Bernard V. Kearse

Sandy Springs, GA

After graduating from Wofford College and the University of South Carolina Law School, I received a scholarship to the University of Miami in the LLM program there. Got drafted by Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. After three horrific winters (anyone remember the winter of 1979?) I was outta there (great people, terrible weather) and on to Hunton & Williams, in Richmond, VA for six years. Then on to become Employee Benefits Counsel for a Fortune 200 company, Emhart Corporation, in Farmington, CT. Emhart was a conglomerate that manufactured parts that went into end products (insoles for running shoes, fasteners for automobiles, etc.). I moved to Atlanta -- first to head up the benefits department at Trotter, Smith & Jacobs and then forming my own firm over 18 years ago. I have been fortunate to be appointed Vice Chair and Chair of a number of ABA committees, a member of the ABA RPTE Council, a Charter member of the ACEBC, and a Fellow to the ABF. I even found time to write books (adventure stories for kids) and host a weekly radio show on people’s passions. I love reading (fiction and nonfiction), speaking (to anyone who listens), running (did a marathon without training - do not recommend it) and learning (almost anything). Mary Clare and I have 2 great kids and 3 endearing grandchildren.