SBCF Is 2019 Bay Area Legal Services Sustaining Law Firm

Sessums Black, P.A. is proud to be a 2019 Bay Area Legal Services Sustaining Law Firm. The lawyers, paralegals and support staff of Bay Area Legal are dedicated to providing 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. Last year, they assisted more than 17,600 individuals, families and community groups. Support for Bay Area Legal Services promotes access to justice. We salute them for the important work they do in our communities and are proud to be a Sustaining Law Firm for the eighth consecutive year. (Photo credit: Thompson Brand Images)

Bay Area Legal Services

Attorney Andrew Reder Certified as 2019 Lawyers of Distinction Member

Congratulations to Sessums Black attorney Andrew D. Reder, who has been certified as a 2019 member of Lawyers of Distinction. The organization offers membership to no more than 10 percent of attorneys in each state. Attorneys receive certification based on evaluations of their qualifications, license, reputation, experience and disciplinary history. Andrew is a former Sixth Judicial Circuit staff attorney in and for Pasco County. He then joined the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office where he tried numerous jury and non-jury trials including prosecuting domestic violence-related offenses. Andrew joined our firm in 2015 and devotes 100 percent of his practice to marital and family law. Learn more Andrew at this link.

Andrew Reder Lawyers of Distinction

SBCF Sponsors 2019 Heroes Ball

Sessums Black is a proud sponsor of the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation 2019 Heroes Ball, and firm Shareholder Jennifer A. Ficarrotta is serving as co-chair of the Heroes Ball Patron Party. The ball is an annual black-tie event to benefit St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and raise support for and awareness of the care available there. The event is Saturday, April 13 at the Hilton Downtown Tampa and will honor 2019 Community Hero Dr. Kiran Patel, a distinguished cardiologist and philanthropist. Donations to St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation support community health improvements, capital improvements, life-saving medical technology and program enhancements.

2019 Heroes Ball

SBCF Attorneys Rated Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent®

AV Preeminent/Martindale HubbelDid you know? Sessums Black attorneys Stephen Sessums, Caroline Black Sikorske, Alex Caballero, Jennifer Ficarrotta and Sarah Kay are all rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell, the highest peer-rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of each lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. This honor is a reflection of an attorney’s skill, experience, integrity, and overall professional excellence. We are extremely proud that these SBCF attorneys have achieved and maintained this prestigious rating.

2019 Marital and Family Law Certification Review Course

Kudos to several members of the Sessums Black team who attended the 2019 Marital and Family Law Certification Review Course in Orlando. This comprehensive annual review of Florida family law is co-hosted by the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – AAML – Florida Chapter. With more than 1,600 attendees, it is one of the largest Continuing Legal Education (CLE) events in the Southeast. Sarah Kay is a member of the committee that recruited speakers, edited materials and presentations, and helped facilitate the event. Alex Caballero was a presenter and spoke on enforcement and contempt. Jennifer Ficarrotta, Andrew Reder, Sterling Lovelady, and Frank Steinbeck, Jr. also were in attendance. Photo credits: AAML, CATECOMM and Sarah Kay.

Alex Caballero Speaks at Certification Review CourseJennifer Ficarrotta and Elisha RoyAndrew Reder and Sarah Kay at Certification Review Course2019 Certification Review CourseSterling Lovelady Assistss with Check-InFrank Steinbeck Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SBCF Receptionist Karina Batista Celebrates 12th Work Anniversary

Congratulations to Sessums Black, P.A. receptionist Karina Batista, who today, Jan. 22, is celebrating her 12th work anniversary with the firm. Thank you, Karina, for being such a valuable member of the SBCF team!

Four SBCF Attorneys Among Only 277 to Earn Florida Bar Marital & Family Law Board Certification

Florida Bar Marital & Family Law Board CertificationSessums Black attorneys Caroline Black SikorskeAlexander CaballeroJennifer Ficarrotta and Sarah Kay are among only 277 lawyers statewide who have earned Florida Bar Board Certification in marital and family law. Board certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Certification is The Florida Bar’s highest level of evaluation of the competency and experience of attorneys in the 27 areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. Learn more about FloridaBar marital and family law board certification.

