Samantha Koko Completes Collaborative Practice Training

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We are pleased to announce that Sessums Black attorney Samantha Koko recently completed the Tampa Bay Collaborative Trainers’ Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training—a 15-hour virtual course—and now will be accepting collaborative family law cases.

Collaborative divorce is a method of alternative dispute resolution in family law. Instead of a traditional court-based divorce, collaborative cases may come to a settlement quickly and quietly. Collaborative divorce typically takes less time, costs less money, and limits the children’s exposure to the stress of divorce. Learn more at sessumsblack.com/collaborative-divorce.

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Sessums Black Sponsors 26th Annual Bench Bar Conference

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Sessums Black is proud to have been a sponsor for the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s recent 26th Annual Bench Bar Conference, “Bench Bar University:  Work Smarter, Not Harder.” Here are some nice photos from the event.

Alex Caballero, who is the current HCBA President, is pictured here with attorney Christina Mesa and the USF mascot; with Judge Wendy DePaul and Jennifer Ficarrotta at the firm’s exhibit table; with luncheon keynote speaker Joanne Sullivan, USF Health’s Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement; and during the conference luncheon.

The event was October 11 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street.

Man and woman posing with bull mascotTwo women and a man in business attire at an exhibit tableMan in suit and tie, woman in green dress

Alex Caballero is Presenter at HCBA Bench Bar Conference

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Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero was a speaker for the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s 26th Annual Bench Bar Conference, “Bench Bar University: Work Smarter, Not Harder.” Alex, Judge Wendy DePaul, and CPA Sasha Moore presented on “Financial Aid,” and addressed issues regarding financial affidavits, attorneys’ fees and costs, and business valuations.

The Bench Bar Conference is an opportunity for attorneys, judges, and legal support staff to attend a variety of continuing legal education sessions on cutting-edge topics. The event was October 11 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street.

• Learn more about the conference at bit.ly/BCBA_23BenchBar.
• Learn more about Alex at sessumsblack.com/alex-caballero.
Image of minarets inside a logo (Hillsborough County Bar Association)

Attorneys Named to 2024 List of Lawdragon.com 500

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Congratulations to Steve Sessums, Caroline Black Sikorske, Alex Caballero, and Jennifer Ficarrotta, who have been named to the 2024 list of Lawdragon.com 500 “Leading Family Lawyers.” According to the Lawdragon website, attorneys are selected through a “time-honed process” that includes submissions; journalistic research; and vetting by peers, clients, and others knowledgeable in this area.
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Attorney Marin Donnelly Joins the Firm

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Please join us in welcoming associate attorney Marin B. Donnelly to the firm. Marin is an experienced attorney who helps clients navigate dissolutions of marriage, paternity, modification, and adoption matters. She previously served as an associate attorney representing clients in a variety of family law cases and is skilled at leading mediations and hearings to seek favorable settlements and rulings for her clients. As a law clerk, she assisted attorneys by conducting legal research and drafting motions and answers to discovery, specifically insurance defense and commercial litigation. Her background also includes work as a Legislative Fellow in the Florida House of Representatives Majority Office and as a court-appointed volunteer service for the Guardian ad Litem 2nd Circuit advocating for children who are involved in court proceedings, frequently because of alleged abuse or neglect.

Marin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication from the University of Florida. She earned a Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2022. She devotes 100% of her practice exclusively to marital and family law.
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Sessums Black – HCBA Lawyer Magazine

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If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s latest Lawyer magazine. In addition to excellent articles, resources, event recaps, and much more, this issue includes a feature article by HCBA Executive Director John Kynes about Alex Caballero’s goals this year as HCBA President and Sessums Black’s legacy of service to the Bar and the community. Alex’s President’s message thanks members for being part of the association and encourages them to be more involved, recognizes the organization’s leadership team and staff, and highlights the importance of local members of the judiciary being active in the HCBA. Andrew D. Reder’s recent article on Florida’s new alimony laws is included, as well as some wonderful photos from the installation of the 2023–2024 officers and directors. Thank you to Lawyer magazine editor Jim Wimsatt of Harris, Hunt & Derr, PA, and to each of the contributors for another excellent issue.

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