Hillsborough County Bar Association President Alex Caballero spoke at the investiture of United States Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on May 23, 2024. Here are some nice photos from the ceremony. Alex presented Judge Adams with a vase, inscribed with Judge Adams’ name and her investiture date, on behalf of the Association.
Here is a nice photo from the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s Law Day Luncheon earlier this week. HCBA President Alex Caballero is pictured with Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Christopher Sabella and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the keynote speaker. Congratulations to Gwynne Young, this year’s Margaret D. Mathews Mentoring Award recipient, and Mary Lee Farrior, honored with the Liberty Bell Award, which recognizes an outstanding non-lawyer whose community service “strengthens the effectiveness of the American system under the law.” Thank you to everyone who attended this special annual event!
On March 23, the Hillsborough County Bar Association held its annual HCBA 5K Pro Bono River Run and Judicial Food Festival. Partner Alex Caballero ran the race and won first place in his age group. 
Sessums Black’s “Point Four” team (named for an attorney billing a point four [.4] in 24 minutes or less) won 3rd Place for Overall Team. The team was Alex, attorney Marin Donnelly, attorney Jessica Reder (Partner Andrew Reder’s wife), and ringer Aydin Ahmed (son of attorney Syed Ahmed, a friend of the firm). Aydin placed first in his age group and third overall in the race!!! Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this a successful event.
Alex Caballero and Thompson Brand Images
The March–April issue of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer magazine has just been posted. In his President’s Message, Alex Caballero offers some considerations for navigating AI in legal practice to harness its benefits while upholding the integrity and professionalism of our legal services. Read it at bit.ly/HCBALawyer_MarApr24.
The Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s Lawyer magazine is full of excellent content, member news, announcements, articles, events, and more. In the January–February issue, Alex Caballero’s HCBA President’s Message contains a great recap of 2023 seminars, CLE programs, and events—and details about happenings that we can look forward to in 2024. January is the time of year to make resolutions and commitments for a great year, personally and professionally. Alex encourages all members to check out the numerous great upcoming events on the HCBA website calendar and let the HCBA help you make 2024 your most successful and rewarding year. Read it now at bit.ly/HCBALawyer_Jan-Feb24.
Here is a nice photo of Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero with Hillsborough County Bar Association Foundation Executive Director Darlene Kelly at last week’s Hillsborough County Bar Association Diversity Membership Luncheon (photos courtesy of Thompson Brand Images).
The luncheon featured a presentation by Onchantho Am, JD, Associate General Counsel for the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, who shared her story of resilience, personal growth, and the importance of mentorship and mental health.
Thank you to each of the award winners who were recognized and to everyone who joined us at the Marriott Water Street for the event.
Here are some nice photos from the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s Holiday Open House and Past President’s Luncheon. We are extremely proud that Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero is serving as this year’s HCBA President. Fun fact: Alex is the third attorney from the firm who has been elected to the office. Founding Partner Stephen Sessums was President in 1977–1978 and Shareholder Caroline Black Sikorske served in 2007–2008. The Hillsborough County Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in Florida with a membership of close to 4,000 attorneys, judges, and legal professionals. Photo credit: HCBA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are some great photos from the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s recent Welcome Back Membership Reception at The Vault. Sessums Black was well-represented: Alex Caballero, the current HCBA President, said a few words to the members and thanked The Bank of Tampa for sponsoring the event. Andrew D. Reder and Brian Hart also attended. Thank you to the HCBA for hosting a wonderful event!
Sessums Black is very proud to be a sponsor for the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s 26th Annual Bench Bar Conference, Membership Luncheon, and Judicial Reception. This year’s theme is “Bench Bar University: Work Smarter, Not Harder.” The all-day educational conference gives attorneys, judges, and legal support staff the chance to attend an array of continuing legal education sessions on cutting-edge topics. The HCBA hosts a membership luncheon at noon and the conference ends with a Judicial Reception that gives attendees a chance to network. The event is on October 11 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. Learn more at bit.ly/BCBA_23BenchBar.
Here are some wonderful photos of Steve Sessums and Caroline Black Sikorske during the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar‘s 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala, which took place on August 26 in Naples. Both attorneys are former chairs of the Section; Steve served from 1981–1983 and Caroline served from 2002–2003.
Here are some photos of Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero and attorney Samantha Koko during the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar‘s 2023 Trial Advocacy Workshop in July at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. Alex helped kick off the workshop on Thursday evening with a presentation on preparing opening statements. Samantha is pictured with her workshop group. The four-day seminar helps marital and family lawyers hone their trial skills as they prepare and present a family law case from beginning to end.
