Sessums Black Managing Partner Caroline Black Sikorske attended the annual conference of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, held in Charleston, S.C. last weekend. Caroline is a diplomate of the ACFTL—a select group of 100 top U.S. family lawyers who practice sophisticated and complex family law matters.
Congratulations to Sessums Black attorney Sarah E. Kay, who has been named by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys™ to the list of “2018-2019 10 Best Female Family Law Attorneys” for Florida. The Institute is an impartial third-party attorney rating organization that recognizes excellence of practitioners in 13 legal practice areas. Attorneys who are named to the list must be nominated by the Institute, a client and/or a fellow attorney and must demonstrate a high standard of professional achievement in his or her field of law with an impeccable client satisfaction rating. Sarah is board certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.
Congratulations to the 132 Tampa Bay attorneys in 80 practice areas who are included in Tampa Magazine‘s 2019 Top Lawyers listing. The publication annually asks more than 7,000 Hillsborough County attorneys to nominate fellow attorneys who demonstrate excellence in their fields of practice. We are extremely honored that Sessums Black Managing Partner Caroline Black Sikorske is included in the 2019 Tampa Magazine Top Lawyers listing. Caroline received the greatest number of votes in the Family Law: General category and is listed in the April/May 2019 issue as “Voted #1 By Peers.” View the issue at this link.
Congratulations to Sessums Black Firm Administrator Paul Kanjorski, who has been unanimously reelected to the Suncoast Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors for 2019-2020. Paul also will serve his second term as Meetings & Education Chair. With over 70 members, the Suncoast Chapter ALA is the local arm of the national Association of Legal Administrators. Its mission is to provide support to professionals involved in the management of law firms, corporate legal departments and government legal agencies. The association serves more than 8,500 legal management professionals worldwide. Paul provides our firm with a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his 20 years’ experience managing financial, bookkeeping, administrative and human resource functions in various corporate settings, including law firm and other professional services.
Kudos to Sessums Black attorney Sarah E. Kay, who will speak on bias in the profession at the March 20 International Women’s Day Diversity & Inclusion event. “Advancement Unrestricted” is a luncheon and CLE program sponsored by the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, the George Edgecomb Bar Association and the Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section. Sarah is the Immediate Past President of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers. She is among the panelists for a discussion titled “Bias in the Profession: Overcoming Challenges to Advancement.”
Congratulations to Sessums Black, P.A. shareholder Alex Caballero, who this year marks 15 years of continuous board certification in marital and family law by The Florida Bar. Lawyers who earn this designation have been certified by The Florida Bar as having special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in their areas of practice and have been evaluated by the Bar as to their character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism in the practice of law. Every five years, each board-certified lawyer must apply for recertification to maintain the designation. Only 276 Florida lawyers have earned Florida Bar marital and family law board certification. We are proud that SBCF attorneys Alex Caballero, Caroline Black Sikorske, Jennifer Ficarrotta and Sarah Kay are among this group of professionals who have been evaluated for professionalism and tested for expertise. Learn more.
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)
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.
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.
Did 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.
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.
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!
Sessums Black attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, Alexander Caballero, Jennifer 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.
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.
We’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.
Congratulations 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.
Congratulations 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.
The 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.
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.
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.
Sessums 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.
The 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.
Sessums 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.
Congratulations 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!
Congratulations 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!
Please 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
Sessums 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.
Congratulations 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.
Sessums 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. 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.
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.
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.
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!
The Sessums Black family congratulates Katie Tawzer, the daughter of Certified Paralegal Michele Tawzer on her high school graduation and wishes Katie the very best as she begins her studies at Florida State University this summer. Way to go, Katie!
On June 20, 2018, Administrative Assistant Nelva Aleman celebrated 20 years of outstanding service at Sessums Black. Happy anniversary, Nelva!
Sessums Black is thrilled to announce that Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske was named a Top 10 Florida Attorney by the Super Lawyers publication. Congratulations, Caroline!
On June 13, 2018, outgoing Family Law Section Chair Nicole Goetz awarded Attorney Sarah E. Kay the Chair’s Award of Extraordinary Service. The inscription reads “In recognition of your outstanding service, unwavering dedication and continued commitment to the section.” Congratulations, Sarah!
