Berger was born in New Rochelle, New York, and grew up in Danville, Virginia. Before going to college, Berger worked in a factory and as a produce manager at Kroger. Berger also attended Danville Community College before transferring to and earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from Averett University in 1980. Berger later received a J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 1982. His career experience includes working as an attorney in private practice.
