CARRIE BERGER

General Counsel

"We want to protect Aldridge so we are as successful as possible. Protecting risks on the front end sets us up for success and can positively impact our reputation. Risk and business do not have to be adverse to each other; we can work together to develop a better product. We can have a really good partnership."

Driving Strategic Risk Management

As General Counsel at Aldridge, Carrie Berger is a cornerstone of the company’s risk management and legal strategy. With over 20 years of experience in the field, including a former role as a partner at a construction law firm, Carrie provides crucial input on business strategy and risk mitigation. Her leadership was pivotal in the Michigan P3 Lighting project, Aldridge’s first Design-Build P3 venture, marking a significant career milestone and solidifying her role in high-stakes projects.

Incremental Change and Team Collaboration

Carrie has been instrumental in transforming Aldridge’s approach to risk management. She spearheaded the development of a top-tier risk mitigation program, evolving with the company’s expansion into large-scale transit projects nationwide. Her strategic oversight ensures that the legal team is deeply involved in all aspects of the business, from project inception to execution. Carrie’s leadership philosophy emphasizes incremental change and team collaboration, fostering a culture where continuous improvement and understanding the work environment are key to success.

Navigating Complexity with Integrity

Before joining Aldridge, Carrie worked in litigation in a highly formal environment, a shift from which she adapted seamlessly. As Aldridge’s first lawyer, she laid the groundwork for a robust legal team, now consisting of five lawyers and a paralegal. Her work has been critical in developing best-in-class processes for risk management, setting and filing claims, and ensuring compliance, contributing significantly to the company’s success. Today, Carrie is the guardian of Aldridge’s integrity and reputation. Her commitment to protecting the company has been crucial in creating a culture where risk management and business success are seamlessly integrated.

Education

  • Northwestern University, BA in History

  • Northwestern University, JD in Law

Personal Interests

  • Traveling

  • Outdoor sports and activities

  • History

  • Raising her young family (two children)

Associations

  • Association of Corporate Counsel

  • American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry

  • Chicago Bar Association

  • International Association of Defense Counsel