We have sprung into action this spring and are excited to share the month’s updates with you.
Welcome to the March edition of HK Today! As we transition into the vibrancy of spring, our firm continues to thrive with exciting updates and meaningful engagements. From celebrating the accomplishments of our exceptional team members to engaging with our community in impactful ways, there is much to share. Let's delve into the latest happenings at Hoover Krepelka, LLP.
KATHERINE MOINPOUR, SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Katherine Moinpour to the position of Senior Associate Attorney!

Katherine's journey with us began with her exceptional academic achievements, earning her bachelor's degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Services, along with double minors in Psychology and Music from the University of California, Davis in 2015. She then pursued her Juris Doctorate at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, graduating in 2019.

During her time in law school, Katherine excelled academically, earning prestigious honors such as the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence and the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for being the top in her class in Trial Advocacy. Her dedication to legal studies and exceptional performance in trial advocacy courses were truly commendable.

Furthermore, Katherine was recognized for her Outstanding Performance in the Mediation Clinic, showcasing her skills and commitment to alternative dispute resolution.

In her professional career, Katherine has been a standout in the field of family law. She has been recognized as a Northern California Rising Star for both the years 2023 and 2024, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field. Her commitment to excellence and exceptional legal skills have been invaluable to our team.

Before joining Hoover Krepelka, LLP, Katherine began her career in family law at the Bay Area Legal Aid, passionately advocating for her clients on matters including dissolutions, domestic violence, custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and property distribution.

In her leisure time, Katherine finds joy in spending quality moments with her family, embarking on hikes with her dog, exploring new dining spots, traveling, and baking. As a native of Southern California, she also cherishes moments at the beach whenever warm weather beckons.

Please join us in congratulating Katherine on her well-deserved promotion to Senior Associate Attorney! Your dedication, exceptional legal skills, and commitment to our clients' needs have made a significant impact, and we look forward to your continued success and contributions as a Senior Associate Attorney.
WENJIA MA, SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
It is our pleasure to announce the well-deserved promotion of Wenjia Ma to Senior Associate Attorney at Hoover Krepelka, LLP! Wenjia's journey to this position reflects a remarkable blend of academic excellence, professional dedication, and a commitment to our clients' best interests.

Wenjia's academic achievements are a testament to her dedication and passion for the law. She received her Master of Law degree from Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law School, where she was honored as a merit scholarship recipient. Following this, she earned her Juris Doctorate with a Health Law Certificate from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2019, further solidifying her expertise in the legal field.

During her time in law school, Wenjia actively engaged in practical experiences that shaped her into the attorney she is today. As a law clerk for a civil litigation firm, she skillfully handled pleadings, motions, discovery, deposition preparations, and pre-trial correspondences. Additionally, her internships at the Johns Hopkins Health System Legal Department and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provided invaluable insights into health law and its complexities.

Before joining our firm, Wenjia dedicated her efforts to Bay Area Legal Aid, where she represented clients facing financial difficulties with compassion and determination. Her ability to collaborate with medical professionals on case preparation, hearings, and negotiations set her apart as a thorough and effective advocate.

As an Associate Attorney at Hoover Krepelka, LLP, Wenjia has exemplified excellence in her practice, particularly in California and Maryland. Her background, coupled with her fluency in Mandarin, has allowed her to connect deeply with our diverse clientele. Her tenacity and empathy make her not only a skilled legal professional but also a trusted advisor to those she serves.

Outside of the office, Wenjia finds joy in exploring the world through travel, hiking nature trails, and savoring exotic cuisines with her husband and friends. Her vibrant spirit and diverse interests contribute to the well-rounded professional she is today.

Please join us in congratulating Wenjia Ma on her promotion to Senior Associate Attorney. We are excited to see her continued growth and success as an integral member of our team.
LEGAL RESOURCES

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Asian Law Alliance's 47th Awards Celebration Gala
We were able to attend Asian Law Alliance's 47th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony Gala. Since its inception nearly five decades ago by a group of law students from Santa Clara University, the ALA has been a beacon of legal assistance for the Asian Pacific Islander communities in Santa Clara County. 

Hoover Krepelka, LLP, was founded by Robert L. Hoover, a Santa Clara University ‘60 alum. The connection we share with ALA's founders, being fellow SCU alumni, strikes a deep chord with us. We are proud supporters of ALA's initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and access to justice. 

We extend our appreciation to Winston Liaw for generously offering us a seat at Farella Braun + Martel LLP's table to participate in this meaningful event.

