Quick Facts
Biography
Matilene S. Berryman (December 8, 1920 – May 6, 2003) was an American oceanographer and attorney. Originally from Prince Edward County, Virginia, Berryman had a passion for reading and mathematics since childhood.
Education and career
Berryman earned a baccalaureate degree in mathematics from American University and a Masters in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island.
After that she joined the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office in Maryland. As an oceanographer Berryman served as a professor as marine science at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. She was also the head of the Department of Environmental Science at the Washington Technical Institute at the university.
Berryman believed that education "'is the key that could truly spell the difference between abject poverty and the extreme wealth of that one percent of the population.'" She continued her education by earning a law degree from Howard University.
Legal career
Berryman was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar on January 10, 1975. According to the National Association for Personal Injury Lawyers, she began practicing full-time as a solo practitioner in 1983. She specialized in probate law but also worked in personal injury law. Berryman was disbarred from practicing law in 2000 for commingling estate funds with her own and failing to fulfil the legal duties due to her client.
Death
She died on May 6, 2003.