He has spent his entire law career with Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, previously known as DeArmond, Sherman & Barber. He received his education at Whittier College in Whittier, California, and Gonzaga University Law School in Spokane, and he holds both Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees. Sherman has served as president of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and various other civic organizations and has been a member of the Salem Health Board of Trustees since 1988.