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We are heartbroken by the passing of our founder. In honoring his legacy, we continue to support one another, serve our clients with care, and uphold the integrity that was modeled for us every day. Here's what we’ve been working on this month, with heavy hearts and
renewed purpose:
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| Celebrating the Life of Founder, Robert Lester Hoover | |
"Dear all,
Sadly, I inform you that our beloved Bob Hoover, a devoted husband of over 50 years, proud father of 7 children and wise grandfather to their offspring, gentle father figure to many, loyal friend of countless, pioneer of Santa Clara County family law and founder of our Hoover Krepelka, LLP, for the last 65 years, passed away unexpectedly last Friday evening at 9 p.m. He almost made it to 94, yet he lived a magnificent life ten times over, the legacy of which remains strong within us today.
He spent his last day doing what he loved – waking up with our mom and exchanging “I love yous” and sweet notes throughout the day, collecting and reading his 3 newspapers, tending to his chickens, harvesting his vegetable garden, exercising on his treadmill with weights, hot tubbing, and telling others how proud he was of them. He did not plan this, but it is how he would have planned it.
I imagine that some of you who knew of and cared for Bob feel grief and shock. While any passing is inevitable, Bob seemed immortal. Bob was a gift of optimism, kindness, love, patience, humor, pride, and love in our world, a gift the likes of which we have rarely if ever experienced in one person. Bob would want you to know that he loves you, and that he’s very proud of each of you. And on his behalf, I thank you for being in his life, supporting him with your presence and love, which in turn allowed him to continue to be this gift in our community.
Grief is the price we pay for love. The grief will give way to the immense gratitude we feel for being blessed with the most remarkable human being.
Of course, we will have a celebration of our Bob Hoover, and absolutely, you are all invited. Bob loves a party, drawing a circle and bringing us in, and looking back.
Love,
Jim"
| | Joseph Salvail, Summer Intern | |
This month, we welcomed Joseph Salvail to our team as Summer Intern! Joey joins us through the The Peninsula College Fund (PCF), where he was awarded a prestigious scholarship in recognition of his stellar academic achievement, star leadership, and devotion to community impact.
Currently studying Psychology & Business at San Diego State University, Joey brings a wealth of experience in both professional and campus leadership roles. Most recently, he interned at ADP as a Jr. District Manager, where he facilitated early-stage sales efforts, developed leads through Salesforce, and engaged prospective clients with strategy and confidence—all within one of ADP’s top-performing offices.
On campus, Joey has made his mark as the Night Chair for the Associated Students Union, organizing high-impact student events with budgets of up to $15,000, and as VP of Social Activities for Rotaract, where he helped foster community and connection through retreats and social programs. He’s also actively involved in the Guardian Scholars Program, which supports students from foster youth backgrounds as they pursue higher education.
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| Michelle Graciano, Summer Intern | |
This month, we welcomed Michelle Graciano Espino to our team as a Summer Intern. Michelle is currently pursuing a dual B.A. in Political Science and Sociology at UC Santa Barbara, where she holds leadership roles through organizations such as Latinos for Politics and the EOP First-Generation Peer Mentorship Program.
A proud San Jose native, Michelle brings a strong commitment to community engagement and mentorship, demonstrated through her service as a Catechist Teacher Assistant and her coordination of social and service events that connect underrepresented students with academic and civic resources. She is also a current participant in Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)'s College Leadership Program, where she’s connected with resilient Latinas across 85 colleges in more than 20 states. Through this program, she engages in interactive professional workshops, receives mentorship from professionals in various fields, and will complete a capstone project at the end of her term.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys sipping on matcha, doing acrylic manicures, and participating in Phi Lambda Rho Sorority, Inc., a multicultural sorority that promotes Chicanx and Latinx culture.
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| Click below to read our latest articles, including the topics of "Screen Time for Babies & Toddlers: Co-Parenting Strategies," "Dividing Retirement Accounts in Divorce: Avoiding Costly Mistakes," and "Understanding the Tax Consequences of Spousal and Child Support Post-Divorce" | | |
To safeguard development, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months (except for video chatting) and no more than one hour of high-quality, co-viewed content daily for ages 2 to 5. In co-parenting situations, clearly defined screen time guidelines in a parenting plan—aligned with expert recommendations—can help ensure consistency, reduce conflict, and support the child’s well-being across both households.
Read 'Screen Time for Babies & Toddlers: Co-Parenting Strategies for the Early Years' Article
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| Rotary Club of San Jose Lunch Program | | |
Michelle Hoover Director of Community Relations, was joined by The Peninsula College Fund scholars Joseph Salvail and Gregorio Salgado for their first Rotary Club of San Jose meeting with fellow Rotarian Vivian Tran for President Matt Braker.
