Announcement – Karina Batista Anniversary
On January 22, 2014, Receptionist Karina Batista celebrated seven years of top-quality service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Karina!
On January 22, 2014, Receptionist Karina Batista celebrated seven years of top-quality service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Karina!
On January 16, 2014, Attorney Sarah E. Kay dressed as a pig to promote the 2014 HCBA 5k Pro Bono River Run taking place on March 22, 2014. Sessums Black, PA is proud to sponsor the Hillsborough County Bar Association and its efforts to enhance the local community. Click on Picture 1, Picture 2, and Picture 3 to see pictures of Sarah as the 5k pig. Click here to read more about the race and for on-line registration.
On January 9, 2014, Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, Lorri Rowell, Frank Steinbeck, and Michele Tawzer attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “Violence Against Women Act from an Immigration Perspective.” Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard for excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On November 14, 2013, Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, Lorri Rowell, and Michele Tawzer attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “Ethics from a Federal Bankruptcy Judicial Perspective.” Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard for excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On November 17, 2013, Word Processor Mary Dougherty celebrated 27 years of top-quality service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Mary!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that they have received a First Tier ranking in Tampa, Florida in family law by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2014.
On November 1, 2013, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske celebrated 24 years of outstanding service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Caroline!
On November 4, 2013, Certified Paralegal Michele Tawzer will present a lecture titled “Keys to Managing Financial Information” as part of the National Institute for Paralegal Education seminar titled “A Paralegal’s Guide – Divorce Cases from Start to Finish for Paralegals.”
On October 23, 2013, Attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, Jennifer Ficarrotta, and Sarah E. Kay attended a Stetson Alumni Luncheon which included a presentation by Dean Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz about the future of legal education. Click here to see a picture of Jennifer at the luncheon.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, and Alex Caballero have been listed in the 2014 Best Lawyers publication for family law. Congratulations Caroline, & Alex!
On October 19, 2013, Attorney Sarah Kay and Advanced Certified Paralegal Carol Dunlap participated in the 2013 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Tampa as members of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers team. Click here to see a picture of the team. Click here to see a picture of the MB&C shirt.
On October 19, 2013, Advanced Certified Paralegal Carol Dunlap celebrated six years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Carol!
On October 11, 2013, Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, and Michele Tawzer attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “False Claims Act Challenges.” Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard for excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On October 11, 2013 at about 3:00 PM (est) Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske will be appearing on the Tan Talk Radio Network program called “The Legal Forum” to discuss family law. Depending on where you are at, you can listen live at 1340AM, 1340AM, or 1400AM. You can also listen to the show online by clicking on either of these links: link 1 or link 2. The station will make a podcast which will be available for download after the show airs. Watch for an updated link for the podcast.
(Depending on your internet speed, the podcast may take a few moments to start)
On September 28, 2013, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske and her husband, Jeff Sikorske, attended the Florida Bar Family Law Section 40th Anniversary Gala Event at The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The Gala Event celebrated the Family Law Section’s 40 years of serving the legal community and honored past Chairs of the Section, including Caroline.
On September 12, 2013 Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, Frank Steinbeck, and Michele Tawzer attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “Behind the Scenes: The Role of the Paralegal in Trial Using Zimmerman as the Model.” Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard for excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On September 13, 2013, Certified Paralegal Michele Tawzer celebrated 9 years of top-quality service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Michele!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Paralegal Carol Dunlap has successfully completed the Advanced Paralegal Certification program provided by NALA on Child Custody earning her the designation of ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal). Congratulations, Carol!
On August 21, 2013, Paralegal Frank Steinbeck, Jr. celebrated one year of excellent service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Frank!
On August 7, 2013, Attorney Sarah E. Kay celebrated 7 years of superior service at Sessums Black, PA. Seven years ago, Sarah began as a receptionist and worked her way up to her current position. Congratulations, Sarah!
On July 20, 2013, Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta celebrated two years of top quality service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Jennifer!
