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 1 - 5 of 33 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Synthia | April 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Patient, Protective & Professional

I truly can’t thank James Hoover enough for the incredible support and expertise he provided during one of the most emotionally challenging times in my life. From our very first meeting, he demonstrated a deep understanding of the law, a compassionate approach, and an unwavering commitment to achiev...ing the best outcome for my situation. He communicated clearly, kept me informed every step of the way, and was always available to answer my questions with patience and professionalism. Navigating a divorce is never easy but dealing with a difficult and uncooperative spouse made the process even more overwhelming. From day one, James brought a calm, confident presence that made me feel heard, protected, and empowered. He was not only strategic and knowledgeable, but also compassionate and patient, especially when things got tense or unpredictable. His ability to stay focused, advocate fiercely on my behalf, and guide me through every step with clarity and care made all the difference. I am beyond grateful and would highly recommend James Hoover to anyone needing a strong, steady advocate in family law.

Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family

Best Family Law Attorney in the Valley

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Jim Hoover as my family law attorney. I was in an incredibly difficult situation when I first retained him — I had lost custody of my child with a permanent order in place, despite having worked with over a dozen other attorneys and spending we...ll over a quarter of a million dollars trying to fix things. My custody situation seemed impossible, and I felt like I was running out of options. I learned about Jim from a retired judge. Jim is trusted and respected by judges and experts alike, and has a great reputation for getting results. I had heard so many positive things about him, so I decided to give him a try. Jim is a natural and he commands the courtroom. He has a unique balance of being reasonable and diplomatic, but when the situation calls for it, he can be as aggressive as necessary. He listened carefully to my concerns, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that my case was treated with the seriousness it deserved. The outcome of working with Jim was more than what I expected. After everything I’d been through, Jim got me a huge win — I was granted almost 50% of the timeshare with my child. This was a dramatic improvement from where I was when I first came to him, and it completely changed my life. Jim is still my family law attorney and will continue to be my attorney till my child turns 18. If you’re looking for an attorney who is respected, effective, and deeply committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you, I can’t recommend Jim from HK enough. His approach is a perfect balance of professionalism, diplomacy, and fierce advocacy when needed. He truly changed my life, and I’m forever grateful for his dedication and support.

Posted by Joey | February 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

One In A Million Family Law Attorney

I have hired Jim for a challenging child custody/child support matter since 2011, and I couldn’t be more grateful for Jim's exceptional professionalism and expertise in family law. He takes the time to truly listen to my concerns, carefully explains the process, offers strategic plans, and presents a... strong case in court. What makes Jim stand out from other family law attorneys is his ability to approach difficult situations with a calm and balanced perspective. Jim is thorough in building a strong case and his attention to detail is evident. He and his team are always available to address any questions I had. His work ethics still hasn't changed after all these years. The level of care and dedication to my case remains extraordinary. If you’re looking for a family law attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely cares about their clients, I highly recommend Jim with no hesitation. He makes a stressful process much more manageable. I feel supported all these years and no words could describe my appreciation of his hard work and commitment.

Posted by Ravi | February 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Cannot recommend highly enough

My CFDA put me in touch with Jim after prior counsel (another firm) became unavailable. Jim completely changed the trajectory of my proceedings for the better, securing very favorable decisions on my behalf that resulted in significant monetary savings. Jim’s command of the law and his eloquent prese...ntation in front of judges and opposing lawyers is beyond impressive. A consummate professional with high EQ, he's the one you want on your side. I cannot recommend him highly enough or thank him for representing my case so well.

Posted by anonymous | February 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Unparalleled knowledge & support

James was recommended to me by a colleague of mine who had gone through a painful divorce and she spoke very highly of him. I had an initial consultation with James and he was incredibly knowledgeable while being professionally sympathetic to my situation. He was honest with the reality I was facing,... while still providing a supportive message. He was able to answer every question I had and he clearly had a lot of experience, which was very comforting. My divorce has been the hardest thing I’ve gone through in my life, but James guided me through it, and at times helped me see there’s a future past this current circumstance. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

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
Stephanie Huang headshot
Stephanie Huang

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Ben Stoddard

Wrongful death lawyer

Gina Nicole Policastri headshot
Gina Policastri

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Tamara Pow

Business lawyer

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Elijah Keyes

Estate planning lawyer

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Emiliza San Diego

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Lana Shearer

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Constance Carpenter

Divorce and separation lawyer

Patricia Mercedes Zerbini headshot
Patricia Zerbini

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Raechele Jang

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Diana Han

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Joy Diaz

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Monica Nemec

Divorce and separation lawyer

Katherine L Moinpour headshot
Katherine Moinpour

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Wenjia Ma

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Christine Pham

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jaymi Lynn Salisbury headshot
Jaymi Salisbury

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Elaine Le

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Meghan Marie Herning headshot
Meghan Herning

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Kelsey Jean-Marie Hickman headshot
Kelsey Hickman

Divorce and separation lawyer

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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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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