Sessums Black is thrilled to announce that four of its attorneys have not only earned a 2018 SuperLawyers designation but also are designated as “Top Rated Lawyers”! This is the 9th consecutive year as a SuperLawyer for Attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske and Alex Caballero, the 7th consecutive year as a SuperLawyer or Rising Star for Attorney Jennifer A. Ficarrotta, and the 5th consecutive year as a Rising Star for Attorney Sarah E. Kay. Congratulations to Caroline, Alex, Jennifer, and Sarah!
On June 7, 2018, Attorney Alex Caballero was sworn in to continue his term as a Director of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. The HCBA is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in Florida with a membership close to 4,000 attorneys, judges and legal professionals. Congratulations, Alex!
On June 7, 2018, Attorney Alex Caballero celebrated 19 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black. Alex is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law, is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and is rated AV by Martindale Hubbell. Happy anniversary, Alex!
The Sessums Black family is thrilled to announce that Attorney Andrew D. Reder and his wife are expecting the birth of their second child in mid-November 2018. Congratulations Andrew & Jessica!
Attorney Sarah E. Kay was recently recognized by the Florida Supreme Court for her pro bono legal services in 2017. Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Labarga wrote Sarah on behalf of the Court saying “We thank you for giving freely and unselfishly of your time and legal talent to represent the poor, the powerless, the defenseless, and the oppressed among us. Your work helps to fulfill the promise of equal justice to all.” Click on the link below to read the letter to Sarah from Justice Labarga. Congratulations, Sarah!
Sessums Black PA is proud to sponsor the Outback Bowl. Over the years, the Bowl has contributed over $143 million to education, while creating an economic impact of over $1 billion to the Tampa Bay Area.
Click on the images below to see the sponsorship sign from the 2018 Pilot Bank Outback Bowl Summer Splash at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel which occurred the weekend of June 1, 2018 and a picture of Attorney Sterling Lovelady with his wife at the Summer Splash event.
Human emotions play a large role in intimate relationships. What happens when a romantic partner becomes envious of the other? Click on the link below to read an article that explores the role of envy in romantic relationships. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing top-quality legal counsel and representation to clients whose romantic relationships have become irreparably damaged for any reason.
Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske spoke on Pyscho-Social Issues Impacting Co-parenting and Case Management with Dr Deborah Day and Dr Jan Faust at the AAML Institute on Friday May 4, 2018 in Orlando. Caroline presented tips and techniques on how to manage clients with psychological or mental health issues that impair the attorney’s ability to communicate with and effectively advocate for their clients. Caroline is a Fellow in the AAML and past president of the Florida Chapter.
Sessums Black is pleased to announce that Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has been appointed to continue serving on The Florida Bar Marital and Family Law Certification Committee in the 2018-2019 bar cycle. The Committee is responsible for reviewing applications to determine if applicants meet the requirement to become a Board Certified Attorney in Marital and Family Law and in writing and grading the examinations applicants are required to pass in order to become board certified. The Committee consists of 9 members and meetings are held throughout the State of Florida. SBCF is proud of Jennifer’s dedication to promoting excellence in the legal profession.
In June 2018, Attorney Alex Caballero will conclude his six year term on the Florida Bar Marital and Family Law Certification Committee, including a year as Chair. The Committee is responsible for reviewing applications to determine if applicants meet the requirement to become a Board Certified Attorney in Marital and Family Law and in writing and grading the examinations applicants are required to pass in order to become board certified. The Committee consists of 9 members and meetings are held throughout the State of Florida. Congratulations, Alex!
On April 18, 2018, Florida Bar President Michelle R. Suskauer appointed Attorney Alex Caballero to the Professional Ethics Committee beginning July 1, 2018. The Professional Ethics committee is charged with the duty of answering ethics inquiries from members of the Bar concerning the inquirer’s own proposed conduct. The committee reviews informal advisory opinions issued by Florida Bar ethics department attorneys. Additionally, the committee publishes formal advisory opinions to guide bar members in interpreting and applying the ethics rules. A formal opinion is published in accordance with Board of Governors approved procedures as a proposed advisory opinion to which Bar members may submit comments. Congratulations, Alex!
Staying married can be a challenge. Click on the link below to read an interview with a divorce lawyer who provides suggestions on how to make a marriage last. The attorneys of Sessums Black take pride in providing high quality legal counseling and representation for clients with all types of family law issues.
