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Janice Cho

Divorce and separation Attorney at Oakland, CA

4.9   87 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 19 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2004
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Janice

Learn Janice’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    40%
    A divorce lawyer helps you if you no longer want to be married or if you are responding to a divorce. Whether you want a legal separation or the marriage ended, I can assist you arrange financial and family matters. Alimony, child custody, child support, and a fair division of community assets (like who keeps the house or how your checking and savings accounts are divided) are typical issues in a divorce or legal separation.

    19 years

  2. Child custody
    25%
    If you have children, part of your case will likely involve determining where and with whom the children will live. I can help you negotiate custody, either by agreement or in court.

    19 years

  3. Family
    25%
    Family law includes same-sex relationships, domestic partnerships, divorce, separation, property settlements, spousal support, domestic violence, child abuse, child support, child custody, and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.

    19 years

  4. Immigration
    5%
    My immigration services include K-1 Visa, K-3 Visa, Immediate Relative Immigrant Visa for Spouse of U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, Adjustment of Status, Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence, VAWA Self-Petitions (for battered spouses), U-Visa Petitions (for victims of certain crimes), Application for Naturalization, and Application for Citizenship.

    19 years

  5. Mediation
    5%
    The mediation process can help you resolve disputes without going to court. In a mediation proceeding, a neutral third party (a mediation lawyer or mediator) meets with you and the person you disagree with. Mediators are trained to find mediation solutions in legal disputes, including divorce mediation and business disagreement mediation. The mediator acts as a facilitator, helping you negotiate until a solution is found. Mediation is the most informal process for dispute resolution and is usual

    19 years

The Law Office of Janice Cho is a client-oriented law firm specializing in helping individuals understand and resolve family law and immigration issues efficiently and effectively and with professionalism, integrity and compassion. Ms. Cho has been practicing law since 2004, with significant expertise in family law and immigration law. Ms. Cho earned her Bachelor’s Degree, with honors, from the University of Chicago. She later received her Juris Doctorate degree from Northwestern University School of Law. After law school, Ms. Cho began her career working exclusively in the area of family law and immigration law. She has supervised legal clinics, provided technical assistance to pro bono attorneys, provided trainings on family law and immigration law, and regularly serves as Judge Pro Tempore in Alameda County.  

Ms. Cho understands that many of her family law clients are in crisis, need immediate high-quality representation that they can trust, or need to establish personal and financial security in the wake of family separation. She guides her clients through the nuances and complexities of family law and immigration law and offers each of her clients an individualized client-directed approach that addresses each client's specific objectives.

Her family law practice includes, but is not limited to marital dissolution, premarital agreements, post-marital agreements, divorce and separation; custody and parenting arrangements; child and spousal support; and valuation and division of community property assets and debts, including real estate, business interests, professional practices, personal property, retirement benefits and other investments. The Associate hourly rate is $350/Hour while Ms. Cho's hourly rate is $475/Hour.

Ms. Cho's immigration practice focuses on family-based petitions, VAWA's, U-Visas, and Naturalizations and Citizenship applications. She is dedicated to helping her clients in ways that large firms cannot by providing highly personalized and effective immigration solutions.

 

Awards

Client's Choice 2021,2020,2019,2018,2017,2016,2015,2013
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2019 + 5 ...