Sarah Kay Represents HAWL at Community Events

Sarah Kay with Judge Claudia IsomSarah Kay Speaks at Cooley Law

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sessums Black attorney Sarah Kay, as immediate past president of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, represents HAWL at various legal community events and speaking engagements.

On Jan. 3, Sarah had the honor of speaking at the retirement party for Judge Claudia Rickert Isom, not only on behalf of HAWL but also as someone who has had the privilege and honor of serving with Judge Isom in the Hillsborough County Bar Association and HAWL, being mentored by her, and counting her as a friend. On Jan.4, Sarah and HAWL Secretary Anne McDonough were discussion group leaders for practicing with professionalism at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Sarah’s group also discussed health and wellness and working toward being the best possible attorney.

Alex Caballero Quoted in Tampa Bay Times Column

Andrew Reder – Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay

Andrew Reder Emerging Leaders of Tampa BayWe’re proud that the attorneys and staff of Sessums Black, P.A. are involved in numerous community organizations. Kudos to attorney Andrew D. Reder for his membership in Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay, a young-professional leadership program of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay works to impact the business community across the region by providing professional development, networking and community outreach opportunities for young professionals, as well as impacting public policy affecting the Tampa Bay business community. The program’s mission is to support and cultivate emerging leaders by providing access to business resources, educational opportunities and community partnerships in an effort to enhance the Greater Tampa Area.

Jennifer Ficarrotta Recognized as Martindale-Hubbell 2019 AV Preeminent® Attorney

Jennifer A. FicarrottaCongratulations to Sessums Black, P.A. partner Jennifer A. Ficarrotta, who has been recognized for 2019 by Martindale-Hubbell as an AV Preeminent® attorney—the highest possible rating—for the eighth consecutive year. AV Preeminent® signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

SBCF Donates to Meals on Wheels of Tampa

Best Lawyers in Florida: Tampa Edition 2019 Includes Sikorske, Caballero

Best Lawyers Tampa 2019Congratulations to Sessums Black, P.A. partners Caroline Black Sikorske and Alex Caballero, who are included in Best Lawyers in Florida: Tampa Edition 2019, based on nomination and peer review by other Tampa Bay-area lawyers on their professional abilities and quality of legal services. Recognition in Best Lawyers is regarded by clients and legal professionals as a significant honor conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers.

Caroline and Alex are board-certified specialists in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar and are Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent peer review rated. Both served as Hillsborough County Assistant State Attorneys before devoting their practices exclusively to marital and family law.

Sarah Kay Article Published by Florida Bar ADR Section

Sarah Kay Article Published by Florida Bar ADR SectionThe Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of The Florida Bar’s new magazine, The Common Ground, features an article by Sessums Black, P.A. attorney Sarah E. Kay. “Making Family Law Mediation Family-Friendly” provides four questions that mediators should answer to determine if they are adequately addressing common impediments to family law mediation. Sarah is a Certified Family Law Mediator through The Florida Supreme Court and member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Read the full article at this link.

Alex Caballero Matrimonial Law Arbitrator Certification

Alexander Caballero Matrimonial Law Artibrator Certification

Sessums Black, P.A. partner Alexander Caballero is one of only 20 Florida attorneys who has earned Matrimonial Law Arbitrator Certification by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Academy mediation and arbitration training is limited to Certified Fellows of the AAML. Fellows generally are recognized by judges and other attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with high levels of knowledge, skill and integrity with reputations for professionalism, competence and integrity. Learn more about AAML certification at this link.