Time can heal wounds and cultivate wisdom. Click on the link below to read an article about a couple who, after a half-century has passed since their divorce, are heading back down the aisle to marry each other and their suggestions on how to make marriages last. The attorneys of Sessums Black are skilled in representing clients in all areas of marital and family law including premarital agreements and dissolutions of marriage.
Caroline Black Sikorske was voted #1 Family Law Attorney by Tampa Magazine! Voted #1 by her peers, Caroline Black Sikorske was selected to achieve this high honor. We are proud of Caroline and her excellent skills in representing her clients.
Sessums Black was proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the annual Easter Seals “A Pair to Remember” fundraiser and charity auction on Friday, March 23, 2018. Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education and outreach and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our community. SBCF is honored to support this valuable community organization.
Caroline Black Sikorske is honored to be selected to present at the AAML 40th Annual Institute in Orlando, FL on May 4, 2018. Caroline will be speaking on “Psycho-Social Issues as They Impact Co-Parenting and Attorney Case Management.” Her co-presenters include two nationally recognized experts in the field of Psychology, Dr. Debra Day, Psy.D., and Dr. Jan Faust, Ph.D.
Caroline Black Sikorske participated as a panelist in the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Competitive Edge Series. The March edition of the Series featured leaders of the 2017 Small Business of the Year winners. The panelists shared experiences regarding their businesses, challenges, keys to success and their insight regarding the Small Business of the Year application and evaluation process. Caroline shared that SBCF’s biggest asset is its people, a dedicated group of caring professionals who represent the Firm’s core values.
Sessums Black is proud to be a Big Kahuna sponsor for the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s 15th Annual Judicial Pig Roast and 10th Annual 5k Pro Bono River Run to be held on March 3, 2018. This is a family-friendly event benefiting Bay Area Legal Services and encouraging attorney pledges of pro bono legal services. Sessums Black is proud to sponsor the Hillsborough County Bar Association and its efforts to enhance the local community.
On January 24, 2018, Attorney Sarah E. Kay was a panel speaker for the Marital & Family Law Board Certification Exam Tips & Nibbles presentation which was part of the annual Family Law Section and AAML Certification Review Course in Orlando. Sarah became Board Certified in Marital & Family Law by The Florida Bar on June 1, 2017. Congratulations, Sarah!
Batten down the hatches, Mateys! Sessums Black PA was invaded by pirates from YMKG on January 23, 2018!
On January 22, 2018, Receptionist Karina Batista celebrated 11 years of excellent service at Sessums Black. Congratulations, Karina!
Transitioning out of a relationship can be difficult not only for the couple, but also for their children. Click on the link below to see a video providing insight from one child of his parents’ divorce and how it affected him. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing personal service to assist clients and their children during all types of family transitions.
With the advances of technology, changes in how people use technology and, consequently, changes in evidence in court cases. Click on the links below to read an article about how technology is being used by divorcing or separated couples and an article about what to do if spyware comes up in your relationship. The attorneys of Sessums Black provide high quality legal services by staying abreast of changes in the law and technology which may affect their clients or cases.
Navigating Florida’s court system without the guidance of a qualified Florida Family Law Attorney can be daunting. The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice has created a Florida Courts Help App for pro se litigants which, among other things, allows users to complete Florida Supreme Court-approved family law forms, provides links and contact information to help centers for pro se litigants throughout Florida, and has user-friendly instructions on family law procedures in Florida courts. The App is available at the Apple Store, Google Play, and Amazon App store. Click on the link below to read an article from The Florida Bar News about the App. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing superior, personal service to assist their clients in helping them reach their goals by providing high quality legal services.
Sessums Black will be closed for the holidays beginning 5:00 PM on December 21, 2017 and will re-open at 8:30 AM on January 2, 2018. We wish everyone a safe and joy-filled holiday season!
On November 30, 2017, Attorney Sarah E. Kay was a panel speaker during a Florida Bar Family Law Section CLE titled “The Mechanics of Board Certification”. Sarah earned her Board Certification in Marital and Family Law in 2017. Congratulations, Sarah!
Sessums Black are pleased to announce that Attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, Alex Caballero, Jennifer Ficarrotta, and Sarah E. Kay were all listed in the 2017 edition of the Florida Trend Legal Elite for Marital and Family Law. Congratulations!