ALA has been providing vital legal assistance for over 45 years, benefiting thousands in securing housing, navigating immigration, and accessing fundamental rights. The organization continues to serve diverse communities, offering services in multiple languages and focusing on direct aid, community education, impactful advocacy work, and working with individuals with limited English-speaking proficiency.

Congratulations once again to all the awardees for their dedication to providing resources, advancing justice and equality in our communities! 

Leadership San Jose
On March 21, Director of Community Relations, Michelle Hoover and the 2024 Leadership San Jose cohort gathered at Valley Medical Center for a day filled with insightful discussions and invaluable learnings.

Esteemed guest, County Board President Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, provided a comprehensive overview of the County's impactful work, offering a deeper dive into the Substance Abuse crisis. This was a timely (“National Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week”) and crucial discussion shedding light on the challenges our community faces and the ongoing efforts to address them.

Throughout the day, attendees were engaged in meaningful discussions, exchanging ideas, and gaining new perspectives. A panel discussion, featuring Dr. Sarah Rudman, Judge Erika R. Yew, and Eleonore Pace, and Tessa Reynolds added layers of expertise to the event.

Dr. Rudman MD, MPH, is the Deputy Health Officer and Infectious Disease and Response Branch Director for Santa Clara County. She shared invaluable insights into the County’s health matters, while Judge Yew provided wisdom and a thorough overview of SCC’s Collaborative Courts. Eleonore Pace, Chief Officer of Residential Care programs at Momentum for Health, offered valuable perspectives, and Tessa Reynolds, Health Educator, provided essential training on Narcan.  

Massive thanks to Michael Elliott, President & Executive Director of VALLEY MEDICAL FOUNDATION INC, Camie (Sanchez) VanKeuren, Vice President of Philanthropy, and their extraordinary team for their dedication to the facility and for arranging an exciting hospital tour for our cohort.

The event was not just a gathering but a testament to the power of community leadership, innovation and collaboration. It was inspiring to see individuals from various sectors come together to discuss pressing issues and work towards collective solutions.

Are you interested in learning more about civic engagement opportunities and Leadership San Jose? Click here for details.
Karaoke Night
We know that a successful team is not just about winning cases, but also about fostering strong bonds and celebrating each other's milestones. Last weekend, the firm came together for a night of laughter, camaraderie, and a whole lot of singing at 7 Bamboo Lounge to celebrate Michelle Casillas, our firm administrator’s birthday in style!

Karaoke Night was the perfect occasion to unwind after a long week of legal battles. The lounge was alive with the sound of our talented colleagues stepping up to the mic, showcasing hidden vocal talents and bringing smiles to everyone's faces. Our attorneys and staff showed off their diverse musical tastes and personalities. Even those who might shy away from the spotlight during the workday found themselves belting out tunes with gusto, cheered on by the supportive crowd.

Michelle Casillas, the star of the evening, wowed us with her vocals and was celebrated by all. It was clear that the firm's appreciation for her hard work and dedication extended far beyond the office.

The evening was not just about the music; it was about the bonds we share as a firm. As colleagues became duet partners and competitive karaoke battles ensued, it was evident that the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that defines our firm was alive and thriving.

Everyone mingled and shared the stage. It was a true testament to the inclusive and supportive culture that makes HK a special place to work.
Symphony San Jose 

Hoover Krepelka, LLP, is a proud supporter of Symphony San Jose. On Saturday, March 23rd, many of us had the privilege of experiencing the Symphony’s exquisite “From Screen to Stage” performance at the historic California Theater.

Soloist Sandy Cameron commanded the stage with her phenomenal performance, even though she recently had a concussion, and we're grateful for her dedication. Conductor Sarah Hicks graced us with her presence from San Francisco, which was a rare occasion; our firm was honored with a celebratory post-concert champagne toast with her afterwards.

As a firm deeply committed to supporting the arts and fostering a thriving cultural landscape, we were honored to attend and to receive on-stage recognition from Robert Massey, CEO General Artistic Director of Symphony San Jose. The Symphony also graciously hosted our firm for a celebratory champagne toast after the performance.

For HK, supporting Symphony San Jose is more than a gesture of support; it is a reaffirmation of our values. We believe in nurturing the arts, enriching our community, and contributing to the cultural tapestry that makes our city vibrant and diverse.

We remain filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a memorable evening, celebrating the enduring power of music with this remarkable organization.

Click here to learn more about Symphony San Jose and how you connect, share and enjoy the power of live music.
We already have some exciting updates to share in April, so stay tuned next month as well.   
 
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