Here are some wonderful photos from the June 15 Hillsborough County Bar Association Installation of 2023-24 Officers & Directors. Thank you to all who are serving in leadership roles for the Association. We are exceptionally proud that Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero was sworn in as HCBA President.
Congratulations to Sessums Black Shareholder Andrew D. Reder, who starts his term today as the 2023-2024 Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Marital & Family Law Section. Andrew has been active in the Section for several years and has been elected to serve as an officer each year since 2021.
Andrew is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Marital & Family Law, a distinction held by only 273 attorneys in Florida. He’s earned a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating—the organization’s highest possible rating in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards—and has been named by Florida Super Lawyers to the lists of “Rising Stars” in Family Law every year since 2020. He is active in numerous legal and professional organizations, including the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), and the Tampa Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society.
Please join us in congratulating Caroline Black Sikorske, who on May 11 was awarded the Alberto Romero, Jr. Team Member Award by the Tampa Bay Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
The award annually recognizes a member of the TBACP practice group who consistently strives to demonstrate fairness, courtesy, dignity, honesty, integrity and an abiding sense of responsibility to comply with the standards and rules of professionalism in the practice of collaborative law.
About the award: In 2015, Tampa attorney and TBACP member Alberto Romero, Jr. died tragically in Havana, Cuba, at age 39. Alberto was born in New Jersey and moved to Tampa with his family at age five. After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law, Alberto began his legal career in 2002 at Gulf Coast Legal Services defending indigent victims of domestic violence. He later moved to private practice, handling marital and family law cases, and in 2009 earned Florida Bar Board Certification in Marital and Family Law, the Bar’s highest level of evaluation for a lawyer. In 2011, Alberto opened his own law firm in Tampa. He was also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.
Alberto’s passion for his work was a deep part of his character. He did more than represent people during the most difficult and stressful times. He listened to their fears and hopes with compassion and understanding, and he advocated for them fiercely. He was known for his hard work and his search for solutions that treated all parties with dignity.
Caroline Black Sikorske, as a member of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, attended an excellent presentation at the Steinbrenner Pavilion by the three ‘architects’ of Champa Bay, General Managers Julien BriseBois (Tampa Bay Lightning), Erik Neander (Tampa Bay Rays), and Jason Licht (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). They provided great advice for all CEOs, stressing the importance of good leadership, taking care of the team, and emphasizing that it takes an individual and collective effort by all team members in order to achieve greatness!
Here are some nice photos of the Sessums Black team at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – AAML – Florida Chapter‘s 45th Annual Institute in Orlando. Caroline Black Sikorske and Alex Caballero are AAML Fellows, a designation that recognizes professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.
Alex is pictured with longtime friend and colleague Richard West, who also is an AAML Fellow.
Did you know? Sessums Black attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, Alexander Caballero, Jennifer Ficarrotta, and Andrew D. Reder are among only 273 lawyers statewide who are board certified by The Florida Bar in marital and family law. All have maintained board certification since earning the designation.
Sessums Black is proud to have been a sponsor for the March 25 Hillsborough County Bar Association Judicial Food Festival & 5K Pro Bono River Run. Here are some HCBA photos from the event.
Sessums Black is proud to be a Bay Area Legal Services Sustaining Law Firm for the 11th consecutive year. BALS provides free civil legal services to low-income residents and nonprofits throughout the Tampa Bay area. The organization helps foster children find permanency in stable, loving homes; protects families from domestic violence and child abuse; and helps veterans and seniors fight foreclosure and retain their homes.
In 2022, Bay Area Legal extended services for seniors 60+ to three new counties (Hardee, Highlands, and Polk), began taking on new cases of military veterans who received unjust discharge statuses due to discriminatory practices, launched a statewide disaster relief helpline to serve survivors of all natural disasters, and rolled out our Human Trafficking Victim Civil Legal Support Project.
Martindate-Hubbell AV Preeminent® is the organization’s highest peer-rating standard, given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. The designation is a reflection of an attorney’s skill, experience, integrity, and overall professional excellence. We are extremely proud that Sessums Black attorneys Stephen Sessums, Caroline Black Sikorske, Alexander Caballero, Jennifer Ficarrotta and Andrew D. Reder have achieved and maintained this prestigious rating. Learn more at martindale.com/ratings-and-reviews.
The Tampa Bay Academy of Collaborative Professionals is a highly selective group of independent attorneys, neutral financials and neutral facilitators who specialize in and commit to collaborative divorce.
