As we soak up July's summer sunshine, we're excited to share the latest buzz and updates with you this month!

Welcome to the July edition of HK Today. This month, we are excited to announce the onboarding of four talented attorneys and two paralegals to our team. Additionally, we celebrated well-deserved promotions within our ranks. We also celebrated special birthdays, adding to the festive spirit of our office. We look forward to the continued growth and success of our firm. We hope you enjoy this edition of HK Today and stay tuned for more updates and stories throughout the month.

Elizabeth Voorhees, Managing Counsel

We are thrilled to announce the addition of our new Managing Attorney, Elizabeth Voorhees.

Elizabeth brings over 20 years of experience in legal research and writing, with extensive expertise in family law, civil litigation, and teaching at the university level. Her diverse skill set includes legal document preparation, litigation, mediation, negotiation, and document drafting and review. Elizabeth is also well-versed in court preparation and coaching, small claims help and advice, and is an expert in family violence.

Elizabeth holds numerous certifications that underscore her commitment to the legal field, including being a Certified Collaborative Divorce Attorney, a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Foster Children with the Superior Court County of Santa Cruz, and a State Certified Domestic Violence Advocate/Sexual Assault Counselor with the California State Association of Counties®. She has substantial experience in civil litigation, negotiation, and post-conviction appellate work. Additionally, she attended the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, obtaining certificates in Civil Litigation Mediation and in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation for Family Law cases.

She has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing office staff, other attorneys, and interns, as well as supervising staff and volunteers. With a strong background in teaching at the university level and 20 years of training diverse groups of professionals in family violence, she is well-equipped to make a significant impact at our firm.

Outside of her professional life, Elizabeth enjoys baking, crocheting, singing and theatre productions, showcasing her creative and artistic talents.

Jessie Smith, Associate Attorney

We are excited to welcome Jessie Smith to our team as an Associate Attorney.

Jessie's professional journey includes substantial experience in family law, during which she has successfully navigated complex family law cases and helped clients. Jessie brings a wealth of experience in international human rights law, having served as a Student Associate at the International Human Rights Clinic at Santa Clara University School of Law. During her time there, she conducted critical research, drafted amicus curiae briefs, and directed team efforts on significant legal issues.

Her leadership skills were further demonstrated through her role as Co-President of the Social Justice Coalition and her position as Honors Moot Court Internal Problem Chair at Santa Clara University School of Law. Jessie also has valuable editorial experience, having worked as a copyeditor, editor, and writer in the past.

Earlier in her career, Jessie served as a Certified Law Student at the Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center, a Legal Intern at the District Attorney’s Office of Monterey County, and a Research Assistant at the California State University, Monterey Bay Developmental Psychology Research Lab.

Outside of her professional life, Jessie enjoys spending time with her beloved Ragdoll cat, Dakota, whom she considers one of her pastimes. She also loves reading and writing fantasy novels, with hopes of publishing her own one day. Additionally, Jessie enjoys practicing yoga to maintain balance and well-being.

Marianne Gil-Lian, Associate Attorney

It is with great pleasure that we announce the addition to our firm, Marianne Gil-Lian, who joins us as an Associate Attorney.

Marianne joins us with substantial experience in family law and in various leadership roles. Her background includes significant contributions in estate planning and real estate sales, reflecting her comprehensive grasp of legal complexities and client-focused solutions.

Beyond her legal expertise, Marianne has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, notably serving as Chairperson on the Miramonte Christian School Board of Directors. Her dedication to education and community involvement aligns perfectly with our firm's values of integrity and service.

Marianne has a passion for music, playing the piano, and teaching it to children at a private school for over 10 years. She enjoys taking long walks and traveling with her husband. Marianne and her husband also cherish their family time with their three children and two beloved British Shorthair cats, Perry and Theo.

Kelly Wynne, Associate Attorney

We are excited to announce the addition of Kelly Wynne to our team as our newest Associate Attorney.

Kelly brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to social justice to our team. She holds a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law, equipped with specialized certifications in Public Interest and Social Justice.

Over the past few years, Kelly navigated complex legal landscapes with finesse, managing cases such as Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders, and spearheading civil litigation strategies including depositions and mediations. Her experience as a Summer Law Clerk in 2020 at the County of Santa Cruz honed her skills in juvenile dependency cases, Adult Protective Services, and Behavioral Health Services, further enriching her practice.

