Turney Berry: A Legacy of Expertise, Philanthropy, and Community Impact

When Turney Berry, a leading estate planner and partner at Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, first considered his career, law wasn’t the obvious path. In fact, he once dreamed of going to medical school – though he admits he had no ambitions of truly becoming a doctor. Instead, his journey took a turn in October 1986, just two months into his legal career, when he attended a seminar in New York hosted by a renowned estate planner. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for estate planning and philanthropy.

“He was a smart guy, thinking about things in an interesting way,” Berry recalled. “I left New York thinking, ‘Maybe this would be fun.’ And 38 years later, it’s stuck with me.”

Berry’s story is representative of the culture at Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, one of the region’s oldest and most respected law firms. Founded on a tradition of civic engagement and community involvement, the firm stands out as one that prioritizes its local roots while maintaining a robust practice across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Southern Indiana.

With offices in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee; and New Albany, Indiana, the firm offers expertise in corporate law, healthcare, litigation, and estate planning. It’s the latter, however, that Turney says sets Wyatt apart.

“We have a very large estate planning practice, especially for this region,” Berry said. “Wyatt always had a strong presence in this area, but our group expanded significantly in 2003 when a team of estate planners, including myself, joined. Last year, we added three more attorneys. Estate planning practices tend to perpetuate themselves – as one planner retires, another steps in to carry on the work.”

This continuity mirrors the stability Wyatt offers its clients. While some firms chase national work that can be lucrative but transient, Wyatt’s focus remains local.

“We’re tied to the success of Kentucky, Louisville, Lexington, Tennessee, and Southern Indiana,” Berry explained. “That’s where we live. That’s where we are.”

One of the firm’s defining characteristics is its connection to Southern Indiana. Wyatt merged with a local firm in the 1980s – Orbison, O’Connor, MacGregor & Mattox – establishing a presence that remains vital today.

“We’ve always believed in serving Southern Indiana residents through local practitioners,” Berry said. “We have lawyers licensed in Indiana, including several estate planners, and an office in New Albany that’s actively used for meetings and client work.”

Passion for Philanthropy & Community Foundations

Early in Berry’s professional career, he was given the opportunity to become his firm’s point person on charitable work. After a senior colleague passed away suddenly, the responsibility fell to the young attorney.

“They handed me some books and said, ‘Here, you’re going to do our charitable work,’” Berry recalled with a laugh. The challenge sparked a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, specifically with local community foundations.

For Berry, community foundations are unparalleled in their ability to foster philanthropy on a broad scale.

“They’re an invaluable source of community philanthropy,” Berry said. “While other charitable groups focus on their specific missions, community foundations encourage philanthropy as a whole. They tell stories, engage the local community, and highlight the importance of giving back.”

Berry points to Indiana as a model, citing The Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative to establish community foundations statewide.

“The impact has been amazing,” he says. “You can’t accurately measure the difference it’s made across the state.”

A Personal Commitment to Giving

Berry’s connection to the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana is also deeply personal.

Years ago, he worked with Wilson Wyatt, the namesake of his firm, on a project to revitalize Louisville’s community foundation. While he was not yet employed by Wyatt at the time, the two hit it off quickly.

“Wilson was a civic giant in Kentucky,” Berry says. “He believed in the transformative power of community foundations and saw an opportunity for a young lawyer like me to grow alongside them.”

That mentorship also laid the foundation for Berry’s enduring relationship with CFSI, where he has been involved since 2014. While working with the Community Foundation of Louisville (CFL), Berry reconnected with his former Vanderbilt Law School colleague, Linda Speed.

Eventually, the time was right for the duo to transition to Southern Indiana. Speed would eventually leave CFL and go on to become CFSI’s president and CEO in 2010, remaining close with Berry until he was officially hired as CFSI’s legal counsel a few years later.

“Either she followed me, or I followed her – it probably depends on who you ask,” Berry joked. “However you look at it, I have been happily trying to help her, and help Southern Indiana’s foundation, ever since.”

Over the year, Berry’s admiration of the Foundation has grown thanks to its innovative approach to grantmaking, and its sound stewardship of donor funds.

“The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana provides superior service and expertise,” he said. “They guide donors away from ideas that may not achieve their goals and toward solutions that align with the donor’s personal values. They’ve also been courageous in tackling important community issues that others might shy away from. That’s a testament to their commitment to the community.”

Berry’s work with community foundations has also influenced his own approach to philanthropy.

“My grandparents and parents were generous people,” he reflected. “That’s something my wife and I try to emulate. We support causes we care about but always keep something in reserve for unexpected opportunities.”

Looking Ahead

As Berry contemplates the future of Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, he’s optimistic.

“Firms our size face pressures to merge or grow, but estate planning remains a strong and portable practice,” he said. “What’s most important is staying true to our roots – serving the communities where we live and work.”

That philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. By fostering local philanthropy, providing expert guidance, and embracing innovative projects, CFSI and partners like Wyatt are ensuring a brighter future for Southern Indiana and beyond.

For Berry, it’s a rewarding journey. “Figuring out the best ways to help clients achieve their philanthropic goals is fun and interesting,” he said. “And when it all comes together, it’s incredibly satisfying to see the impact on the community.”