Attorney members of TBACP are among the most experienced family law attorneys in the Tampa Bay area; each has at least 10 years of experience as a family law attorney. In addition to their individual professions’ requirements, all TBACP members must undergo specialized training in the collaborative process and must be members in good standing of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. We are very proud that Caroline Black Sikorske and Jennifer Ficarrotta serve as Directors for this distinguished organization.
With great pleasure, we are proud to announce that Andrew D. Reder is now a Shareholder in the firm!
Andrew’s practice is devoted exclusively to complex and high-net-worth matrimonial and family law matters. Andrew is Board Certified in Marital & Family Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction held by only 275 attorneys in Florida. He has a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating—the organization’s highest possible rating in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards—and has been named by Super Lawyers to the lists of “Rising Stars” in Family Law every year since 2020. Andrew is active in numerous legal and professional organizations. He was elected by his peers to serve as Chair-Elect of the Marital & Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association for the 2022-2023 term, and as Chair in 2023-2024.
Please join us in welcoming attorney Brian J. Hart to the Sessums Black team. He is an experienced litigation and trial attorney who devotes 100% of his practice exclusively to marital and family law.
Brian previously served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit where he litigated numerous jury and non-jury trials. He has worked with several Florida law firms handling complex cases spanning multiple practice areas including family law, civil litigation, professional liability, mortgage foreclosures, and collections. His background also includes state and federal arbitration and mediation, electronics and machinery maintenance and engineering, and extensive pro bono legal service.
Brian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and a Juris Doctor degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. In law school, Brian served on the Moot Court Honor Board, as Executive Director of the Pro Bono Program, and as President of the Military Law Society. He is licensed by The Florida Bar and admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
This year’s Small Business of the Year Award winners are:
The Sessums Black team is proud to have participated in this year’s Meals on Wheels holiday gift drive. Each December, Meals On Wheels of Tampa delivers a holiday gift bag to each of the more than 1,000 homebound, elderly and disabled recipients in their program. Each holiday bag is filled with a variety of items like books, games, toiletries, calendars, socks, ornaments, healthy snacks and a special gift. For many of the recipients, this will be the only holiday celebration they will have. This is an important way for Meals on Wheels to show senior and homebound neighbors that they are thought of and cared for, above and beyond their daily meals.
Kudos to Caroline Black Sikorske and the members of her SWAG golf group, who were sponsors of a recent golf tournament at MacDill Airforce Base. All proceeds were donated to The Spring, a local nonprofit that provides safe spaces and empowering services to survivors of domestic violence and their children. October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so the SWAG (Sophisticated Wild A** Golfers) group wore purple in recognition of the cause. There was beautiful weather for the tournament and it had a great turnout.
Sessums Black is proud to have been a platinum sponsor of the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s 25th Annual HCBA Bench Bar Conference, which was October 13 at the JW Marriott Water Street. This year’s conference theme was “Game On: Teaming Up On the Legal Field.” The all-day event, luncheon, and evening Judicial Reception give attorneys, judges, and legal support staff the chance to attend an array of continuing legal education sessions on cutting-edge topics.
Here’s a nice photo of Managing Partner Alex Caballero at the event with attorney Scott Tozian and Judge Denise Pomponio. Alex is the President-Elect of the Hillsborough County Bar Association.
We are pleased to announce that Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero to a four-year term on the Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. This is a second term for Alex on the Second District Court of Appeal’s JNC; Gov. DeSantis appointed him in November 2019 to fill a vacancy on the commission for a term that ended July 1, 2022.
Prior to that, Alex served on the Judicial Nomination Commission for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, an appointment made by Gov. Rick Scott, and served as Chair from August 2017 to August 2018.
Alex is Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital and Family Law, is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is listed in The Best Lawyers of America, is named to the 2022 lists of Top 100 Florida and Top 50 Tampa Bay Super Lawyers, and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell. He recently was sworn in as the 2022-2023 Hillsborough County Bar Association President-Elect and will serve as President during the 2023-2024 Bar year. Learn more about Alex here.
Congratulations, Alex, on this prestigious appointment!
Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero recently attended the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s HCBA & YLD Board Retreat, an excellent leadership and networking opportunity for association officers and directors. Alex has been elected to serve as HCBA President-elect next year and as President for the 2023-2024 Bar year.
Here are some nice photos from the two-day retreat, courtesy of the HCBA. View more photos on Facebook.