On November 17, 2017, Word Processor Mary Dougherty celebrated 31 years of top quality service with Sessums Black. Congratulations, Mary!
Sessums Black is excited to welcome Camille Hood to the SBCF family as our new Scheduling Assistant. Camille joined the firm on November 13, 2017 bringing with her over six years of legal scheduling and administrative support experience. Welcome, Camille!
On November 10, 2017, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske co-presented on Unique Valuation Issues at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyerse (AAML) National Meeting in Chicago, IL. Click on the links below to see pictures. Congratulations, Caroline!
Sessums Black was a proud sponsor of the 12st Annual Hillsborough County Bar Association Bench-Bar Conference and Judicial Reception on October 25, 2017 titled “Perception is Reality: Identifying the Hidden Dangers of Bias in our Profession.” The attorneys of SBCF prioritize participating in and supporting events that promote excellence within the legal profession. Click on the links below to see pictures from the event.
On November 1, 2017, Managing Partner Caroline Black Sikorske celebrated 28 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black. Congratulations, Caroline!
With great pride and excitement, Sessums Black announces that it has been named the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce 2017 Small Business of the Year Award in the 5-20 Employees Category.
It can be easier to thrive in good times, but how do families thrive when things are not going as planned? Click on the link below to read about how some families not only bounce back from adversity but also grow from it. The attorneys of Sessums Black focus exclusively on marital and family law so they can help parents work towards resiliency during major family transitions.
On October 14, 2017, Paralegal Lorri L. Rowell will celebrate four years of top-quality service at Sessums Black. Lorri joined SBCF with over twenty years of experience in a wide range of legal fields with her most recent focus being family law. Congratulations, Lorri!
On October 3, 2017, Word Processor Lenore Hood celebrated one year of top quality service with Sessums Black! Lenore was a legal secretary with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office for six years prior to joining SBCF. Congratulations, Lenore!
Raising children is a joy as well as a challenge. Child-rearing challenges can be amplified when one or both of the parents face mental health issues; however, they are not insurmountable when adaptations and support mechanisms are in place. Click on the link below to read one psychologist’s suggestions on effective co-parenting with someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. The attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in providing high quality legal services to clients facing all types of co-parenting challenges.
Sessums Black is thrilled to announce that Paralegal Sterling R. Lovelady passed the Florida Bar Exam! He will join the firm as an attorney once he is sworn in. Congratulations, Sterling!
Sessums Black supports Tampa Police Department and its Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. We encourage you to share your selfie using #TPDPink!
An attorney-client relationship can be powerful provided the communication between them is effective. Click on the link below to read an article with seven tips on how to successfully communicate with your attorney. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on maximizing communication with their clients to provide superior legal services and counseling.
On September 13, 2017, Certified Paralegal Michele C. Tawzer celebrated 13 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black. Congratulations, Michele!
Sessums Black is happy to report the firm and its employees fared Hurricane Irma well. All of our employees are safe. The Office reopened at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Our hearts and prayers are with all who continue to feel the effects of the storm.
On August 29, 2017, Attorney Sarah E. Kay presented at a continuing legal education seminar titled “Unleashing the Power of Microsoft and Adobe for Lawyers.” Sarah spoke on the following topics: MS Word: Legal Document Drafting and User Tips; MS Outlook: Compliant Client Communications and Scheduling; The Many Uses of Excel in Legal Practice; and MS PowerPoint for Courtroom and Client Presentations. The attorneys of Sessums Black leverage technology to provide the highest quality legal representation for their clients.
On August 21, 2017, Paralegal Frank Steinbeck, Jr. celebrated five years of outstanding service with Sessums Black. Congratulations, Frank!
On August 17, 2017, Attorney Sarah E. Kay gave a presentation titled The New Family Law Rules Explained to the St. Petersburg Bar Association Family Law Section which discussed the new family law stand-alone rules, new collaborative law rules, and possible future changes to family law rules and laws.. Congratulations, Sarah!
On August 7, 2017, Attorney Sarah E. Kay celebrated 11 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black. Sarah joined the firm in 2006 as a receptionist and served in several positions thereafter while attending law school. In 2010, Sarah assumed her current position as attorney and has been providing top-quality marital and family law representation and counseling ever since. Congratulations, Sarah!