Contact Janice

Law Office of Janice Cho
1939 Harrison Street, Suite 120
Oakland, CA, 94612

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  87 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2021
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by AC | May 3, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
SO kind and helpful
I connected with Janice while searching for an attorney for my brother. She was highly recommended to me through a good friend. It turned out my brother's court date conflicted with her existing court schedule, and we were on a really short timeline (like only 5 days), so we didn't get to work together. However, Janice was incredibly helpful in our phone call. She kindly took time to give us referrals, some advice on how to request a continuance if we weren't able to find representation in time, and how to screen a potential attorney for this case. I am so grateful that she was straightforward, easy to communicate with, and friendly (navigating the legal system can be so intimidating!).
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Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent lawyer who will be on your side
I am grateful to have Janice recommended by a friend. Janice is sharp, competent, and compassionate. I had a consultation to discuss California family law as I am going through a separation case as it relates to child custody, visitation, and spousal and child support. Janice provided excellent and informative legal counsel and guidance on what I should do as it relates to custody issues, visitation, support, and real estate. She advised me on how to protect and prepare myself. I would definitely hire Janice to represent me and recommend her! She and her whole team are responsive, helpful, knowledgeable and there for you in hard times as it relates to family law.
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Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Brilliant, practical and compassionate lawyer
I called Janice in a state of panic. She understood my complicated situation and carefully explained the legal issues, options, pros and cons, and pitfalls. I left the conversation with a roadmap of what I needed to do, in the best interest of my kids. She is honest, strategic, quick, thorough and very experienced. She will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear, and she knows the local family law community. I assume that anyone who is looking for a family law attorney doesn't have the time, money or emotional bandwidth to waste on people who don't know what they're doing. Stakes are high, emotions are high, and if kids are involved, cannot be higher. I would recommend Janice.
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Posted by Farid | January 31, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Experience
I consulted Janice regarding advice with my divorce case. Right from start, engaging with front office to actual conversation with Janice has been amazing experience. After setting up appointment, all follow ups were smooth and hassle free. Instructions were clear on what is needed from my part. Conversation with Janice was easy and friendly. She diligently listened to my concerns and questions and provided all the clarifications. There was no pressure of time clock and in fact our conversation went beyond scheduled time but she ensured to keep me to ease and complete the work needed, Quality of work has been best and I felt, I was talking to right person for the case.
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Posted by Denis | December 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire Janice - the cleverest decision in my life!
It was the cleverest decision to hire Janice Cho to represent me in my case. Before I talked to Janice, I had more than ten consultations with other attorneys, and only Janice gave me helpful advice. If you want everything to be done professionally and on time with the best outcome for you, call Janice Cho Low Office.
Posted by anonymous | October 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Compassionate Attorney
Janice and her team are compassionate, helpful, knowledgeable, and highly experienced. They did everything to make this difficult situation easier and helped me understand and navigate through my legal options and the legal process. Janice was always available to answer my questions and help me determine the best course of action. Divorce is never easy but Janice's professionalism and hard work made all the difference. Thank you Janice!
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Posted by Brad | March 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Janice got me exactly what I wanted.
I used Janice initially as a consulting attorney, and then as a representing attorney, in my divorce. She was always very attentive to my concerns, priorities and needs, guiding me, but not pushing me in directions I didn’t want to go. Janice was always very professional, supportive and thorough in her dealings with me, opposing counsel, and the Judge. I really appreciate Janice’s personal approach and connection; she felt like a caring human and not just an “all business” attorney. However, I always felt she could be a very strategic and effective attorney if it turned into a prolonged court battle. Fortunately, we were able to strategize to reach the agreement and settlement I wanted with my ex spouse and her attorney, thereby quickly getting exactly what I wanted while minimizing attorney and court costs. Janice was very responsive to all my communication whether through email, text or phone calls. There were a couple times I went into panic mode thinking I'd messed something up when I received threatening or intimidating correspondence from opposing counsel, but Janice was always quick to reassure me and strategically guide me in how to respond and proceed. Janice was always on top of things and making sure the process was moving along, unlike opposing counsel, who would go dark for days or weeks. Time was of the essence as property values were climbing rapidly, which would impact me and the amount I'd need to pay to retain my home. Janice and I spoke about this concern and she kept coordinating with opposing counsel to ensure we got our divorce agreement and judgement finalized, signed by all parties, and presented to a private judge as quickly as possible. This action alone potentially saved me tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. I definitely recommend Janice as a highly professional, respected and effective divorce attorney.