We are pleased to announce that Tara Fallo has joined the firm as a Document Specialist. Tara’s diverse professional experience includes data analysis, career counseling, branding and social media, marketing, advertising sales, and more. She is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, a variety of communications programs, and numerous graphic design and social media platforms. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from SUNY Cortland in 2011. You can reach her at Tara@sessumsblack.com or (813) 251-9200 Ext. 134. Please help us welcome Tara to the Sessums Black team!
If you’re interested in learning more about The Florida Bar’s board certification process, watch this excellent video by Sessums Black Partner Andrew D. Reder and Eddie Stephens of Stephens & Stevens – Marital & Family Law. Andrew and Eddie are Florida Bar board certified in Marital & Family Law and discuss the process, the requirements, the exam, and more. Details about each of the certification areas are online at floridabar.org/about/cert.
Please join us in welcoming paralegal Sarah E. Black to the Sessums Black team. Sarah has worked in the legal field for more than 20 years in a variety of areas and has nine years of experience working exclusively in marital and family law matters. Her background includes legal research and drafting pleadings, motions and notices, affidavits, propose orders and final judgments. She also manages correspondence to judiciary, opposing counsel and clients as well as the discovery process and preparations for trial, mediation and hearings. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2004 from The University of Tampa and her Juris Doctorate in 2014 from New England Law | Boston. She devotes 100 percent of her practice to marital and family law.
We are proud to announce that Florida Bar President Gary Lesser has appointed Jennifer Ficarrotta to serve as a member of the Board of Legal Specialization & Education, a 17-member standing committee of The Florida Bar. The BLSE administers the Bar’s board certification program, which identifies attorneys who have substantial experience and have demonstrated special knowledge, skills and proficiency in certified areas of practice and professionalism and ethics in the practice of law.
Jennifer is Florida Bar board certified in Marital & Family Law and served as a member of the Marital & Family Law Certification Committee from 2019 to 2022. She chaired the committee in 2020.
The BLSE oversees the work of all the certification committees. The committees are responsible for proposing criteria for earning and renewing certification, reviewing applications, developing and grading examinations, and recommending to the BLSE certification for attorneys who have met both the minimum standards imposed by the certification plan and the particular standards in the practice area. The BLSE also has oversight responsibility for the evaluation of all continuing legal education accreditation applications, and member compliance with the Continuing Legal Education Requirement and Basic Skills Course Requirement.
Sessums Black Managing Partner Alexander Caballero is part of the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s delegation to this weekend’s Florida Bar Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference in St. Pete. Florida’s local and specialty bar leaders gather yearly to network and share the latest best practices and management techniques. The focuses are bar service, bar leadership, and mentoring. This year, the conference Boot Camp theme features “Special Forces” general sessions, basic training sessions for new voluntary bar leaders, advanced skills sessions for seasoned voluntary bar leaders, and front-line sessions for voluntary bar staff.
Pictured L-R are Squadron 20 and 21 members representing the HCBA, The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division and Gunster: Daniel Rosenhiem, Sean Bevil, Anisha Patel, Alexis DeVeaux, John Kynes, Alex Caballero, Mark Miller, and Sara Peacock.
Sessums Black is proud to show our support for Judge Wesley Tibbals, who is campaigning to keep his seat as the Group 6 judge for the 13th Circuit Court. Judge Tibbals has more than 20 years of legal experience. He has served for seven years as a circuit court judge and has been the Associate Administrative Judge in the Family Law Division since 2017. He is a fourth-generation Florida native who holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida.
We are exceptionally proud that Sessums Black Shareholder Jennifer Ficarrotta is among the nominees for the 2022 Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification. The Florida Supreme Court created the certification program as a means to assist consumers in identifying qualified legal specialists and to encourage lawyers to aspire to excellence and professionalism. Nominees for the award have been recognized by their colleagues for “excellence and creativity in advancing the public’s knowledge of and appreciation for legal board certification.”
In Jennifer’s congratulatory letter, Board of Legal Specialization & Education Chair Philip R. Augustine said, “We value the hard work, professionalism and dedication to excellence that are necessary to attain board certification. It is an honor to be further singled out as a leader among those Florida Bar members who are known as experts and specialists. Congratulations, and thank you for your service to the Board Certification program.”
Jennifer is among only 275 lawyers statewide who have earned Florida Bar board certification in Marital & Family Law. Caroline Black Sikorske, Alex Caballero, and Andrew D. Reder also are board-certified by The Florida Bar in Marital & Family Law, and founding partner Stephen Sessums was among the first attorneys in Florida to earn Marital & Family Law board certification in 1983.