SBCF Hosts Donation Drive for Meals on Wheels

How many boxes will you help us fill? Sessums Black, P.A.is hosting its annual holiday donation drive to benefit Meals On Wheels of Tampa. Founding partner Stephen Sessums is a long-time Meals on Wheels volunteer and SBCF is proud to support this worthy organization. We are accepting donations between now and Dec. 3 to help show love for our community’s seniors and homebound. Please mail or drop off your donations during our normal business hours Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Meals on Wheels will pack all donated items into holiday gift bags and deliver them on Saturday, Dec. 15 to more than 800 of Tampa’s homebound.

Meals on Wheels Wish List: Backscratchers, blankets, decks of cards, kitchen and bath towels, pot holders, individually packaged snacks, magnifying glasses, plug-in night lights, notepads, pens/pencils, puzzle/game books, socks and personal hygiene items.

Since 1975, Meals on Wheels of Tampa has been committed to nourishing and enriching the independent lives of Tampa’s senior and homebound neighbors by providing hot, nutritious meals delivered daily by volunteers.

Caroline Black Sikorske Attends IACP Forum

IACP Conference Group PhotoSessums Black, P.A. Managing Partner Caroline Black Sikorske recently attended the 19th Annual Networking and Educational Forum of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). More than 450 lawyers, mental health professionals, financial professionals and other collaborative practitioners from several countries attended the forum Oct. 25-28 in Seattle. Caroline has been an IACP member since 2007. She attended the conference as Co-chair of the Tampa Bay Academy of Collaborative Professionals, along with other members of the local TBACP, as part of their commitment to the excellence in the practice of collaborative law. Caroline and the attorneys at SBCF have extensive experience in collaborative divorce, a method of alternative dispute resolution in family law that helps clients reach settlements quickly and quietly instead of going to court. Learn more about collaborative law at this link.

Sarah Kay Travels With Florida Bar Board Certification Flag

Sarah Kay With Board Certification FlagThe Florida Bar board certification program encourages its certified lawyers to take photos with the board certification flag when they travel. Sessums Black, P.A. attorney Sarah E. Kay is holding the flag in this photo taken at Puerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico, on a recent cruise with her family. Sarah and SBCF partners Caroline Black Sikorske, Alexander Caballero and Jennifer Ficarrotta are board certified by The Florida Bar in Marital & Family Law—a distinction earned by only 279 Florida Bar members. Learn more about Florida Bar board certification at this link.

SBCF Is Outback Bowl Sponsor

Caroline Black Sikorske at Outback Bowl EventSessums Black, P.A. managing partner Caroline Black Sikorske and her husband, Jeff Sikorske, recently attended the Outback Bowl’s Happy Hour Huddle fall kick-off event at Splitsville. SBCF is proud to be an Outback Bowl sponsor.

Lorri Rowell Celebrates Work Anniversary

Lorri L. Rowell Work AnniversaryCongratulations and thank you to Paralegal Lorri L. Rowell, who on Oct. 14 celebrated five years of superior service with Sessums Black, P.A. Lorri joined the firm in 2013, bringing with her more than two decades of paralegal experience. Happy anniversary, Lorri!

Lenore Hood Celebrates Work Anniversary

Lenore Hood Work AnniversaryCongratulations to Lenore Hood, who this week is celebrating two years of excellent service as the Word Processor at Sessums Black, P.A. Lenore joined the SBCF family in 2016 with more than six years of experience as a legal secretary at the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s office. Happy anniversary, Lenore!

Florida Bar Certification Program Congratulates Sarah Kay

SBCF Supports Peanut Butter Drive

Peanut Butter DrivePlease help our firm support Eric Piburn’s Peanut Butter Drive to help fight childhood hunger! Eric is on a mission to raise 2,000 cases of peanut butter to donate to our hungry neighbors in Tampa Bay. Feeding Tampa Bay statistics say Florida is fourth in the nation for family hunger and many at-risk students won’t eat at all between lunch on Friday and breakfast Monday morning. We can make a difference. Drop off or mail peanut butter to our office by Sept. 27—and we’ll deliver the donations to Feeding Tampa Bay. Thank you for your support of this important community project.