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Posted by Greg | October 28, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent Family Law Attorney
Janet is an excellent family law attorney who I highly recommend. As an attorney starting to practice family law, I was lucky enough to have Janet as my attorney mentor in family law through the Alameda County Bar Association. Janet is an invaluable resource who taught me, and continues, to teach me, a great deal about the complex area of family law. She has helped me provide better representation and service to my clients and I know she provides above and beyond representation for her clients. I cannot say enough good things about her.
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Posted by Aaron | October 23, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent Strategic Advice
Janice brought thoughtfulness, strategic savvy, and professionalism to my divorce case. She and her team are thorough and responsive, and helped ensure that I received a fair settlement agreement.
Posted by anonymous | October 7, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Competent and Caring Attorney
Janice provided a consultation for me that was informative, and she was up front about the realities and possibilities of my divorce strategy. She was patient, kind, and I felt she truly cared about me and my well-being. She asked me excellent clarify questions regarding my very complex case that involved custody, and Janice provided solutions that would work best for my situation. This included solutions that intersected with my divorce case that I hadn't considered or thought of, so I can highly recommend her as a source of inspiration as well. Most importantly, her empathy for me as a survivor made me feel like I was heard throughout our conversation. The only reason I was not able to hire her as my attorney is that she was at capacity at the time, otherwise I would have hired her to finalize my divorce. She was kind enough to provide referrals and recommendations for other sources of help for my divorce case. I followed up with these resources; they were all highly knowledgeable and skilled as well. If you need help and a sounding board for what next steps you should take in your divorce case, no matter how complex, please talk with Janice!
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Posted by Don | August 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My Expert Became My Friend
For over two years Janice guided me through one of the most difficult challenges in my life - my separation and divorce - which was fraught with legal, financial and emotional complexities that I could never have managed with anyone other than Janice. I could not have been in better hands, and would not hesitate to recommend Janice to anyone going through a similar process. I’m convinced that she is the best. From the onset, Janice’s Northstar was what I wanted and needed AND would feel good about. She never once lost sight of what was important to me, including my emotions and me wanting to do the right thing by my ex while still having my own stability to lean on as I rebuild. From there I watched her expertly navigate the various legal strategies to continually patch together solutions. Along the way, she clearly explained and built-in strategies to meet all my financial obligations during the grueling two years and then ensured there was a stable financial path following resolution. I was amazed at how Janice was able to seamlessly Interweave the legal and financial concepts. She saw the big picture and moved me safely there with all the tiniest of pieces. And she became a friend. That is the best part of all. I have someone that I know is in my corner. Someone that I can call on. Someone that I trust. Someone that I know cares about me and my well-being. That’s hard to find in life, and maybe even harder to find a legal professional. Janice is a deeply caring person who happens to also be incredibly intelligent and adept at navigating divorce matters. She leads with care and the legal expertise quickly follows. She does it right. I’m so grateful for all she’s done for me. Don
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Posted by Tuya | July 28, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Compassionate, Professional and Prompt
Very thankful, I was able to find Janice Cho through a mom's Facebook group recommendation! I have an urgent custody situation, and I'm so grateful she was able to carve out some time and reach out right away due to the urgency of the matter. It shows she cares. She was able to provide me with some invaluable information, was very compassionate and professional. I'd highly recommend Janice Cho to anyone!
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Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Knowledgeable, understanding and accommodating,
Ms. Cho is very knowledgeable and to the point. Every question I had was answered without hesitation, and then given an explanation. She understood my issues and the predicament I was in. Helped me see the direction I needed to go and the guidance to have a successful outcome. And on top of that, even when we ran out of time, she gave me an extra 30min to discuss and explain my situation in detail, something most attorneys will not do for you. I will be retaining her!
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Posted by Valerie | May 17, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thankful
Had a one hour consultation w/ Janice today and she provided a lot of information. She was very relatable, very thorough and honest, which was all greatly appreciated. She provided some advice and also gave us a lot to think about in order to make some important decisions on how to move forward.
Posted by David | May 13, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Incredible attorney
I was very impressed by Mrs Cho. Incredibly knowledgeable and has years of experience. She's definitely solution based and had a very creative and common Sense approach to solving family court issues. She ended our conversation with I hope I don't have to talk to you again. She gave me great advice and in the unfortunate event we do have to speak again I would definitely be taking her on as my attorney. Highly highly highly recommend working with her. Being involved in family Court there are a lot of attorneys that thrive off of pettiness and tik for tackery. If you want to know the merit of someone judge not what they say but what they do. Not only does she do amazing work and family court but philanthropy and working for undocumented people as well as her connection to helping formerly incarcerated people speaks of the character of who she is and what she is about. Incredible person and attorney I highly recommend her.
