About

Our Firm Philosophy

Since 1988, Walker, Hamilton & Kearns, LLP (formerly Walker, Hamilton & Koenig, LLP) has provided San Francisco and the Bay Area with compassionate, skillful representation. We understand that dealing with a serious personal injury or wrongful death is an unfamiliar and overwhelming ordeal. Our experience will guide you through the legal process of obtaining compensation for your losses.

We are a firm of trial attorneys that gets results on challenging cases. Our firm is respected in the legal community for its litigation skill, dedication to clients and professionalism. Our attorneys have won numerous awards, including selection as Super Lawyers for multiple years. Partners Walter H. Walker and Timothy M. Hamilton are AV-rated* attorneys. The firm also has an AV-rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

In addition, firm partners are members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization dedicated to protecting Americans' right to civil jury trials and improving the ethical and technical standards of practice for litigators. To be invited to join, an attorney must have tried at least 20 civil jury trials to verdict and be of good moral character and honorable reputation. Proposed members must receive a 75 percent affirmative vote of the Executive Committee and the local chapter's membership. ABOTA members are experienced, respected trial lawyers who are committed to continual elevation of their litigation skills.

Walker, Hamilton & Kearns, LLP, has maintained its original charter as an office where every attorney and staff member is involved with each case we accept. We maintain a select case list so that each of our clients receives the best representation. It is our goal that every client who calls our office is greeted by a person who is familiar with his or her case. Usually, more than one attorney from the firm attends trial, and often more than one partner works on a case.

Trial Counsel for Other Law Firms

Many of our cases come to us from other law firms. They seek us out because of our strong reputation and record of success. We welcome the participation of other counsel and pay standard referral fees.

Please call our office or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

 

The National Trial Lawyers

*AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.

Logo in white reverse

I knew that John needed someone to fight for him and that you guys would do that. Although we are typically at opposite ends of these lawsuits, we all want what is best.

- Anonymous

July 31, 2023
Logo in white reverse

Clarissa, I just want to say thank you again for truly representing me through what at times was a very taxing process for me. I learned a great deal about the legal system and how important it is to have true, proper, honest representation. I never once had to question your ability or willingness to represent me.

- Carol H.

November 21, 2022
Logo in white reverse

It was MY absolute pleasure to work with Clarissa. She is a reliable, compassionate, and kind-hearted attorney who is clearly committed to her client. She made my job easier.

- - Neuropsychological Expert

February 9, 2023
Logo in white reverse

We are grateful to you for representing us in our case and for ensuring the best possible outcome on our behalf. Thank you for your passionate, thoughtful, and brilliant work.

- M. H.

August 2022
Logo in white reverse

Intelligent, professional, proactive, and compassionate winners! As Skip Walker skillfully guided our mediation with the opposition, Clarissa Kearns swiftly added value to my case with her brilliant, well-researched and touchless brief. This undeterrable team is exciting to work with!

- Robin E.

August 2022
Logo in white reverse

We received the checks and the gracious letters that you wrote. We both are very appreciative of your hard work and your kind words! Just a note to say thanks for all of your help. We are very happy with the outcome of the case.

- S., D., and J. Milenko

August 2022
Logo in white reverse

The last four years have been a real education on teamwork and testing my endurance. Skip, Clarissa and Jeff taught me a great deal about the system and the importance of staying true to yourself. Their compassion throughout this ordeal (it was an ordeal for me) and working until the bitter end to come up with the best solution for me is more than greatly appreciated.

- Carol H.

September 27, 2022

After an unthinkable life-threatening trauma occurred in my life and I was lying in a hospital bed broken, I found the legal representation of Walker Hamilton & Koenig. The company, guidance and excellent legal service of Walter Walker, Jocelyn Alvarez, Serena Broussard, and Clarissa Kearns were a beacon through this dark time. While I was fighting my way back into life, I had great skill, experience, and human kindness of this legal team to lead my legal fight. The legal process is daunting. Their company brought the intelligence, knowledge from experience and grace which made human an inhumane time. Walter led the team with vital courage, intelligence, sense, wisdom, and truthfulness. Each member of the legal team brought talent and grace to the table throughout the legal process phone call by phone call, email by email, meeting by meeting and document by document. When appropriate they all brought some playfulness which lightened the gravity of my circumstances. I am deeply thankful.

- Anonymous

March 5, 2014

I am eternally grateful for your expertise and help throughout this difficult process. It is my hope that one day, my son shall realize what a positive influence your firm had in the outcome of his having a better quality of life. Thank you for making such a huge positive difference not only for myself, but for my son. Your time, hard work and efforts on our behalf shall always be recognized and appreciated. With great respect and warm regards.

- M. M.

May 28, 2014

Soon after my accident, the City’s complicated claims process and unwillingness to acknowledge fault were signs that they were going to fight in order to avoid any responsibility. I was in pain, in no condition for a fight, the medical bills were mounting, and the City wasn’t giving me a choice: I had to find an attorney. I’d never been involved in a lawsuit, didn’t know any personal injury attorneys, and had no idea where to find a good, ethical, and honest one. At the time, it seemed impossible that I’d find an attorney who would consider my well-being to be just as important as their firm’s business. Thankfully, a very good friend recommended Skip at Walker, Hamilton, and Koenig and as soon as I walked into their offices, I knew I’d be in good hands. While WH&K took over the fight, I was assured that my job was to concentrate on getting better. I couldn’t have found a better, more trustworthy attorney, and will always be grateful to Walker, Hamilton & Koenig for their legal skill, excellent communication, spot-on counsel, but mostly their sincere and genuine concern for my health.

- Ed D.

March 21, 2014

I want to thank you for your work and my settlement. I appreciate you taking my case after five other attorneys passed. Again, thank you.

- Eric S.

March 14, 2014