James J. Hoover

As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Mr. Hoover represents clients in all aspects of family law litigation, including but not limited to, domestic violence, child custody and visitation, property identification, characterization, valuation and division, spousal support, child support, breaches of fiduciary duties, reimbursement claims, dates of separation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and related matters. After many years of experience, Mr. Hoover skillfully settles and if necessary, litigates all of these issues.

Mr. Hoover educates, advocates, and acts in our clients’ best interests on these issues. He pays particular attention to our clients’ emotional and financial difficulties. Some of James’s press releases, media, and publications includes:

James J. Hoover attended Santa Clara University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting; minor in economics, in 1998. In 2001, Mr. Hoover graduated Summa Cum Laude from Santa Clara University School of Law. He ranked 4th in his class of over 200 students, receiving “top of the class” CALI Awards in the following classes: Contracts, Torts, Commercial Transactions, Wills and Trusts, Dispute Resolution, and Criminal Procedure.

Given his experience, expertise, and common sense, Mr. Hoover has facilitated family law matters as a mediator.

In May 2013, Mr. Hoover earned the prestigious status of Certified Family Law Specialist, an honor by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization bestowed upon only approximately 10% of family law attorneys.

Mr. Hoover is an eleven-time recipient of the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for the divorce attorney category. This rare and coveted distinction is based on continuous positive client reviews. He has also earned the Martindale-Hubbel Client Champion Silver Award in 2021 and 2022, and the Martindale-Hubbel Client Champion Gold Award in 2023 and 2024. He is listed as a Top Rated Lawyer of 2024 by the US Lawyer Database and has also been recognized on the Northern California Super Lawyers List each year since 2021.

Mr. Hoover enjoys spending time with his family, staring at the ocean, traveling, playing his ukulele, and making kahelelani shell necklaces. He has completed 11 marathons, including 9 Napa Valley Marathons with a personal record of three hours and twenty-one minutes at age 37. When not doing the above, Mr. Hoover annually hikes contiguous segments of the Pacific Crest Trail, hoping to walk from Mexico to Canada.

Bar Admissions

California, 2001

Education

Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, California
- J.D. – Summa Cum Laude – 2001
- Honors: Ranked 4th in graduating class of 212 students
- Honors: “Top of the Class” CALI Awards in the following classes: Contracts, Torts, Commercial Transactions, Wills and Trusts, Dispute Resolution and Criminal Procedure
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California
- Bachelor’s Magna Cum Laude – 1998
- Major: Accounting
- Minor: Economics

Certified Legal Specialties

Certified Family Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, 2013

Honors and Awards

Certified Family Law Specialist, 2013 as recognized by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization; 2013-Present
Forbes – Best Divorce Lawyers San Jose, 2024
Avvo Clients’ Choice Award; 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017-2024
Northern California Super Lawyers: 2021-2024
Top Rated Lawyer 2024, US Lawyer Database
The Expert Network, Best Child Custody Attorney Office – Santa Clara
Three Best Rated, Best Family Law Attorney Office – San Jose
Esteemed Lawyers of America
Lawyers of Distinction
10 Best Attorneys – American Institution of Family Law Attorneys
Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Client Champion Silver – Martindale-Hubbell®; 2021, 2022
Client Champion Gold – Martindale-Hubbell®; 2023
Modern Luxury – Silicon Valley Magazine, Power Players, June 2021