Congratulations to the newly elected Hillsborough County Bar Association Officers and Directors for the 2022-2023 Bar year. We are exceptionally proud of Sessums Black Managing Partner Alex Caballero, who will serve as President-elect next year and as the HCBA President for the 2023-2024 bar year. Here are some nice photos from the June 2 swearing-in by 13th Circuit Chief Judge Ron Ficarrotta.
The Hillsborough County Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in Florida with a membership of close to 4,000 attorneys, judges, and legal professionals. Thank you to all of the board members who volunteer to serve in leadership roles for the association!
Congratulations to Sessums Black Partner Andrew D. Reder on achieving Florida Bar Board Certification in Marital & Family Law! Andrew is among only 275 lawyers statewide who have earned this prestigious designation. Board certification is The Florida Bar’s highest level of evaluation of the competency and experience of attorneys, and recognizes an attorney’s specialized knowledge, skills, proficiency, and professionalism and ethics in practice.
The standards to become a board-certified specialist in Marital & Family Law are very stringent:
Sessums Black attorneys Alexander Caballero and Andrew D. Reder recently attended the 44th Annual Institute hosted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Florida Chapter. The Institute is the premier continuing education opportunity for family law practitioners in Florida.
Alex was among the national and statewide presenters who are among the top in their fields for advanced education for family law attorneys. He and The Honorable Judge Steven Fahlgren of the 4th Judicial Circuit presented an interactive session, “Trauma-Informed Parenting Plans: Why Are They Needed, What Is Required, and Evolving Case Law Regarding Prospective Plans.”
Thank you to our friends and colleagues at the AAML for putting together another amazing Institute!
Here is a wonderful photo from the Hillsborough County Bar Association Foundation’s recent Law & Liberty Dinner. Stephen Sessums, Jennifer Ficarrotta, Andrew D. Reder, Samantha Koko, and Alexander Caballero (not pictured) represented the firm. Sessums Black was a proud sponsor of this annual event that has helped the Foundation provide local legal-related charities with more than $1 million in support and grants since 2005.
The Foundation’s mission is to promote projects and programs that encourage assistance to the poor, disabled, and disadvantaged in our community who need legal assistance and access to the legal system. Caroline Black Sikorske is the current President of the HCBA Foundation.
Congratulations to Sessums Black firm administrator Paul Kanjorski, who recently celebrated his four-year anniversary of working with the firm. Paul helps keep us on track with a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his 20-plus years of experience managing financial, bookkeeping, administrative and human resource functions in various corporate settings, including law firms and other professional services. His forward-thinking integration of technology into the firm’s professional practice was key to our success at pivoting to a virtual and hybrid practice during COVID and allow us to serve our clients without disruption.
Paul recently was elected Treasurer of the Suncoast Chapter Association of Legal Administrators for a two-year term. This is Paul’s fifth term on the board of directors, following four years as Chair for Meetings and Education. During his time with the board, the Suncoast Chapter has twice won the national ALA Presidents’ Award of Excellence, and Paul was named Member of the Year in 2018. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History & Political Science from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.
We are pleased to announce that Sessums Black Firm Administrator Paul Kanjorski recently was elected Treasurer of the Suncoast Chapter Association of Legal Administrators for a two-year term. This is Paul’s fifth term on the board of directors, following four years as Chair for Meetings and Education. During Paul’s time with the board, the Suncoast Chapter has twice won the national ALA Presidents’ Award of Excellence, and Paul was named Member of the Year in 2018.
The ALA’s mission is to promote and enhance the competence and professionalism of legal administrators and all members of the legal management team, improve the quality of management in law firms and other legal service organizations, and represent professional legal management and managers to the legal industry and the community at large.
Congratulations to Paul and the rest of the newly elected officers of the Suncoast Chapter, ALA.
Andrew D. Reder is among the Sessums Black attorneys who have earned and maintained a Martindale-Hubbell AV “Preeminent®” Peer Review Rating—the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. Approximately 10 percent of attorneys have earned the rating, which is given to attorneys who are ranked by their peers at the highest level of professional excellence for legal expertise, communication skills and ethical standards.
Andrew joined the firm in 2015 after serving as a successful prosecutor for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County. His practice is exclusively devoted to marital and family law.
We were proud to be a law firm sponsor for the March 26 Clearwater Bar Oyster Roast, the Clearwater Bar Association‘s signature event. Here are some great photos from the party, which included networking, music, food and more. Thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful legal community tradition!
Here are some great photos from today’s Hillsborough County Bar Association 5K River Run and Judicial Luncheon:
Thank you to the HCBA and all who participated in the events!
