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 5 reviews | Punctuality

Posted by Michelle | February 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best Lawyer Without a Doubt! Highly Recommended!

Divorce is never easy. In fact, it is quite scary and confusing. After the nightmare I was having with my first lawyer, a friend recommended that I call Jim Hoover for representation. It was the best thing I ever did! The first time I spoke to Jim, I immediately felt at ease. He’s extremely professio...nal, personable, honest and knowledgeable. He really took the time to listen with kindness, compassion, and understanding. I was impressed by not only his work ethics but value on family and wanting what is best for the kids. To help with costs, my case was assigned to Jill who also was phenomenal. Jim over saw each step of the way and his entire staff from day one was informative, helpful, and guided me through the entire process. Not once did I ever feel left in the dark or lost. The communication was extraordinary and no matter what, whether it was an email or phone call, they immediately responded. I was already on a time crunch since I only had 2 weeks before my court date when I hired Jim. Not only did Jim take the stress and pressure off of all the paperwork in firing my old attorney, he and his team worked diligently on getting a final judgement done in time for my court date. They didn’t string anything out and were thorough and efficient. They even took the steps to call the courts ahead of time to let them know about the judgement. No time was wasted. They went above and beyond the call of duty! I was lucky that my divorce was amicable and the one thing I appreciated most was that Jim and his team also had the utmost respect for my now ex-husband. That speaks volumes about Jim’s amazing character. Jim truly is an outstanding lawyer and all around wonderful person. Hoover Krepelka clearly has their client’s best interest at heart. Every staff member is a great asset to the company. They truly care, are honest, professional, and trustworthy. I highly recommend Hoover and Krepelka. In fact, I have referred several friends to them as well. Thank you Jim, Jill and the rest of the team. You were outstanding in every aspect and I am forever grateful!

Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2011 | Divorce & Separation

An Excellent Counsel!

Mr. Hoover has represented me in two situations; my divorce, and now currently in an unrelated domestic abuse case. He is always extremely professional, competent (extremely well-versed in family law), ethical., friendly, timely (in mtgs and communications), and thorough in informing me in the det...ails of family law pertaining to the case at hand. He works well with opposing counsel as to minimize adversity, but always puts my needs first as his client. Jim also has highly qualified experts in fields as contacts that his client might need that pertain to his/her case. I feel I am in the best hands having him as my counsel, and would highly recommend him to anyone needing representation in family law matters. I have referred him to friends on three occasions. He is worth every dime!

Posted by Barbara E | March 11, 2011 | Family

current client

When I found myself in need of a family law attorney, I sought referrals from many friends, several of whom worked in law firms themselves. I received recommendations to several family law attorneys; however four referrals, three from other attorneys, were to Jim Hoover, at Hoover & Bechtel. After ...interviewing three of the recommended attorneys, I chose Jim Hoover to be the best fit for my counsel. I found him to be receptive and interested in my unique situation, as well as extremely knowledgeable in family law. I wasn't looking for a warm and fuzzy person, but a strong lawyer who could take command of my case and handle the anticipated bumps and hurdles. He has done this just as I had asked him to, but has also served as a patient and compassionate listener. He is very responsive both via phone contact and via email. He is prompt in getting out our motions and letters and in answering any questions I have. He has proven to have many resources available to him and various contacts outside the family law area with whom he can consult to help with my case. He has even made calls to colleagues while I am in the office, so we can get our questions answered without delay. He was upfront and frank about his fees, and has always been cognizant of his time and our expenses, sometimes suggesting alternate ways to do things to save cost. I very much appreciate this approach. While dealing with family law issues can be frustrating and emotional, I have been extremely pleased with my selection of Jim to be my attorney. I recommend him highly to anyone in need of a family law attorney who wants to get the job done, or just someone to consult with about such matters.

Posted by JillMarie | March 10, 2011 | Guardianship

I cant believe this is the same man that I' ve referred several times and will again.

What I received from J im Hoover was excellence. I had a guardianship case. He not only was knowledgeable and experienced but he took what I would consider extra time and educated me on a couple things. I was never kept waiting or stood up (you hear of this happening all the time) without the extra ...charge. It pleases me to know such a lawyer and love referring him to friends.

Posted by anonymous | January 18, 2019 | Divorce & Separation

Great first impression, but that's it.

I came to Jim Hoover a long time ago, asking for help with my divorce. I discussed how there was Domestic Violence in my case. How I was afraid of my ex. They were fairly helpful, when dealing with a "default" case. (Although the paperwork that they were helpful with was incorrect as I later found ou...t). When we got a letter from the respondent and his council; Hoover and his team said there is nothing we can do. I was shocked, every meeting it was very impressive how Jim knew my case, but he spent a large part of the time retelling me my case to show me he was listening and knew it, and seemed like a knowledgeable attorney, I spent more than 5K in his office for him to tell me he can not fight this. (I went with someone else) Later on (a year later), I go to the point of a Temporary Restraining Order hearing, however, respondent's case was that I "Just" made this up. I came to Jim and his team, and asked for a declaration stating that I discussed domestic violence with them when I met with them. They said, I'd be waiving attorney client privilege, (Which I was ok with to get this restraining order to stay in place) Then they asked my attorney to provide case law, and a declaration - my attorney spent a lot of time on it, and when I sent the declarations and case law to them 1 week before (After getting the run around for 2 weeks before then) they ignored me, and wouldn't sign it. The Restraining order was not granted because I didn't have any evidence that I did have concerns for a while now. All they had to do was sign a few sentences which they could adjust if they needed, but they couldn't find 5 minutes to look at it in the 1 week they had it.

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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Christine Pham

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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