It was a special full-circle moment—Michelle first met Joseph through Peninsula College Fund last year, and this year, she’s mentoring Gregorio. Summer Intern Joseph, is also a proud member of Rotaract of San Diego State University.
The meeting featured a powerful talk by Jenny D. Chief People Strategy Officer at BTS, on “The Role of Leadership in the New Compliance Era.” She explored how ethical leadership must evolve from rules-based systems to trust- and integrity-driven cultures in today’s changing corporate landscape.
We also enjoyed a dose of humor and heart as President Matt Barker gave a memorable tribute to Larry Stone honoring his 40 years of dedicated service as County Assessor.
Truly grateful for the community that Rotary creates—where leaders, mentors, and future changemakers gather in service and support.
#Rotary #RotaryInternational #RotaryClubofSanJose
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Peninsula College Fund Legal Caravan Day
with Berliner Cohen and Hoge Fenton
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We welcomed scholars from the The Peninsula College Fund (PCF)—a nonprofit supporting first-generation college students through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development—for a full-day legal career immersion across Hoover Krepelka, LLP, Berliner Cohen, LLP, and Hoge Fenton. This was PCF's first Legal Caravan Day.
James Hoover, Partner and Certified Family Law Specialist, Senior Associate Joy B. Diaz and led a session on practicing Family Law, including divorce, custody, and domestic violence with mentions of the emotional component.
Berliner Cohen, LLP:
Students did a office tour with Head of Human Resources Fabiola Martinez and Marketing Assistant Steven Do, had lunch and joined breakout sessions with:
Brandon Laurent Rebboah, Esq., Partner – Estate Planning
Monica H., Associate – Land Use & Municipal Law
Jace Lynch, Associate – Business & Tax
Jay Landrum, Partner – Business & Tax
Alan Law, Associate – Litigation
Marisa Martinson, Associate – Estate Planning
Hoge Fenton:
Managing Partner Natasha Parrett shared the firm’s culture before students rotated through speed networking with:
Heather Larrick – Executive Director
Kyisha Dixon – Director of Recruiting and Retention
Seth Silapasvang – Director of IT
Jenn Protas, Shareholder – Employment Law
Rachel Garcia, Associate – Employment Law
Leo Ayala – Legal Assistant
Andrew McClelland – Of Counsel, Real Estate
Rob Keitamo, Associate – Real Estate
Manda McElrath, Associate – Business Litigation
Maria Salinas Mendoza, Esq., Associate – Business Litigation
We wrapped up with an office tour then headed back at HK with an ice cream social and reflection session alongside our PCF interns.
Beth Williams, CFRE
Michelle Hoover
Cindy Barrett
Vivian Tran
Danae Myers
Steven Do
Matthew Solito
Lizeth Diaz Navarrete, M.A.
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Habbas & Associates Law Office Tour with
Peninsula College Fund Scholars
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Thank you so much to Omar Habbas and Tarik Habbas for taking the time to welcome HK staff, interns and guests and share your insights during our visit to Habbas & Associates.
It was incredibly valuable for our prospective legal scholars to learn about the personal injury field from a humanistic lens, an aspect that often gets overlooked in broader legal conversations. Hearing how your team prioritizes client care and emotional understanding alongside legal strategy was both eye-opening and inspiring. It was also fascinating to learn about the cross-collaboration between personal injury attorneys and medical specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other healthcare professionals. That interdisciplinary approach underscores the depth of care required in these cases.
We were especially struck by the wide range of cases your firm handles, from more routine matters to life-altering claims, all approached with the same genuine care. It truly highlights the diversity and impact of your work across the spectrum of personal injury law.
Thank you again for the warm welcome and thoughtful conversation.
Michelle Hoover
Vivian Tran
Michelle Graciano
Joseph Salvail
Gregorio Salgado
Victoria McDowell
| | Junior League of San Jose | |
We are honored to feature the Junior League of San Jose (JLSJ) as our Community Spotlight of the Month. Founded in 1967, JLSJ is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. With a rich history spanning over five decades, JLSJ has supported more than 75 community service projects, awarded over $5.5 million in grants to local nonprofits, and contributed countless volunteer hours to enhance the well-being of Santa Clara County residents.
At the heart of JLSJ's mission is the development of women leaders who drive positive change. Through comprehensive training programs and hands-on community involvement, members cultivate essential skills needed to address critical challenges effectively. Their initiatives focus on eradicating poverty and food insecurity, particularly among underserved communities in the region.
One of JLSJ's signature events is the "Find the Good Day," an annual celebration that encourages individuals to recognize and amplify the positive aspects of their communities. This event exemplifies their commitment to fostering optimism and resilience through connection and community engagement.
We proudly sponsor JLSJ's efforts and celebrate their unwavering dedication to creating a more vibrant and inclusive San Jose.
To learn more or get involved
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