Our firm is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor for the Hillsborough County Bar Association‘s 13th Annual 5K Pro Bono River Run and 18th Annual Judicial Food Festival, which take place on March 26 along Tampa’s River Walk and on the grounds of the Stetson Law Tampa Campus. Good luck to Sessums Black attorneys Stephen Sessums and Alex Caballero, who will be competing in the run.
The goals of the race are pledging and performance of pro bono service from runners and walkers, who also encourage others to support their participation by pledging their own pro bono hours. Since the run’s inception, participants have performed almost 18,000 hours of pro bono service assisting the indigent in our community. ( Credit HCBA)
Sessums Black is a proud sponsor of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Foundation’s May 12 Law & Liberty Dinner, an annual event that has helped the Foundation provide local legal-related charities with more than $1 million in support and grants since 2005. This year’s featured speaker is world champion quarterback, broadcaster, and entrepreneur Joe Theismann.
We’re pleased that we can continue to support the Foundation’s mission to promote projects and programs that encourage assistance to the poor, disabled, and disadvantaged in our community who need legal assistance and access to the legal system. For more information, contact Foundation Executive Director Darlene Kelly at (813) 221-7774 or Kelly@hillsbarfoundation.com.
We are pleased to announce that Jacqueline Urra has joined Sessums Black as an Administrative Assistant and Scheduler. Jacqueline started working with us in 2006 and recently rejoined the firm. She is a Tampa native who holds an associate degree from Hillsborough Community College and is bilingual in Spanish. She has been a Legal and Administrative Assistant for more than 20 years and has experience in criminal and Family Law. You can contact her at Jacqueline@sessumsblack.com or 813-251-9200, extension 131. Please join us in welcoming Jacqueline back to the Sessums Black team!
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® is the organization’s highest peer rating standard, given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. The designation is a reflection of an attorney’s skill, experience, integrity, and overall professional excellence. We are extremely proud that Sessums Black attorneys Stephen Sessums, Caroline Black Sikorske, Alexander Caballero, Jennifer Ficarrotta, and Andrew D. Reder have achieved and maintained this prestigious rating. Learn more at martindale.com/ratings-and-reviews.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are some fun photos from our “Havana Nights” Valentine’s party last week at the historic Cuban Club in Ybor City. The annual party is a special firm tradition that gives us the opportunity to let our Bay-area legal community friends and colleagues know how much we value their relationships. We didn’t host the party in 2021 due to Covid, and it was great to be able to have an in-person event this year. Thank you to our families and to everyone who joined us at the event.
credit: Joe Photo Tampa
On February 10, we announced to friends and colleagues that our firm is rebranding as Sessums Black Family Law.
Stephen Sessums started the firm in 1982 with the goal of building a first-class, client-centered law firm specializing in marital and family law and founded on the principles of teamwork, efficiency, respect and excellence. The name change reflects the continuity and longevity of the firm—now in its 40th year in business—and honors its first two partners, Steve and Caroline Black Sikorske.
Sessums Black Partners Alexander Caballero and Andrew D. Reder attended the January 27 Hillsborough County Bar Association Marital and Family Law Section Luncheon, a CLE event featuring Judge Wesley D. Tibbals and Judge G. Gregory Green. Alex is a former Section Chair and Andrew is on track to chair the Section in 2023-2024. Thank you, Alex and Andrew, for representing the firm and for your involvement in the legal community.
Congratulations to the 192 Tampa Bay attorneys in 79 practice areas who are included in TAMPA Magazines’ 2022 Tampa Top Lawyers list. More than 8,000 attorneys in Hillsborough and Southern Pasco counties were asked to nominate fellow attorneys who demonstrate excellence in their fields of practice. We are extremely honored that Sessums Black Shareholder Caroline Black Sikorske is among the attorneys who are named to this year’s Top Lawyers list in family law. Learn more at tampamagazines.com/top-lawyers-list.
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Florida Chapter held its 2021 chapter retreat at Amelia Island Dec. 2 – 5. Sessums Black Shareholder Caroline Black Sikorske and Managing Partner Alex Caballero—both AAML fellows—attended the retreat with their spouses. The event included kayaking, biking and other outdoor activities, a continuing legal education seminar on stress and professionalism, holiday photos, nice meals and more.
Florida AAML members are qualified, ethical family law attorneys in Florida. Each attorney has advanced training, experience, and is operating under The Florida Bar’s most stringent ethical and professional standards known as the Bounds of Advocacy. Fewer than 100 family law attorneys in Florida currently meet the stringent requirements needed to become an AAML member—a testament to its rigorous technical and ethical vetting process.
Thank you to the AAML for hosting another very special retreat. Credit: AAML – Florida Chapter.
Here are some nice photos from today’s Hillsborough County Bar Association Past Presidents’ Luncheon, a longstanding association tradition. Pictured are former HCBA presidents Stephen Sessums (1977) and Caroline Black Sikorske (2014) and Steve and Caroline with Sessums Black Managing Partner Alexander Caballero, a member of the HCBA Board of Directors. Thank you to the HCBA for hosting this very special event.
Congratulations to SBCF Shareholder Caroline Black Sikorske, who this month is celebrating 32 years with the firm.
Caroline is admitted to the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers, a worldwide association of practicing attorneys who are recognized by their peers as experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries. She is a diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, a select group of 100 top U.S. family lawyers who practice sophisticated and complex family law matters. Caroline has been named to the 2018–2021 lists of “Top 10: Florida Super Lawyers,” attorneys who received the highest points during the Super Lawyers nomination, research, and review process. Caroline has been included in The Best Lawyers in America© in family law since 2006, is Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital and Family Law, is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Lawyers, and is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer-Review rated.
Congratulations, Caroline, on your work anniversary!
Here are some nice photos from the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar‘s 2021 Trial Advocacy Workshop last weekend in Tampa. Participants chose between a children’s issues case or a financial issues case and improved their trial skills while preparing and presenting a family law case from beginning to end.
SBCF Managing Partner Alex Caballero and attorney Catherine Rodriquez from Miami Beach led a workshop group in the financial-issues track. Alex and Catherine are both board-certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar and are fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The Workshop started on Thursday, October 7th, and went through Sunday, October 10th.
SBCF is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor for the Oct. 12 Hillsborough County Bar Association 24th Annual Bench Bar Conference, Membership Luncheon & Judicial Reception, a full day of professional development and networking for area legal professionals. This year’s conference theme is “Carrying the Torch for 125 Years” and Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady, 13th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Ron Ficarrotta and 2nd District Court of Appeal Chief Judge Robert Morris are keynote speakers.
Congratulations to SBCF paralegal Michele Carpenter Tawzer, CP, FRP, who this month is celebrating 17 years with the firm. Michele is a Certified Paralegal through the National Association of Legal Assistants and a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar. She is an active member of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc., an organization that works to set the standard of excellence for the paralegal profession through its work on regulations, ethics and education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1999 from the University of South Florida and has more than 20 years of family law litigation experience. Michele devotes 100 percent of her practice to marital and family law. Happy work anniversary, Michele!
Congratulations and best wishes to the 2021-22 officers and directors of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. SBCF Managing Partner Alexander Caballero serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Caroline Black Sikorske is an Ex-Officio member. The HCBA is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in Florida with a membership of close to 4,000 attorneys, judges and legal professionals. Its mission is to inspire and promote respect for the law and the justice system through service to the legal profession and the community. Thank you, Alex and Caroline, for your volunteer service to the Bar community.
Frank has been a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar since 2012 and is a Florida Notary Public. He is serving a four-year term as treasurer and as a board member for the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc., an organization that strives to set the standard for excellence for the paralegal profession through its work on regulations, ethics and education.
Frank holds an Associate of Arts degree from Pasco-Hernando State College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies from South University, an ABA-Approved Paralegal Education Program. Frank had more than five years of civil litigation paralegal experience when he joined the firm in 2012, and now devotes 100 percent of his practice to marital and family law. Learn more about Frank here.
Please join us in congratulating Sterling Lovelady, who this month is celebrating five years of working with the firm. Sterling joined SBCF in 2016 as an intern and, after graduating from law school, joined in 2017 as a paralegal while awaiting his bar exam results. He has been an SBCF attorney since being admitted to The Florida Bar in September 2017. Sterling earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University and his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law.
Congratulations to SBCF Shareholder Jennifer Ficarrotta, who this month is celebrating her 10-year work anniversary with the firm. Jennifer has been Florida Bar board certified in Marital and Family Law since 2015, a designation held by only 271 lawyers statewide. She is a former chair of the Marital & Family Law Board Certification Committee and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell. Jennifer has been named to the list of Florida Super Lawyers for nine consecutive years. She is an experienced litigator who is trained in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law and is an active member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Tampa Bay Collaborative Divorce Group. Jennifer devotes 100 percent of her practice to marital and family law.