In June 2013, Paralegal Carol Dunlap began coursework through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) to earn an Advanced Certification designation in Family Law.
Attorney Alexander Caballero has been recognized in the Florida Trend Legal Elite publication as “Legal Elites” in Marital & Family law. Congratulations Alex!
Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has been recognized in the Florida Trend Legal Elite publication as an “Up & Comer” in Marital & Family law. Congratulations, Jennifer!
On June 26, 2013 Attorney Sarah E. Kay was awarded a 2013 Rising Star Award in recognition of her enthusiasm, initiative, and outstanding service to the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar and a 2013 Outstanding Committee Chair Service award in recognition of and in grateful appreciation of her outstanding service, dedication and loyalty to the Florida Bar Family Law Section throughout 2012-2013 as Chair of the Florida Bar Journal for the Family Law Section Publications Committee. Congratulations, Sarah!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske is the new Chair of the Collaborative Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Caroline is also the Immediate Past President of the Tampa Bay Collaborative Divorce Group. Congratulations, Caroline!
On June 20, 2013, Scheduling Assistant Nelva Aleman celebrated 15 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Nelva!
On June 13, 2013, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Frank Steinbeck, and Michele Tawzer attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County, Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program.” Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard for excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske was listed in the Florida Top 50 Women Lawyers in the 2013 Florida Super Lawyers publication.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, Alex Caballero, and Jennifer A. Ficarrotta were listed as 2013 Florida Super Lawyers in family law in the Florida Super Lawyers publication.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Sarah E. Kay was listed as a 2013 Rising Star in family law in the Florida Super Lawyers publication.
On June 11, 2013, Attorney Sarah E. Kay, as a member of the Hon. John N. Conrad’s pupilage, was awarded Tampa Bay Inn of Court’s 2012-2013 Best Presentation of the Year. The presentation presented on January 8, 2013 was titled “Honey I Shrunk the Judge: Best Practices for Alternative Dispute Resolution.” Congratulations, Sarah!
On June 7, 2013, Attorney Alex Caballero celebrated 14 years of superior service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Alex!
On June 5, 2013, Paralegal Kathy Mull celebrated 7 years of top quality service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Kathy!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that, effective June 1, 2013, Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has become a partner of the firm. Sessums Black, PA is excited to have Jennifer’s long-term commitment of her superb intellect, enthusiasm, professionalism, and hard work to the high quality legal services the firm prides itself on offering. Congratulations, Jennifer!
On May 23, 2013, Attorney Alex Caballero completed his term as Chair of the Marital and Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association for 2012-2013. Congratulations, Alex!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta was selected as a 2013-2014 Florida Bar Leadership Academy Fellow. The mission of the Academy is to enhance the skills of a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers selected from across the state that will enable them to become effective leaders throughout the Bar, the legal profession, and the greater community. Congratulations, Jennifer!
On May 9, 2013, Paralegals Frank Steinbeck and Amy Anderson attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “Homeowners Associations’ Law.” Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard for excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On May 8, 2013, Attorney Sarah E. Kay was sworn in to serve a second term on the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers Board of Directors. Congratulations, Sarah!
On April 25, 2013, Attorney Sarah E. Kay was presented with a lapel pin at the Sixth Annual 13th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Awards Ceremony in recognition of her exceptional pro bono service in 2012. Congratulations, Sarah!
On May 2–4, 2013, Attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, and Jennifer Ficarrotta will be attending the 35th Annual Institute of the Florida Chapter American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). The AAML is a national group of leading matrimonial practitioners in the field of family law and serves to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in family law. Caroline is the current President of the Florida Chapter of the AAML. Click on the link below to see the schedule of events for the Institute.
Schedule for 2013 Annual Institute of the Florida Chapter of the AAML
On April 11, 2013, Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, Kathy Mull, Frank Steinbeck, and Michele Tawzer attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “The Florida Juvenile Justice System and the PACE Center for Girls, Inc.” presented by the Honorable Ralph C. Stoddard of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County and Tanya Hollins, Executive Director of PACE Center for Girls, Inc.