Kelly's commitment to excellence extends beyond her legal practice. In 2016, she achieved certifications as an Advanced Paralegal and in 2015, Paralegal from North Carolina State University, enhancing her ability to provide thorough and effective representation. Her dedication to community service is evident through her role as a donor and volunteer, supporting initiatives that promote access to justice and equality. Kelly focuses on family law and estate planning, specializing in name and gender changes, divorce mediations, and estate management for LGBTQIA+ and polyamorous individuals and families.

Kelly also served as President of Santa Clara Law's Social Justice Coalition from 2021-2022, demonstrating her leadership and unwavering commitment to social justice. She has two cats she rescued from outside a Domino's pizza, adding a personal touch to her compassionate nature. In her leisure time, Kelly enjoys playing Magic the Gathering, engaging in Fortnite, and immersing herself in reading fiction.

Grace Hau, Paralegal

We are thrilled to welcome our new Paralegal, Xian (Grace) Hau to our team at Hoover Krepelka Family Law.

With an impressive academic background and diverse professional experience, Grace is a fantastic addition to our team. Grace is working towards a Doctor of Law (JD) from St. Francis School of Law, has a Master's Degree in Economics from the University at Buffalo, a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Northeast Normal University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Film/Cinema/Video Studies from Jilin College of Arts. During her time at Jilin College of Arts, she showcased her talents by hosting the award-giving ceremony of the 1st Image Festival of JCA, producing, directing, and acting in the short play "Family Planning," and earning recognition for her volunteer efforts at several prestigious events.

In her professional journey, Grace has worked as a Paralegal, her extensive experience in family law, particularly in preparing and managing legal documents, filing court documents, and maintaining case files, will be a tremendous asset to our firm. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle complex legal matters will enhance our team’s efficiency and effectiveness in serving our clients. Grace’s multifaceted expertise and passion for excellence will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.

When she is not studying, Grace loves drawing and cooking. Her passion for traveling has taken her to various destinations, enriching her understanding of different cultures and broadening her perspective. She is also a huge fan of Disney, Snoopy, and Garfield, often finding joy and inspiration in their timeless stories and characters.

Francis Scherry, Paralegal

We are delighted to welcome Francis Scherry to our team as our new Paralegal.



Francis brings an impressive background that spans over two years, where she excelled in client communication, legal documentation, and court interactions. Her expertise in assisting with Minor’s Counsel cases, divorces, and child custody issues, along with her meticulous attention to detail, will be invaluable to our firm.

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Law (JD) at Purdue Global Law School, Francis is not only dedicated to her legal studies but also actively participates in the The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Legal Assistant/Paralegal from Evergreen Valley College, where she gained extensive experience in paralegal studies, legal assistance, and legal document preparation. Additionally, Francis earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from UC Irvine, where she was actively involved in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Rotaract, and ROTC.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Francis recently completed a successful term as President of Silicon Valley Rainbow Rotary Club, showcasing her strong community engagement and leadership abilities. Additionally, she actively participates in both the Bay Area Women's Soccer League and the San Jose Women's Softball League, highlighting her dedication to teamwork and collaboration. In her personal time, Francis enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, trying new restaurants and eateries, running and hiking, reading, and attending and volunteering at local community events.

Stephanie Huang, Senior Associate Attorney

We are delighted to announce Stephanie Huang’s promotion within our team at Hoover Krepelka, LLP from Associate Attorney to Senior Associate Attorney.

Stephanie has been a power player and an invaluable asset to our firm, and her remarkable expertise in family law have earned her this well-deserved recognition. Her practice focuses primarily on high-asset dissolutions, child custody and support, and spousal support, along with drafting and negotiating cohabitation agreements and pre and post-nuptial agreements.

Before joining Hoover Krepelka, LLP in November 2023, she worked at Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, and she has also worked alongside highly reputable private practitioners, handling ultra-high net worth cases involving private equity funds, hedge funds, angel investments, and privately held businesses.

Stephanie believes that conflict resolution and collaborative work result in the most favorable outcomes in difficult situations. She works individually with each client to identify their top priorities and goals, aiming to find mutually beneficial resolutions to their cases.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and her senior Pomeranian/Maltese, Squirt, traveling, and collecting uncommon houseplants.

Ella Pond, Marketing Coordinator

We are overjoyed to announce the promotion of Ella Pond from Receptionist to Marketing Coordinator.

At our firm, we believe in recognizing and developing talent wherever it may be. Ella’s promotion is a shining example of this philosophy. Ella’s journey with us is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth across departments. We’re confident that her unique skills and enthusiasm will drive our marketing efforts to new heights.

Ella has been an outstanding receptionist, infusing our front desk with her professionalism and warmth. Her ability to create a welcoming environment for our guests and clients has been truly exceptional.

