Spotlight: Berg Law Offices
by Nora m. Davis (HBCA) 
—NOVEMBER 2010
Nelson Berg
I met with Nelson Berg in a conference room lined with law books—the perfect place to begin an interview with this long-time Hopkins attorney.
In response to my question about how Nelson came to Hopkins, he replied, “that’s quite a story.” After completing his degree at North Dakota State University, he enlisted in the Air Force and he and his young family were sent to California. While in California he completed his Masters in Public Administration, and after his discharge decided to return to the Midwest to be closer to family. “I’d decided I wanted a career in law, so it was off to the University of Minnesota Law School,” he continued. And how did Nelson decide to practice in Hopkins? It almost didn’t happen, as he’d made arrangements to lease an office at the new Rosedale Office Towers. The morning he was to sign his lease, he had second thoughts—perhaps this wasn’t the place to be. The next day he received a call from a law school classmate who knew of an attorney in Hopkins who was having health issues and needed someone to help—would Nelson be interested? Nelson was, and headed to Hopkins. The attorney soon passed away and Nelson purchased his practice in 1977.
Berg Law Offices specializes in Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate and Business Law. “I meet people at important times of their lives: the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a loved one, the purchase of a home or business, or a pending retirement. That’s what I enjoy doing—working with people and helping them problem-solve,” he explained. “My days are spent writing and meeting with clients and, although I do spend some time in court, I’m not a litigator and refer clients with those needs to other attorneys,” he continued.
But the practice of law is only part of Nelson’s life. Having grown up in North Dakota with a dad who believed that “community service is what you do,” he quickly became active in Hopkins. The first organization to benefit was the parent teacher organization at his daughters’ school. Other commitments quickly followed: Park Board, Zoning & Planning, and West Suburban Chamber of Commerce (which later became the TwinWest Chamber). Nelson was a member of the city council, served as mayor from 1989-1993, and helped found ResourceWest. He also joined Hopkins Rotary and was a member of the many organizations that preceded today’s Hopkins Business & Civic Association.
We also talked about the changes in Hopkins over the past 33 years. Change is a constant: the curvy Mainstreet was straightened and the seedy bars gone. During Nelson’s tenure as mayor, planning began for the Hopkins Center for the Arts. And the LRT? Not new—planning began many years ago. But according to Nelson, what hasn’t changed is the charm of Hopkins, and the commitment of various civic, community, and faith groups to this special community.
So if you’re in need of legal advice (or have a history question), give Nelson a call at
952-935-3425 or visit his website www.nelsonberg.com. His office is located in the Wells Fargo Bank Building.