Attorney Sarah E. Kay appeared in a picture in the April 15, 2013 edition of the Florida Bar News. Sarah, as President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Leadership Institute Class of 2013, assisted with the beautification of the landscaping at Tampa’s Alpha House, a shelter for homeless pregnant women. Click here for a copy of the picture.
Sessums Black, PA was highlighted in the President’s Message in the April Newsletter of the Athena Society. The Athena Society is an organization of Tampa professionals who have demonstrated leadership in the community and committed themselves to promoting equality and opportunity for women. Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske is an active member of the Athena Society. Click here to read a copy of the message.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to welcome Bill Murphy as our new Firm Administrator. Bill holds a Master in Business Administration degree and has over 25 years of experience in law office administration. Welcome, Bill!
On February 14, 2013, Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, Kathy Mull, Frank Steinbeck, Jr., and Michele Tawzer attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “Intellectual Property: What Law School Didn’t Teach Us.”
On February 6, 2013, Attorney Sarah E. Kay participated in the HCBA Leadership Institute module on the state court system. Sarah is president of the Leadership Institute’s Class of 2013. The module included of a tour of the court, a discussion with jury services, and a panel discussion with judges and a court administrator. Click here to see a picture.
Congratulations to Alex and Anita Caballero on the birth of their beautiful daughter, Sarah. Born February 12th at 1:00 AM, 7lbs. 3oz! Mother and baby are doing fine!
On January 31, 2013, Sessums Black, PA gathered to celebrate the imminent birth of baby Sarah, daughter of Attorney Alex Caballero & his wife, Anita. Sarah’s arrival is anticipated within the next few weeks. Click here to see a picture of the celebration. Congratulations, Alex & Anita!
On February 1st, Certified Paralegal Amy Anderson celebrated 8 years of excellent service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Amy!
On January 23, 2013, attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta gave a lively and entertaining presentation on ethics as a part of the HCBA Family Law Section continuing legal education seminar titled “Preparing Your Family Law Case for Trial.”
On January 23, 2013, Attorney Alex Caballero was a co-presenter at the HCBA Family Law Section quarterly meeting. Alex spoke about effectively communicating with clients during a divorce proceeding.
On January 22nd, Receptionist Karina Batista celebrated six years of superior service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Karina!
On January 4, 2013, Attorney Sarah E. Kay served as a small group discussion leader during the Cooley Law School Tampa Bay Campus new student orientation presentation on professionalism and ethics titled “Professionalism in Action.”
On December 8, 2012, Sessums Black, PA celebrated its thirty years of superior legal services with a sunset cruise of Tampa Bay. Sessums Black, PA looks forward to continuing to offer the Tampa Bay area top-quality marital and family law legal representation for many years to come.
On November 16, 2012, members of Sessums Black, PA volunteered at the Metropolitan Ministries’ big tent, a center for processing holiday donations. Sessums Black, PA believes that success as attorneys includes, among other things, public service.
On November 17, 2012, Word Processor Mary Dougherty celebrated 26 years of outstanding service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Mary!
On November 14, 2012, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske gave a speech to the Tampa Bay Estate Planning Council on Collaborative Law titled “How To Use Collaborative Law Effectively For Estate Planning Issues In Divorce Cases.”
On November 8, 2012 Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, Kathy Mull, and Frank Steinbeck attended the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc. monthly meeting as a part of their regular membership in the organization. The meeting included a continuing education component titled “Ethics from a Judicial Perspective” which was lead by The Honorable James M. Barton, III, of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Alex Caballero has been listed in the 2013 edition of Florida’s Best Lawyers for Family Law. Congratulations, Alex!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske has been listed in the 2013 edition of Florida’s Best Lawyers for Family Law. Congratulations, Caroline!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that it has been ranked as a Tier 1 Law Firm in the 2013 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” publication.
On November 1, 2012, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske celebrated 23 years of excellent service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations Caroline!
