Bio

Caroline D. Ham

Founding Attorney

Caroline has practiced exclusively in the field of family law since she was admitted to practice in California in 2009. She specializes in complex divorce, custody, support, paternity and domestic violence issues. Caroline handles each client’s matter with not only compassion, but direction as well. An experienced litigator, Caroline fights vigorously for her clients in and out of court so that their interests are best represented and protected.

Caroline’s interest in family law began during college when she served as a rape crisis counselor for a local county organization, counseling survivors and assisting them in obtaining domestic violence restraining orders. She later continued this work during law school where she interned for WEAVE, Inc., aiding clients in custody disputes and preparing divorce paperwork on their behalf.

Though she is an aggressive litigator, Caroline does not believe every situation warrants the same approach. Caroline believes some situations, in which the parties may be able to reach agreements, are best suited for mediation. An experienced mediator, Caroline has completed several courses that address collaborative and mediation approaches to dissolving a marriage. 

Caroline is also heavily involved with family law issues on a community level, having served two years as the Vice Chair of the Family Law Section of the Alameda County Bar Association. On the state level, Caroline later served as the treasurer for the California Young Lawyers Association for three years. Caroline has also served on the California State Bar – Family Law Section – Bay Area Regional Standing Committee, Family Law Sub-Committee of Delegates, and the Sacramento County Bar Association Delegation to the Conference of Delegates, all committees which researched, reviewed, and made recommendations on family law legislation. Caroline currently serves on the Civics Engagement and Outreach Committee for the California Lawyers Association. 

Caroline graduated from the University of California, Davis with a double major in Political Science and Women & Gender Studies (Psychology and Sociology focus) and a minor in Sociology, with an emphasis in Law and Society. Caroline went on to obtain her juris doctorate, with distinction, from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Caroline also graduated law school with a specialization in trial advocacy. She received the Order of the Barristers award while in law school, a national organization recognizing individuals who excel in trial advocacy.

Caroline practices in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo County. Caroline has been chosen as a Rising Star in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 by Super Lawyers, an honor bestowed upon no more than 2.5% of attorneys in the state of California.

Bar Admissions

California State Bar, 2009

U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

Professional Associations & Memberships

Member, California Bar Association (Family Law Section), 2009 - Present

Member, Alameda County Bar Association (Family Law Section), 2009 - Present

Member, Contra Costa County Bar Association (Family Law Section), 2009 - Present

Member, Alameda County Family Law Association, 2009 - Present

Mentee, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Diversity Equity & Inclusion Group, 2021–Present

Member, Civics Engagement and Outreach Committee, California Lawyers Association, 2020 - Present

Advisor, California Young Lawyers Association, 2020

Board Member, California Young Lawyers Association, 2017 - 2020

Treasurer, California Young Lawyers Association, 2018 - 2020

Legislature Committee Member, Family Law Sub-Committee of Delegates, 2013 - 2014

Mentee, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), 2013–2014

Member, Sacramento County Bar Association Delegation to Conference of Delegates, 2013-2014

Vice Chair, Alameda County Bar Association (Family Law Section), 2010 - 2012

Legislature Committee Member, State Bar of California, Family Law Section, Bay Area Regional Standing Committee, 2011 - 2012

Awards

Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2023

Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2022

Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2021

Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2020

Order of the Barristers, 2009 University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (National Organization)

Runner-up, Best Advocate, 2008 National Civil Trial Competition

Trial Advocacy, Top Honors, 2008 University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Roger J. Traynor Honor Society, 2009 University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Dean's Honors List, 2007 - 2009 University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Outstanding Senior Award, 2006 University of California, Davis

Human Corps Community Service Award, 2005 University of California, Davis

Speaking Engagements

Panelist, Cultural and Social Considerations in the Practice of Law, 2020 California Lawyers Association Annual Meeting

Education

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, May 2009

J.D. with Distinction, and Advocacy Certificate

University of California, Davis, June 2006

B.A. in Political Science, B.A. in Women & Gender Studies

Minor in Sociology: Law & Society

London School of Economics, Summer 2004

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