Fellowship Fund supports a student research assistant working in the environmental law program. The goal of the Berman Student Fellowship is to encourage students to gain valuable research and writing experience with University of Maryland Carey Law School professors. Since its inception, the fellowship has been awarded to a research assistant working in the environmental law program.

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Berman Student Fellow: Maeve Kessler

Past Berman Fellows in the Environmental Law Program:

  • Morgana Omaleki (2021-2023) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Madeleine Dwyer (2020-2021) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Samuel Boden (2019-2020) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Zach Lee (2018-2019) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Devon Harmon (2017-2018) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Taylor Lilley (2016-2017) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Haley Peterson (2015-2016) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Chelsea Kadish (2014-2015) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Katherine O’Konski (2013-2014) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Matthew Gravens (2012-2013) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Esther Houseman (2011-2012) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Shauna Stringham (2010-2011) research assistant for Professor Rena Steinzor
  • Ada Diaz-Hernandez (2009-2010) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Julie Gufferman (2008-2009) research assistant for Professor Robert Percival
  • Michael Wright (2007-2008) research assistant for Rena Steinzor

Meet the Bermans

Byron Berman (1934-1988) graduated from the University of Maryland Law School in 1959 and was also admitted to the Maryland Bar in the same year. He began practicing law in Baltimore, with his father, Max L. Berman. After his father’s retirement, Byron Berman became a well-respected solo practitioner, specializing in litigation, attaining an “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell. In addition to practicing law, Byron Berman was a hearing officer for the Maryland Public Service Commission. His biography was included in Marquis Who’s Who in America.

Max L. Berman (1900-1986) graduated from the University of Maryland Law School in 1929 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1930. He had been a veteran of World War I and attended the law school at night. Max L. Berman, like many attorneys of that era, was a general practitioner and ultimately worked with his son, Byron. Max L. Berman also served as a Justice of the Peace/Magistrate in Baltimore City, starting with his appointment by Governor Albert Richie in 1933.

Both Byron and Max L. Berman, lifelong residents of Maryland, were dedicated to the highest ethical principles in the practice of law as well as to public service. They also shared a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors and to the environment.