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Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer ever
Janice is truly the best family lawyer out there, hands down. She is well-prepared, responsive and quick, knows every detail of family law, and is a pleasure to work with in every way. Perhaps most importantly, she knows exactly when to be aggressive and when to play nice--this is a trait that cannot be overemphasized in successful family law cases! She is incredibly detail-oriented, keeps track of every important moving piece and is super fast to reply and move things forward. She is also so easy to work with--she is understanding, kind, patient and has a wonderful enthusiastic personality. It's a strange thing to say, but I always leave my conversations with her feeling happier and more optimistic (and often having laughed some along the way!) She always provides a full explanation of my options and let's me consider how best to move forward--she'll offer her advice or suggestion when it is needed, but will follow my comfort level at all times. I've often said that being a family lawyer is half law and half psychology and Janice is a master at both elements. She is also very respectful but firm with opposing counsel and has gotten them to agree to things I never thought they would, through a combination of expert-level knowledge of the family law code and her disarmingly friendly but firm attitude with opposing counsel. She also very well-connected to the county family courts, and knows many of the lawyers and judges. This is helpful in considering strategies. I was in a very messy divorce proceeding that lasted four years with a previous lawyer. That lawyer was known as a shark, and while I did have some "wins," I think her attitude often made it hard to move forward with opposing counsel and the process was delayed as a result. When she retired, she suggested Janice as my lawyer. In a matter of a few months, Janice understood every detail of my case and finalized the whole thing, with my winning every piece that was important to me! Don't bother looking anywhere else for a family lawyer. She is truly the best and you will be in wonderful, competent, and expert hands!
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Posted by David | April 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Prompt, Professional, and Handled Everything Where Others Couldn't
I contacted Janice after having a divorce that I couldn't seem to resolve despite work from two previous attorneys on the case. Janice took over and worked extremely diligently and patiently with me on every aspect of the case. We worked together to find the best resolution for everything and my case was promptly handled and resolved. Extremely professional communication, highly knowledgable about all aspects of the divorce and settlement, and a pleasure to work with in all regards. I will definitely be reaching out to Janice in the future if I need services from a family attorney again.
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Posted by Abby | April 16, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly recommend Janice Cho!
Janice provided quick, detailed, honest, and helpful advice on a time-sensitive child custody issue. She was clear and direct while also being empathetic and encouraging, and she made herself available on short notice to make sure I go the information I needed. My consultation with Janice gave me all of the information I need to get to the next step, and I will definitely seek out her services if needed in the future. Janice is a very knowledgeable attorney who I highly recommend--if I could give her more stars I would!
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Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly recommend Janice Cho!
I met with Janice for a consultation whilst searching for an attorney who would be a good fit to help me navigate my divorce. She was very responsive from the get-go and when we met, I could sense immediately that she was a good fit. Very straightforward, knowledgeable, and to the point (which I respond to best). But also at the same time relatable and empathetic. She was very helpful, and even went 30 mins over our 1 hour session (at no charge) to help me with paperwork that would have taken me forever to figure out how to fill out. During a stressful time, this was very much appreciated. There was a level of trust and comfort there that I didn’t get with other attorneys I spoke to previously. Thank you Janice.
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Posted by Kate | April 8, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptionally skilled, Attentive, Professional Attorney
I had the honor and privilege to work with Janice Cho; she represented me on my custody case with my ex-husband. After interviewing with several attorneys, I felt Janice was the most professional and knowledgeable attorney. The situation between me and my ex-husband was very heavy, depressing, overwhelming and lasted several months which felt like eternity. Prior to attending our court hearings, Janice took the time to explain the process, to answer any questions I may have to ensure not only I understood but to reassured me she was here for me not only as a client but as an actual “human” being “NOT DOLLAR SIGNS”. My ex-husband stopped paying child support which put me in a financial bind. When I explained my situation, Janice worked with me and re-assured me things were going to be ok. Janice is committed attorney, passionate about her job and takes her job seriously to ensure the best results. She even goes above and beyond even making herself available during her busy schedule to answer any questions I may have even after hours.  I HONESTLY can’t recommend a better attorney.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 475-475 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Principal
  • Law Offices of Janice Cho
  • 2011 - Present
  • Adjunt Professor
  • John F. Kennedy Law School
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Supervising Attorney, Family Law Unit, CoCoCty
  • Bay Area Legal Aid
  • 2006 - 2011
  • Supervising Attorney, DV Restraining Order Clinics, CoCoCty
  • Bay Area Legal Aid
  • 2006 - 2011
  • Staff Attorney
  • Law Center for Families
  • 2005 - 2006
View all work experience

Education

  • Northwestern University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2002
  • Univ of Chicago
  • B.A.
  • 1997

Associations

  • Legal Access Alameda (formerly Volunteer Legal Services Corporation)
  • President
  • 2014 - Present
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Alameda County Bar Association
  • Day of Court Volunteer Attorney
  • 2011 - Present
  • Alameda County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Contra Costa County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Alameda County Bar Association, Family Law Executive Committee
  • Vice Chair
  • 2015 - 2016
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • 2013 Wiley Manual Pro Bono Award
  • State Bar of California
  • 2014
  • 2012 Rising Star Volunteer of the Year
  • Alameda County Bar Association
  • 2012

Publications

  • Practicing Law Institute
  • California Family Law Basics
  • 2013

Speaking Engagements

  • Family Law Seminar Series, Alameda County Bar Association
  • Finshing a Dissolution
  • 2014
  • Superior Court of California, Alameda Cty, Family and Children's Bureau
  • When and Why is a Parent's Immigration Status Relevant to Custody
  • 2013
  • Family Law Seminar Series, Alameda County Bar Association
  • Finishing a Dissolution
  • 2013
  • Ethical Issues in California Pro Bono Representation, Practising Law Institute
  • Ethical Issues in California Pro Bono Representation
  • 2013
  • Domestic Violence 101, Korean Community Center for the East Bay
  • Legal Remedies for Domestic Violence Victims
  • 2012
  • Family Law Seminar Series, Contra Costa County Bar Assn.
  • Family Law and Motion Practice
  • 2010
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (0)
Endorse Janice
Immigration Attorney | May 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jul 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Janice is an extremely sharp and capable attorney. Definitely willing to go to bat for her clients but also mindful of the benefits of settlement. I've had the pleasure of working with Janice on a number of cases, all of which were resolved informally to the mutual satisfaction of our clients. I endorse her without hesitation."
Family Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Co-worker
"Janice Cho is one the smartest, most organized and toughest attorneys I know. I highly recommend her services in both family law and immigration matters."
Family Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Avvo Contributions

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Oakland Divorce and separation Lawyer Janice Cho
Janice Cho
Divorce and separation Attorney
Oakland, CA
Licensed for 19 years
Virtual consultation available