HK TODAY - April 2024

Spring is in full swing, and we're eager to bring you up to speed with this month's exciting news and updates!

Stepping into Spring

Step into the April edition of HK Today! As we embrace the vibrant spirit of spring, our firm is blooming with new developments, fresh faces, and meaningful connections. We're thrilled to introduce our talented new hires and shine a spotlight on their diverse backgrounds and expertise. From our deepening engagement with the community to the celebrating the pulse of our organization, our administrative team, there's a wealth of news to explore. Join us as we uncover the latest and greatest at Hoover Krepelka, LLP

NEW HIRES

KRISTI FREAS, SENIOR PARALEGAL

Join us in a warm ‘Welcome home’ to Kristi Freas. Our team members remember Kristi as a legal assistant at HK in 2016, and we are excited for Kristi’s reunion as a Senior Paralegal.

With over twenty years of substantial legal experience, including an outstanding ten years dedicated to family law, Kristi's expertise and passion for her work are key pillars of excellence. Her deep understanding of family law matters will undoubtedly enrich our team and client experience.

We are thrilled to have Kristi back with us at Hoover Krepelka! Her return brings a wealth of experience and a dedication to exceptional client service. Kristi is known for her commitment to delivering high-quality work and her collaborative approach to achieving results. Thank you for choosing us once again, Kristi.

NICOLE RUIZ, SENIOR PARALEGAL

Join us in welcoming our new Senior Paralegal, Nicole Ruiz. Nicole brings over 25 years of invaluable experience in family law only and in the legal field as a paralegal, coupled with a unique qualification – she has multiple college degrees and has two years of law school under her belt. Her profound grasp of legal principles and sharp analytical skills render her an outstanding asset to our team.

Nicole embodies a personality marked by flexibility and adaptability. She consistently goes the extra mile to ensure excellence or, as close to perfection as possible. With a steadfast commitment to giving her all to every project, Nicole is known for her 100% dedication. Furthermore, Nicole's exceptional proficiency in all aspects of her work set her apart as a reliable and efficient professional.

Having excelled in previous roles as versatile professional, Nicole brings her bright personality and intelligence to our firm. She has been destined to contribute to our team's success and we’re excited to welcome her.

ELLA POND, RECEPTIONIST

It is with immense enthusiasm that we introduce Ella Pond, our newest team member, to the fold! Ella's receptionist role with us includes taking on front desk duties, ensuring our guests and clients receive the warm and professional welcome they deserve. She will be answering inquiries, coordinating appointments, and ensuring a smooth flow of communication.

Ella comes to us with an exceptional background in wellness-focused environments, poised to make a significant impact from day one. What's particularly noteworthy is that one of our esteemed colleagues had the foresight to source Ella herself, a testament to the caliber of talent and vibrant energy she embodies. Ella finds joy in both practicing and instructing reformer Pilates, as well as cherishing moments with her family and friends. We are particularly thrilled to welcome an instructor of her caliber to our team.

With a robust history of nurturing meaningful client relationships and a steadfast dedication to delivering unparalleled customer service, Ella's values seamlessly align with our ethos of excellence and continual growth. Her multifaceted experience, spanning certified Pilates instruction and dynamic sales roles, brings a refreshing and invaluable perspective to our administrative operations.

LEGAL RESOURCES

Each month, we are hard at work publishing various articles related to family law.

EVENTS

Leadership San Jose

Last week, our Director of Community Relations, Michelle Hoover, along with the Leadership San Jose 2024 Cohort, dedicated a morning to engage with the leadership of the San Jose Police Department, delving into the complexities and potentials of public safety in our community.

The afternoon was spent at the School of Arts and Culture at MHP and SOMOS Mayfair, where community organizing was explored, empowerment fostered by community development, and collaborative efforts of organizations like the ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective in enhancing the economic, social, educational, and cultural landscape of East San Jose. Additionally, the group had the opportunity to tour the beautiful Quetzal Gardens affordable housing development.

All in all, it was an enriching experience made possible by some of San Jose's exceptional community leaders!

Administrative Professionals' Day

We truly had a fantastic time celebrating Administrative Professionals Day at Maggiano's Little Italy in Santana Row! It was a wonderful opportunity to honor our outstanding administrative team for their work ethic and unwavering commitment and dedication to the firm.

At HK, we're like an engine — we do not function without each one of us as vital parts. Our administrative team truly keeps the gears turning smoothly, ensuring we're all on track for success and collaborating effectively.

Laughter and a good meal is the best medicine, and that’s exactly what was had. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together, especially those we don’t always see in office. Thank you to our administrative team, we recognize the invaluable contributions you bring to the firm, and you are indeed, our backbone.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley

YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley (YWCA GGSV) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice freedom, and dignity for all. They are one of the first multiservice agencies in the Bay Area, and are rooted in a Theory of Change that requires a continuum of response to the challenges of racism, sexism, and gender-based violence.

YWCA GGSV is one door to many solutions. They recognize survivors as whole people who may experience a number of injustices at the same time. In response YWCA GGSV staff work collaboratively to provide wrap-around services—care in one location, without multiple requests or referrals to different organizations.

YWCA GGSV has three focus areas:

• 1.     EMPOWER people and communities in healing form and preventing the trauma of violence, bigotry, and racism;
• 2.     ACHIEVE solutions to homelessness for survivors of violence;
• 3.     INSPIRE opportunity and economic security by closing the prosperity and education gap.

A 24/7 bilingual crisis support line is available to the community at 800-572-2782, and more information is available at yourywca.org. 

We already have some exciting updates to share in May, so stay tuned next month as well.