Caroline Diane Ham
also known as Cari Ham
About Caroline
Biography
Caroline’s interest in family law began during college when she served as a rape crisis counselor for a local county organization, counseling survivors and assisting them in obtaining domestic violence restraining orders. She later continued this work during law school where she interned for WEAVE, Inc., aiding clients in custody disputes and preparing divorce paperwork on their behalf.
Though she is an aggressive litigator, Caroline does not believe every situation warrants the same approach. Caroline believes some situations, in which the parties may be able to reach agreements, are best suited for mediation. An experienced mediator, Caroline is well versed in mediation and collaborative approaches to dissolving a marriage.
Caroline is also heavily involved with family law issues on a community level, having served two years as the Vice Chair of the Family Law Section of the Alameda County Bar Association. On the state level, Caroline has served as the treasurer for the California Young Lawyers Association for three years. Caroline has also served on several committees that researched, reviewed, and made recommendations on family law legislation.
Caroline graduated from the University of California, Davis with a double major in Political Science and Women & Gender Studies (Psychology and Sociology focus) and a minor in Sociology, with an emphasis in Law and Society. Caroline went on to obtain her juris doctorate, with distinction, from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Additionally, Caroline graduated law school with a specialization in trial advocacy. She received the Order of the Barristers award while in law school, a national organization recognizing individuals who excel in trial advocacy.
Caroline practices in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo County. Caroline has been chosen as a Rising Star in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Super Lawyers, an honor bestowed upon no more than 2.5% of attorneys in the state of California. Caroline has also been chosen as a Super Lawyer in 2025 by Super Lawyers.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 16 years
State: California
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Caroline Diane Ham
5776 Stoneridge Mall Road, Suite 360, Pleasanton, CA, 94588
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Caroline Diane Ham's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
24 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Alimony
Posted by Kathy | July 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Alimony
Fabulous
When my ex tried to reduce spousal support after less than a year, I felt distraught. Cari was wonderful. Very professional and kind toward me. I have recommended her to friends. She knows her stuff. I’m eternally grateful.
Caroline Diane Ham's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Caroline is an exceptional lawyer and a pleasure to know. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Caroline Ham is a highly experienced family law attorney who has worked for some of the premiere family law firms in the Bay Area. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have found Caroline to be extremely competent, knowledgable and client focussed. Caroline delivers!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2015
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2009
The Order of the Barristers, McGeorge School of Law
2009
Runner Up, Best Advocate, National Civil Trial Competition
2008
Trial Advocacy, Top Honors, McGeorge School of Law
2006
Outstanding Senior Award, University of California, Davis
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Managing Partner, Family Law Division, Armada Law Corp
2018 - 2024
Managing Attorney, Ham Family Law, P.C.
2015 - 2018
Contract Attorney, Various Firms
2014 - 2015
Associate Attorney, The Law Offices Of Jonathon D. Larose APC
2013 - 2014
Associate Attorney, Bartholomew & Wasznicky, LLP
2012 - 2013
Associate Attorney, Law Office of Cindy Frazier Bilsborough
2010 - 2012
Associate Attorney, Tucker Family Law Practice, P.C.
2009 - 2010
Volunteer Attorney, Alameda County Bar Association's Volunteer Legal Services Program
Associations
2009 - Present
Alameda County Family Law AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Alameda County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2009 - Present
Contra Costa County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2009 - Present
State Bar of California, Family Law SectionMember
2021 - 2023
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersMentee, Diversity Equity Inclusion
2020 - 2021
New Lawyers Section of the California Lawyers Association (formerly "CYLA")Advisor
2017 - 2020
New Lawyers Section of the California Lawyers Association (formerly "CYLA")Board Member
2012 - 2014
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersMentee
2011 - 2012
State Bar of California, Family Law Section, Bay Area Regional Standing CommitteeLegislature Committee Member
2011 - 2012
Earl Warren American Inn of CourtMember
2010 - 2012
Alameda County Bar Association, Family Law SectionVice Chair
Education
2009
Juris Doctor (JD) with Distinction
2006
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
Cultural and Social Considerations in the Practice of Law
Languages
English