Atty. Julia P. McDowell CFLS

Atty. Julia P. McDowell CFLS

Julia McDowell received a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003, completing a four year program in two and a half years. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Juris Doctorate, in 2007.

San Jose San Jose 19 yrs experience 19 year
Call (408) 883-6923 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Julia P. McDowell CFLS at a glance

Julia P. McDowell CFLS is a Partner based in San Jose, California, practicing at Hoover Krepelka Llp. They have 19+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2007. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and alimony. Admitted to practice in California (2007). Educated at University of California Davis School of Law King Hall (J.D. Honors, 2007) and University of California - Berkeley (B.A., 2003). Serands clients in San Jose, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Julia McDowell received a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003, completing a four year program in two and a half years
  • She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Juris Doctorate, in 2007
  • She also received a Public Interest Law Certificate from UC Davis for her involvement in numerous public interest classes and her work with severely emotionally disturbed children
  • While at UC Davis, Ms. McDowell was a member of the Advocates for the Rights of Children, Journal of Juvenile Law and Policy, NCAA Equity Sub-Committee and Women’s Tennis Team, Division I. Ms. McDowell joined Hoover ♦ Krepelka, LLP as an associate attorney in September 2008 and was promoted to senior associate in 2012
  • In October of 2016, Julia McDowell was promoted to senior counsel when she earned the prestigious status of Certified Family Law Specialist, an honor by the California State Bar bestowed upon only approximately 10% of family law attorneys
  • She is also the recipient of the Women of Influence award by the Silicon Valley Business Journal
  • As senior counsel, Ms. McDowell has vast experience handling cases of various complexity, from the most simple to the most complicated
  • She has dealt with every issue related to family law including custody and visitation, move-away, child and spousal support, division of property, reimbursement claims, domestic violence and attorney’s fees
  • Ms. McDowell has successfully handled numerous trials of varying lengths, including one that lasted two and a half weeks
  • She also has broad experience in working with medical, forensic, and psychological experts in regards to case preparation, trial preparation and settlement
  • Prior to joining the firm, she worked as a staff attorney at Sacramento Child Advocates representing children in the dependency system
  • Through that position, she gained extensive experience in the areas of child custody, visitation rights, domestic violence issues and grandparents’ rights
  • Ms. McDowell’s experience with the dependency system provides her with a unique perspective into how violence and substance abuse can affect a family
  • She has lectured for the Santa Clara County Association of Legal Professionals and for a San Jose educational seminar for women of divorce
  • Ms. McDowell is fluent in Russian
  • Ms. McDowell works as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in El Dorado County
  • As a CASA volunteer, Ms. McDowell is appointed by the Court to advocate for abused and neglected children in the dependency system and to provide a constant and consistent adult presence in the life of a dependent child
  • During her free time, Ms. McDowell can be found at the climbing gym, exploring the beautiful landscape of California or curled up with a book
  • Her passion for travel has led her and her husband to visit all seven continents, including Antarctica
  • In 2018, Ms. McDowell and her husband created and run a non-profit organization that works predominantly in Malawi, Africa, with the focus being on education through the management of three pre-schools for 200+ children and the sponsorship of 17 bright high school students

Practice Areas Explained

Julia P. McDowell CFLS's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Julia P. McDowell CFLS handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

Julia P. McDowell CFLS is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in California →

Child Custody & Visitation

Julia P. McDowell CFLS is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in California →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Julia P. McDowell CFLS is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Child Support

Julia P. McDowell CFLS is one of 24,688 child support attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child support attorneys in California →

Alimony / Spousal Support

Julia P. McDowell CFLS is one of 10,688 alimony attorneys indexed nationally. Browse alimony attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Jose are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Jose or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Julia P. McDowell CFLS

Where is Julia P. McDowell CFLS's law office located?
Julia P. McDowell CFLS's law practice is located in San Jose, California. The firm is Hoover Krepelka Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Julia P. McDowell CFLS handle?
Julia P. McDowell CFLS focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, alimony. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Julia P. McDowell CFLS practiced law?
Julia P. McDowell CFLS has 19+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2007.
Where did Julia P. McDowell CFLS go to law school?
Julia P. McDowell CFLS earned their education at (J.D. Honors, 2007); (B.A., 2003).
How can I contact Julia P. McDowell CFLS for a consultation?
You can contact Julia P. McDowell CFLS directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

J.D. Honors
University of California Davis School of Law King Hall
- 2007
B.A.
University of California - Berkeley
- 2003

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 2007

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