James J. Hoover CFLS

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, mediation 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.

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, James J. 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 (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024) 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 been recognized on the Northern California Super Lawyers List 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.

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

Avvo Clients Choice Award - 11-time winner

Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2025

Client Champion Gold - Martindale-Hubble 2024

Client Champion Silver – Martindale-Hubbell®; 2021, 2022

Insider Money: Top Divorce Law Firm in the 10 Biggest US Cities, 12/28/2023

Forbes - Top 10 Divorce Attorney in San Jose 2024

The Expert Network

Three Best Rated, Best Family Law Attorney Office – San Jose

Best Child Custody Attorney Office – Santa Clara

Esteemed Lawyers of America

Lawyers of Distinction

10 Best Attorneys – American Institution of Family Law Attorneys

Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Pro Bono Activities

Advisory Counsel, Women SV

Press Release, Media and Publications

James J. Hoover named to Advisory Board of WomenSV, a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic abuse

Lockdown split: Bay Area sees spike in divorce filings, domestic abuse cases amid pandemic

Legalization Of Marijuana: Will it affect child custody cases, and how?

The Ashley Madison leak: relevant in family court

Job Loss In A Divorce

Why is the Disclosure Process in a Divorce so Onerous?