On October 31, 2012, Attorney Sarah E. Kay attended the Cooley Law School Tampa Bay Campus Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on behalf of Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers. Click here for a picture of Sarah with Florida Bar President Gwynne Young and Florida Association for Women Lawyers President-Elect Brittany Maxey.
In 2012, Sessums Black, PA proudly celebrates 30 years of membership in the professional legal community exclusively focusing on marital and family law. Over the past three decades, Sessums Black, PA has had the honor and privilege of helping numerous wonderful clients resolve their marital and family law issues and looks forward to the opportunity to serve many more in the years to come.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that shareholder Alex Caballero has joined the Tampa Bay Collaborative Divorce Group, an organization comprised of experienced collaborative divorce professionals from the Tampa Bay area. Congratulations Alex!
On October 19, 2012 Certified Paralegal Carol Dunlap celebrates five years of superior service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Carol!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Paralegal Frank Steinbeck, Jr. has joined the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association. The TBPA’s mission includes setting the standard of excellence for the paralegal profession through its work on regulations, ethics, and education. Congratulations, Frank!
On October 11, 2012, Paralegals Amy Anderson, Carol Dunlap, Kathy Mull, Frank Steinbeck, and Michele Tawzer attended the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc. monthly meeting as a part of their regular membership in the organization. The meeting included a continuing education component focused on unlawful debt collection.
On October 4, 2012, Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta was accepted into the National Association of Professional Women, an organization dedicated to providing the most advanced forum for members to develop innovative business and social relationships. Congratulations, Jennifer!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Sarah E. Kay has been installed as President of the HCBA Leadership Institute Class of 2013. Congratulations Sarah!
On September 13, 2012, Paralegal Michele C. Tawzer celebrated eight years of top-quality service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Michele!
In September 2012 Attorney Alexander Caballero will begin his term on the Florida Bar Family Law Certification Committee. Congratulations, Alex!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Alexander Caballero has been appointed by Florida Governor Rick Scott to the Thirteenth Judicial Nomination Committee. Congratulations Alex!
Attorney Sarah E. Kay has been invited to join the Hillsborough County Bar Association Leadership Institute Class of 2013. The Leadership Institute identifies and develops young attorneys of diverse backgrounds who have exhibited leadership potential. Congratulations, Sarah!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Frank Steinbeck, Jr. has joined the firm as a paralegal. Frank is a Florida Registered Paralegal with over five years of civil litigation experience. Congratulations, Frank!
On August 9, 2012, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Kathy Mull, and Michele Tawzer attended the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc. monthly meeting as a part of their regular membership in the organization. The meeting included a continuing education component focused on estate planning and wills.
On July 20, 2012, Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta completed one year of exceptional service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations Jennifer!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta was listed in as a 2012 Rising Star in the Florida Super Lawyers publication.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorneys Caroline Black, and Alexander Caballero were listed as Florida Super Lawyers 2012.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorneys Caroline Black was listed in the Top 50 Women Lawyers Florida Super Lawyers 2012.
On June 20, 2012, Scheduling Assistant Nelva Aleman celebrates 14 years of top-quality service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations Nelva!
On June 12, 2012, our Administrator, Mimi Young celebrates 10 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations Mimi!
Love can appear unexpectedly. While assisting numerous clients transition from married life to singlehood, Attorney Caroline Black has recently transitioned from singlehood to married life. There was no war – just roses for Caroline and her new husband, Jeff Sikorske, on December 30, 2011 as they tied the knot at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club. Click on this link to read an article about the newlyweds’ romance and wedding which was featured in the Weddings section of the Tampa Bay Times on February 12, 2012. Congratulations Caroline & Jeff!
On November 5, 2011, Office Administrator Mimi S. Young, as Secretary of the Suncoast Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators, volunteered at the 2011 Cup of Hope Tea Party to benefit Bay Area Legal Services and victims of domestic violence. Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit, public interest law firm that provides civil legal assistance to low-income residents in the Tampa Bay region.