With her impressive background in wellness-focused environments and her passion for reformer Pilates, she brings a dynamic and invigorating perspective to our marketing team. Her knack for building strong client relationships and delivering top-notch customer service aligns seamlessly with our values.

2024 Northern California Super Lawyers

We are pleased to announce that more than half of our diverse team of 19 family law attorneys have been recognized by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters on the 2024 Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

We proudly celebrate our exceptional attorneys:

Super Lawyers: James Hoover, Travis I. Krepelka, Julia McDowell, Constance Carpenter, and Patricia Zerbini

Rising Stars: Elaine Le, Jaymi Salisbury, Wenjia Ma, Katherine Moinpour, Joy Diaz, and Stephanie Huang

Your work ethic, client experience and mere excellence have earned you this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations to our industry peers who are also recognized on this year's list.

Travis Krepelka, Partner and CFLS

Patricia Zerbini, Senior Associate Attorney

Click to see our latest articles, including the topics of "Navigating Divorce with Separate Bank Accounts," "What Happens to Intellectual Property in a Divorce in California," and "How a Startup Will Be Evaluated in a Divorce."

Navigating divorce with separate bank accounts can be a challenging task. After years of sharing income and assets, determining the division of property is rarely as simple as splitting everything down the middle. Find out more in our article: https://hooverkrepelka.com/divorce-separate-bank-accounts/

For business owners, creators, and inventors, however, property division can also involve determining who gets intellectual property (IP), on top of any tangible assets. Intangible assets like IP can be difficult to accurately value, and if one spouse was either the principal or sole creator of the IP, they may feel strongly that their soon-to-be ex should have no rights to it. Read more of our latest article:

https://hooverkrepelka.com/intellectual-property-divorce-california/

Bringing a startup from an initial idea to profitability, a sale, or going public requires immense dedication, skill, and a bit of luck. Founders and key employees often prioritize their entrepreneurial dreams over everything else, hoping that their equity stake will lead to a significant financial payoff. However, this intense commitment can strain personal relationships, particularly those closest to the founder. Read more of our latest article: https://hooverkrepelka.com/startup-evaluation-divorce/

Gabby Benitez's Birthday

On July 11th, we celebrated Gabby, our incredible Operations Coordinator, by having a fantastic celebration at Silicon Valley Capital Club! Gabby’s unwavering kindness and generosity shine through every task she undertakes, making our office a brighter and more efficient place. Her thoughtful nature ensures that everyone feels valued and supported, and her dedication to her work is truly inspiring.

Gabby, you are not only amazing at your job but also a cherished member of our team. Your attention to detail and ability to keep everything running smoothly are just a few of the reasons we are so grateful to have you with us. Your positive attitude and warm spirit make our workplace feel like a second home.

It was a joy to come together and celebrate such a remarkable individual. We want to express our deepest appreciation for all that you do. Happy Birthday, Gabby!

Bob Hoover's Birthday

Happy Birthday to our founder, Robert L. Hoover.

As the founder of Hoover Krepelka LLP, you have built this firm from the ground up and continue to guide us with your wisdom and leadership. Your words inspire us: "You also need a good family and friends. Develop relationships with people because we aren’t exactly a pack animal but a tribe. We can’t survive by ourselves; we have to connect with others. In order to make a good connection, you have to give a little and try to understand and appreciate the other person’s viewpoint."

Your life is a testament to these principles. From serving as an Air Force Instructor and Deputy Sheriff to pioneering the Judge Pro-Tem system in Santa Clara County Court, your dedication to the legal community is unparalleled.

Thank you for reminding us of the importance of connection and understanding, and for being a guiding light in both our professional and personal lives.

Read more about Robert's article "Healthy To One Hundred: Robert Hoover of Hoover Krepelka On 5 Things You Need To Live A Long, Healthy, & Happy Life" at: https://lnkd.in/gj6zKFqX.

Peninsula College Fund

The Peninsula College Fund (PCF) is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships, mentoring, and support to low-income, first-generation college students from the San Francisco Peninsula. The mission of PCF is to empower these students to achieve their educational and career goals, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing to their communities. The PCF Career Exploration Fair is an event designed to connect students with professionals from various fields to help them explore potential career paths. 

• On Saturday, July 13th, our Director of Community Relations, Michelle Hoover, was honored to meet with four college students as a career mentor for the annual PCF Career Exploration Fair. The aim of the Career Exploration Fair is to empower students with the knowledge and connections they need to make informed career decisions and successfully transition from college to the professional world.
• To learn more about PCF and how you can be involved: https://www.peninsulacollegefund.org/

We look forward to sharing our firm updates every month.

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