Bernard Vernon Kearse III

Bernard Vernon Kearse III

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 49 years

Elder law Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: Elder Law, Employee Benefits, Estate Planning, Probate

5565 Glenridge Connector Ste 350, Atlanta, GA

About Bernard

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 35 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1990

Emeritus

No misconduct found

Licensed in South Carolina for 49 years

State: South Carolina

Acquired: 1977

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 44 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1981

Retired

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 48 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1977

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

The Kearse Law Firm, PC

5565 Glenridge Connector Ste 350, Atlanta, GA, 30342-4705

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Bernard Vernon Kearse III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

25 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (25) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Artis and Michael | October 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Wills & Living Wills

Great service

This was my 2nd time using Mr. Kearse's firm to prepare wills, power of attorney and medical directives for me and my husband. And just like the first time, we were very satisfied with the level of customer service. We worked with Mary Lou Morris who was very knowledgeable and helpful. Mary Lou ask...ed all the right questions and helped us immensely.

Posted by Robin Ives Moncrief | October 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Fabulous Estate Attorney on a Human Level

We were referred to Bernard due to relationship with another firm, and couldn't be more pleased. Estate planning can be overwhelming and confusing, and he was gracious, knowledgeable, and most of all, patient with our questions. A second marriage can carry alot of baggage and heirs, and he helped u...s sort it all out in a fair and just (and agreeable) way.

Posted by Mark | March 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

A++++++++ Attorney

Bernard Kearse is by far the best Estate Planning attorney I have ever had the pleasure of retaining. Bernard's knowledge of and his ability to explain complex legal estate issues in a way that I could understand has no doubt come from his many years of experience. I highly recommend Bernard Kearse.

Posted by Heidi | March 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Very easily understood and thorough

Bernard helped my husband and myself with our wills and estate planning. In our case, because of several adopted children, one of whom is special needs, there were several items which we had never thought of, and he was able to bring it to our attention and advise us wisely. Everything about the ...experience was comfortable, relaxed, and friendly. Lovely people in the office, from answering the telephones to Bernard himself; they were prompt, easy-going and family oriented. The atmosphere was conducive to allowing us to ask any question we may have had; even if they seemed trivial. We were particularly impressed by the personal attention paid to our case in that emails were answered quickly and telephone calls were often from Bernard personally, not an assistant who had no idea about our case. When we met for our final signing of the documents, everything was completely organized and ready to go. During the meeting, each document was also thoroughly explained in ways that we could understand. We appreciate Bernard and all his staff for their help and will not hesitate to use them again. We know that they are there to help.

Posted by Barry | March 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Timely and Professional Services

Bernard is always helpful and professional and has the ability to answer legal questions in a way they can be understood. I had to ask Bernard to complete a legal document, at the last minute, for me prior to going out of town, and he was able to get it completed with time to spare.

See All Client Reviews

Bernard Vernon Kearse III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bernard
Paul James Coburn headshot
Paul Coburn

Estate planning lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I met Bernard Kearse through a colleague years ago. We have had the opportunity to consult on matters together, and I have been happy to send clients to Bernard for their trust and estate needs. Bernard is a skilled and knowledgeable attorney and I hold him in the highest regard."

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Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2018

10 Best, American Institute of Legal Counsel

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Top Lawyers, Legal Network

Work Experience

1992 - Present

Principal, The Kearse Law Firm

1989 - 1992

Of Counsel, Trotter Smith & Jacobs/Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

1986 - 1989

In House Attorney, Emhart Coporation

1980 - 1986

Associate, Hunton & Williams

1977 - 1980

Associate, Kirkland & Ellis, LLP A Law Firm Serving Global Clients

Associations

2016 - Present

Digital Assets Committee of the American Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section, Estate Planning and Estate Administration for Business Owners Committee

Chairman

1981 - Present

Virginia Bar Association

Fellow

1980 - Present

Georgia State Bar Association

Fellow

1978 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Fellow

1977 - Present

American Bar Association

Fellow

1977 - Present

South Carolina Bar

Fellow

1996 - 1996

Leadership Sandy Springs

Former President

1996 - 2016

Sandy Springs Mission

Board Member

Education

1977

University of Miami

LL.M - Master of Laws

1976

University of South Carolina

JD - Juris Doctor

1972

Wofford College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Seven Hills Community Association

Digital Assets in Estate Planning

2016

Mount Paran Christian School

Basic Estate Planning

2016

2016 Bebefits Selling Expo

2016 Update on ERISA Form 5500

2015

Jackson Health Care

Basic Estate Planning

2015

Emory University

Advanced Estate Planning

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution