James Hoover

PRO

James Hoover

also known as Jim Hoover

4.9
116 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Domestic Violence ... +4 more

1520 The Alameda, Suite 200, San Jose, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About James

Biography

Eleven-Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. With over 250 years of collective family law experience, our team of multi -lingual family law attorneys is on standby.

Eleven -Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. With over 250 years of collective family law experience, our team of multi -lingual family law attorneys is on standby.

Eleven-Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. With over 250 years of collective family law experience, our team of multi -lingual family law attorneys is on standby.

Eleven-Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. Highly experienced with litigating cases involving domestic violence.

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 25%

Divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, general property characterization, valuation and division, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, breaches of fiduciary duties, attorney's fees and costs, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and related matters.

22 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Family 25%

Divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, general property characterization, valuation and division, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, breaches of fiduciary duties, attorney's fees and costs, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and related matters.

22 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Domestic Violence 15%

Certified Family Law Specialist

15%
Alimony 10%

23 years | 1,000 cases

10%
Child Custody 10%

10%
Child Support 10%

10%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 8
Gold Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in California for 24 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Hoover Krepelka, LLP

1520 The Alameda, Suite 200, San Jose, CA, 95126

hooverkrepelka.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find James online.

James Hoover's Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 33 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | February 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

An excellent attorney

When I first met Jim, I was very nervous and didn’t have a clue how a divorce process works, let alone a high conflict divorce. I sat in his office and he showed me a flow chart of what to expect in each step, a list of immediate action items for my case, what I was dealing with and my expected cost ...of the case. I feel a sense of relief coming out of his office and that I have found someone who can lead me in the dark and he knows the direction. Throughout the whole process, many times we were thrown off track with unexpected rising issues. Jim impressed me with his detail oriented skills by staying on top of numerous issues at once. He remains sharp, calm and to the point with his extensive legal knowledge at all the court hearings. He had won many custody and financial issues in my case which I am truly grateful for. I had observed other counsels mixing up or offering false evidence in court. Jim is professional, ethical and has a good moral compass. He always educates his clients and advocates for them. Jim has earned his reputation to be one of the top family law attorneys in the bay area. Divorce is a very financially and emotionally draining process, choosing an experienced attorney to work with your pace and align with your values is very important. I highly recommend Jim.

Posted by Katherine | January 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

The decision that changed our lives

James Hoover helped me resolve my divorce, the custody issues and made this unbearable situation smoothly than I could have imagined. James was extremely professional, yet personable and always available to discuss options to any of my concerns and took the work to closure. I highly recommend James a...nd his law firm to anyone struggling searching for an attorney. He’s the best.

Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly Professional and Experienced Client Advocate

I hired Jim after having begun the divorce process with a lawyer in solo practice. My divorce was very high conflict and involved child abuse and it was obvious that the time and energy required to deal with the demands of the case required a larger law firm. To date I have worked with Jim and his ...team on child custody and could not be happier or more grateful with the positive outcome and the way Jim handled the case. He is incredibly experienced in family law and the family court process and was very strategic in how he approached the very antagonistic situation that the opposing team had set up. As a person and professional Jim has the highest integrity. This was an invaluable asset in court where it was very obvious that the judges in our case greatly respected him and strongly considered the points he made. In presenting our case, Jim was very composed and kept his focus on the children and the outcomes he wanted, even when opposing counsel tried to obfuscate the facts and drag the case in a different direction. His approach won out every time! All our requests with respect to the children were granted, setting up a strategy where the children’s voices were heard as central to the custody outcome. In addition to working with Jim, throughout the process I was supported by his top rate team of lawyers who helped with everything from court filings to keeping me updated on all communications with opposing counsel and who were never more than an email away. Going through an incredibly difficult divorce, I’m very grateful to have Jim and his team by my side. He is a very strong advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend Jim and his law firm to anyone going through a divorce, especially a complicated divorce with a high conflict personality. I feel that Jim and his team have seen it all before and are experienced enough to strategize for the best possible outcomes.

Posted by Stephanie Martin | April 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best divorce attorney!

After 19 years of marriage I ended up filing for divorce. I was referred to James Hoover by a really good friend. Jim was amazing, listened to me with no judgement. I felt so well listened to and taken care of. The divorce went very smoothly as Jim Hoover did not take any BS from my ex attorney. I wa...s able to get exactly what I wanted to restart my life. I am so grateful to James Hoover for all that he did for me! Stephanie Martin

Posted by Bill | March 28, 2020 | Family

Great communicator. Saved us.

Jim is exactly what I needed. We consulted with Jim regarding a family issue and were met with patient understanding and came away with the precise, useful knowledge we needed. I will absolutely hire Jim going forward and I recommend him to everyone. Super knowledgeable and a great communicator.

See All Client Reviews

James Hoover's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Eva Marie Martelle headshot
Eva Martelle

Family lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is able to balance his role as advocate for his client while maintaining his professionalism with opposing counsel. This is not true for all attorneys and speaks to Jim's capabilities as a reputable attorney."

Colin Geoffrey McCarthy headshot
Colin McCarthy

Family lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Family law is emotionally and legally challenging. James has the right temperment for the clients and the right legal skills for opposing counsel and the judge. It's why I refer family law matters to him."

Gina Nicole Policastri headshot
Gina Policastri

Family lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse James Hoover for his excellence in family law. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim professionally for nearly two decades. His reputation in the field is impeccable, characterized by his dedication to clients and sharp litigation skills. Although we are often adversarial, I can always count on Jim to be professional, courteous and settlement minded. As an employer, Jim is known for fostering a professional but fun office atmosphere as well as generous contributions to the community. Overall, I highly recommend Jim for his exceptional skills in family law."

Chelsea Armer Pagan headshot
Chelsea Pagan

Family lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"James is a strong advocate for his clients while being easy to work with. I look for forward to working with him again."

Dixon R. Howell headshot
Dixon Howell

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the sharpest young lawyers in the Family Law field; compassionate, but aggressive; I recommend him without qualification.."

Heather Murray Allan headshot
Heather Allan

Family lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse Jim. I have had several cases with Jim and his office. He is always communicative and genuinely willing to work in a cooperative manner. I appreciate Jim's approach in cases and believe he is a skilled attorney with years of experience."

Sweta Khandelwal headshot
Sweta Khandelwal

Family lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James Hoover and his Law Firm Hoover & Krapelka are amongst the best in the field. They are trustworthy and solution oriented, which is not something that is found often, specially amongst Family Law & Divorce Attorneys. Highly recommended."

Phong H Nguyen headshot
Phong Nguyen

Family lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher M Cave headshot
Christopher Cave

Family lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim and the entire team at Hoover Krepelka LLP are by far the best family law and divorce attorneys that you'll find in California. I would not send my clients anywhere else."

Traci Janeen Pickering headshot
Traci Pickering

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Simon Yohanan headshot
John Yohanan

Family lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a hard working knowledgeable attorney. He does not waste his client's money on trivial matters that so many family law attorneys seem to do. It was a pleasure having him as an opposing counsel"

James Carr Suits II headshot
James Suits

Unknown lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Edward Nuddleman headshot
Robert Nuddleman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is a knowledgeable attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients. His experience and dedication to his clients puts him at the top of my referral list."

Rory S. Coetzee headshot
Rory Coetzee

Family lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is one of the most trustworthy lawyers I know. I wouldn't hesitate to hire him myself."

Christopher Walter Dull headshot
Christopher Dull

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jon G. Brooks headshot
Jon Brooks

Family lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jim Hoover for 14 years having attended law school with him and as a fellow attorney in San Jose. Jim is not only one of the sharpest lawyers I've ever known, he is also earnest, highly ethical and compassionate. I have never received feedback from clients we've referred to him that wasn't positive."

Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich headshot
Thomas Cvietkovich

Family lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Jacob Rudy headshot
Matthew Rudy

Family lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
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Stephanie Huang

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Katherine Moinpour

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Top 10 San Jose Divorce Attorney, Trust Analytica

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Client's Choice, Avvo

2025

Client Champion Gold, Martindale-Hubbell

2025

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2024

Avvo Client's Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2024

Northern California Super Lawyers, Find Law - Thompson Reuters

2024

Top Rated Lawyer, US Lawyer Database

2024

Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave, 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave

2024

Top 10 Divorce Attorneys of San Jose, Forbes

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Top 10 Divorce Law Firm in the 10 Biggest Cities in the US, Insider Monkey

2023

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2023

Top 3 Divorce Lawyers in San Jose, Three Best Rated

2023

Client Champion Gold, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2023

Northern California Super Lawyers, FindLaw - Thompson Reuters

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2022

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2022

Northern California Super Lawyers, FindLaw - Thompson Reuters

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2021

Northern California Super Lawyers, Find Law - Thompson Reuters

2021

Northern California Super Lawyers, FindLaw - Thompson Reuters

2021

Client Champion - Silver, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2020, Avvo

2019

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2019, Avvo

2018

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2018, Avvo

2017

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2017, Avvo

2017

Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction

2017

Esteemed Lawyers of America, Esteemed Lawyers of America

2017

10 Best Attorneys, American Institution of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2016

Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction

2015

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2015

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2012

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2012, Avvo

2001

Top of the Class Awards in Contracts, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Graduated Summa Cum Laude (top 2%), Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Dean's List 2001, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Criminal Procedure, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Dispute Resolution, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Wills and Trusts, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Commercial Transactions, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Torts, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2000

Pro Bono Service Award, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2000

Dean's List 2000, Santa Clara University, School of Law

1999

Pro Bono Service Award, Santa Clara University, School of Law

1999

Dean's List 1999, Santa Clara University, School of Law

1998

Graduated Magna Cum Laude in Accounting (top 5%), Santa Clara University

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Partner, Hoover Krepelka, LLP

Associations

2015 - Present

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of California

Certified Family Law Specialist

2012 - Present

ProVisors

Member

2007 - Present

Silicon Valley Capital Club

Member

2001 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar

Member

2007 - 2014

Network Today

Member since 2007, President 2009 and 2011

Sample of Legal Cases

Confidential

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Santa Clara University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Santa Clara University

1998

Santa Clara University

Speaking Engagements

2013

Santa Clara University

Legal Careers in Family Law

Publications

2023

2023

Hoover Krepelka, LLP - Blog Job Loss in a Divorce

2016

LinkedIn; HK Blog Legalization of marijuana: will it affect child custody cases, and how?

2015

Languages

English

Spanish

Mandarin

French

Czech

Russian

Vietnamese

Farsi

Cantonese

Romanian

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution