Hill Kertscher & Wharton LLP

About Hill Kertscher & Wharton LLP

Hill, Kertscher & Wharton, LLP is a nine-attorney Atlanta law firm representing individuals and businesses of all sizes in complex legal matters. Based at 3625 Cumberland Blvd SE Ste 1050, the firm maintains a broad trial and transactional practice that spans intellectual property, employment law, corporate law, business litigation, securities and FINRA arbitration, and commercial litigation. Its IP practice covers patent litigation, PTAB proceedings including IPR and PGR, Federal Circuit patent appeals, copyright litigation, trademark and trade dress litigation, trade secret litigation, IP audits and compliance, and trademark filing and litigation. The employment side handles disputes, executive employment agreements, non-compete and non-solicit matters, wage and hour disputes, stock option plans, workers compensation litigation, discrimination, bereavement, whistleblower claims, and Georgia RICO or complex civil matters. Corporate work includes transactions and dedicated outside counsel, with Georgia local counsel available.

The firm states that its legal team is led by a former general counsel for an international telecommunications company, a national intellectual property litigator with lead counsel experience in over 250 cases, and a trial lawyer with success in multi-million-dollar litigation. Several team members hold technical degrees. At nine attorneys, the firm positions itself as large enough for demanding matters but small enough for responsiveness and attention to detail. The website emphasizes close client relationships, understanding client goals, and developing strategies to protect legal and business interests. It also lists attorneys Steven G. Hill, Douglas R. Kertscher, Scott A. Wharton, Blake H. Frye, Lucas Geren, Julie Burke, David Ludwig, Gregory T. Ourada, Austin O’Brien, Scher Mendez, and Matthew H.J. Kim.

Clients frequently commend the firm’s responsiveness, preparation, and communication. Doug Kertscher is repeatedly praised for employment disputes, severance negotiations, non-compete and contract matters, and for explaining steps clearly. Julie Burke receives positive feedback for empathy, patience, and workplace discrimination or employer-related cases. Steve Hill is recognized for IP litigation and complex civil defense, including federal RICO matters, while Blake Frye and Lucas Geren draw praise for liability and business transaction work. The firm holds a 4.30 rating from 95 reviews.

The review record is not uniformly positive. Several one-star ratings contain no explanatory text, and one detailed negative review describes dissatisfaction with representation, alleging misleading conduct and withdrawal. Some matters are described as long and challenging, and at least one reviewer notes that mediation did not resolve the dispute, requiring continued litigation. Overall, HKW appears best suited to clients seeking a small, trial-focused firm with deep IP and employment capabilities and a hands-on approach.