Sessums Black P.A.
307 S. Magnolia Avenue (please use the back door)
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-9200

Attorney Sterling Lovelady Presents on Ethics and Evidence

Sterling LoveladySessums Black, P.A. attorney Sterling Lovelady recently presented on ethics and evidence to The Stann Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa. The focus was on social media in family law cases. Sterling earned his Bachelors of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University, where he played as an offensive lineman for Florida State Seminoles football. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law, and received the Victor O. Wehle Award at graduation for excellence in trial advocacy. Sterling is an active member of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division and Family Law Section and devotes 100 percent of his practice to marital and family law.

Paralegal Michelle Tawzer Celebrates Work Anniversary

Paralegal Michelle TawzerCongratulations to certified paralegal Michele C. Tawzer, who on Sept. 13, 2018, celebrated 14 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, P.A. Michele joined the SBCF family in 2004, bringing with her more than a decade of paralegal experience in marital and family law. Michele is a Certified Paralegal through the National Association of Legal Assistants and a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida in 1999. She is an active member of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc. whose mission includes setting the standard of excellence for the paralegal profession through its work on regulations, ethics and education. Michelle has more than 20 years of family law litigation experience and devotes 100 percent of her practice to the area of marital and family law.

Attorney Sarah Kay Presents HAWL Award

Attorney Sarah Kay Presents AwardSessums Black attorney Sarah E. Kay, Immediate Past President of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, on Sept. 12 presented the 2018 Thomas E. Baynes Friend of HAWL award to The Hon. Claudia Rickert Isom in recognition of Judge Isom’s commitment to HAWL and its purpose, goals and mission. Pictured with Sarah are HAWL Past President Katherine Earle Yanes, 2015 Friend of HAWL award recipient Deborah Larned Werner and Judge Isom.

Paralegal Frank Steinbeck Jr. Celebrates Work Anniversary

Frank J. Steinbeck, Jr.Paralegal Frank Steinbeck, Jr. on August 21, 2018, celebrated six years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, P.A. Frank joined the SBCF family in 2012, with more than five years of family law paralegal experience. Frank earned an Associate of Arts degree from Pasco-Hernando State College in 2012 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies through South University, an ABA-Approved Paralegal Education Program, in 2014. He is a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar.

Caroline Black Sikorske In Best Lawyers in America© 2019

Congratulations to Sessums Black P.A. Shareholder and Managing Partner Caroline Black Sikorske, who has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 in the field of family law—her 13th consecutive year to be included. Caroline is board certified by The Florida Bar in Marital and Family Law, is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is a member of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, a select group of 100 top family lawyers from across the United States practicing sophisticated and complex family law and matrimonial matters.

Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske Becomes CEO Council of Tampa Bay Member

Sessums Black P.A. Shareholder and Managing Partner Caroline Black Sikorske has been approved for membership in the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, the bay area’s premier organization of business leaders. The council provides opportunities for members to build relationships, generate ideas and formulate solutions. At the core is the shared desire for members to grow their businesses and positively impact the greater Tampa Bay community. Caroline is board certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar and is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Learn more about Caroline Black Sikorske by reading her online resume.

SBCF Colleagues Celebrate Work Anniversaries

August 7, 2018 is the work anniversary for two Sessums Black, P.A. colleagues. Attorney Sarah E. Kay celebrates 12 years of outstanding service with the firm.  Sarah joined the firm in 2006 as a receptionist and served in several other positions at the firm while attending law school.  She assumed her position as an attorney in 2010 and has since become a Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law through The Florida Bar and a Certified Family Law Mediator through The Florida Supreme Court. Attorney Sterling R. Lovelady is celebrating one year of top-quality service with the firm.  Sterling first worked at the firm as an intern in 2016 and assumed his full-time position as an attorney in 2017. Please join us in wishing Sarah and Sterling happy work anniversaries!

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