J. Scott Tharp began the general practice of law in 1959, and has remained in general practice since then except from 1963 to 1965 when he was corporate counsel for a local corporation. As the practice grew, James A. Liotta and David R. Janes became associates, and the partnership of Tharp, Liotta & Janes was formed in 1981. Karen M. Yokum joined the firm in 1983 as an associate, and has since become a partner.

The firm's practice consists of litigation in all courts, including personal injury and medical malpractice. A substantial part of the firm's practice consists of real estate matters, including preparation of documents, title examinations and closings, and estate planning and probate matters. Other areas in which the firm is active include elder law, corporate law and municipal law.

The firm is dedicated to providing legal service to the general public as well as its corporate clients.