We are pleased to announce that SBCF Partner Jennifer Ficarrotta is listed in Florida Super Lawyers for the ninth consecutive year. Jennifer has been Florida Bar board certified in Marital and Family Law since 2015, a designation held by only 271 lawyers statewide. She is a former chair of the Marital & Family Law Board Certification Committee and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell. Jennifer is an experienced litigator who also is trained in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law. She is an active member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Tampa Bay Collaborative Divorce Group and devotes 100 percent of her practice to marital and family law.
Congratulations to SBCF attorney Andrew D. Reder, who has been named to the Florida Super Lawyers list of “Rising Stars” in Family Law for the second year in a row. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in each state are included on the Rising Stars list. Super Lawyers uses a patented multiphase selection process, including nominations, independent research and peer evaluations, to identify attorneys who have a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Andrew is an experienced trial attorney who devotes 100 percent of his practice to Marital and Family Law. On Andrew’s behalf, we’d like to say thank you to the attorneys who nominated him again for this designation.
We’re pleased to announce that this month marks the 22-year work anniversary for two members of the SBCF team, Senior Administrative Assistant Nelva Aleman and Managing Partner Alex Caballero.
Nelva started working with us in 1988 and has rejoined the firm several times over the years. She previously served as Executive Director of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Florida Chapter, worked part-time at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa and also was a stay-at-home mom.
Alex Caballero worked at the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office in Tampa before he joined the firm in 1999. Alex was a Lead Trial Attorney where he tried numerous jury trials, including prosecuting in the Felony Domestic Violence Specialty Division. He is board-certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell, is a fellow of the AAML and is listed in Best Lawyers in America. Alex also has been named to the 2021 lists of “Top 100” Florida and “Top 50” Tampa Bay Super Lawyers. Alex is a former Chair of the Judicial Nomination Commission for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and is currently on the Judicial Nomination Commission for the Second District Court of Appeal. The main question that Alex asks himself frequently these days is, “How have 22 years gone by so quickly?”
Congratulations to the Tampa Bay-area attorneys, our colleagues and friends, who have been named to the 2021 Tampa Bay Super Lawyers “Top 50” list. Every year, Super Lawyers evaluates lawyers across the country for its annual list of “top” attorneys and candidates are measured against 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Nominees from more than 70 practice areas are considered and the patented multiphase selection process is rigorous and methodical. The Top Lists feature attorneys who have been named to the Super Lawyers lists and who have the most total points earned. We are pleased to announce that SBCF partners Caroline Black Sikorske and Alex Caballero are among the 50 attorneys who earned spots on the “Top 50” list.
We are happy to announce that Madison Sasser has joined the firm as an Administrative Assistant. Madison is an experienced legal assistant who supports trial preparation, drafts legal documents, communicates with clients, and coordinates scheduling. She also is a creative writer who manages podcasts and blogs, serves as a ghostwriter, and curates content for business proposals and plans. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Florida, where she was an active member of the Mock Trial Team. Please join us in welcoming Madison to the SBCF team. Contact her at Madison@sessumsblack.com or (813) 251-9200 Ext. 131.
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the SBCF team. Kendall Tobin has more than five years of experience as a paralegal and legal assistant working in marital and family law matters. Her background includes legal research and drafting pleadings, motions and notices, affidavits, proposed orders, and final judgments. She also manages correspondence to judiciary, opposing counsel and clients, and discovery and preparations for trial, mediation, and hearings.
Congratulations to the Bay Area attorneys and organizations that recently were honored with Thirteenth Judicial Circuit 2021 Pro Bono Service Awards. The annual circuit pro bono service awards recognize individuals, law firms and organizations, and attorneys who performed 20 or more hours of pro bono service in 2020, to honor their outstanding contributions to the community. We are very proud of SBCF attorney Sterling Lovelady, who was recognized for pro bono service in the 20-49 hours category. Thank you to Sterling and to all who were honored this year for volunteering your time to make a difference in the lives of low-income Tampa Bay Area residents.
Congratulations to SBCF Managing Partner Alex Caballero, who has been elected to the Hillsborough County Bar Association Executive Council. Alex previously served on the Executive Council and is a current Hillsborough County Bar Association board member. The HCBA is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in Florida with a membership of close to 4,000 attorneys, judges and legal professionals. Its mission is to inspire and promote respect for the law and the justice system through service to the legal profession and the community.
Congratulations to SBCF Partner Andrew D. Reder, who was recently elected by his colleagues to serve as the 2021-2022 Secretary of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Marital & Family Law Section. Andrew will serve as Chair-Elect in 2022-2023 and will lead the Section as Chair in 2023-2024. Andrew is an active member of the HCBA Marital & Family Law Section and currently serves on its Executive Council.