Sessums Black is hiring an associate attorney. Please send resumes to recruiting@sessumsblack.com. All resumes and responses are confidential. The salary is competitive and benefits are commensurate with experience. One or more years of experience. Litigation experience preferred. Candidates must be organized, highly motivated, and have strong academic backgrounds.
Managing Partner Alex Caballero served as a co-presenter with attorney Richard Mockler for “Advanced Strategies & Procedures for Litigating Claims for Attorneys’ Fees & Costs,” a two-hour Marital and Family Law CLE hosted by the Hillsborough County Bar Association on October 23 at the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center. SBCF attorney Andrew D. Reder introduced the speakers. Topics include discovery and privilege issues, proving need and ability to pay, Rule 4-1.5 factors, defending against claims for fees and costs, and reserving jurisdiction. The event had an excellent turnout and participants earned 2.5 CLE credits including 2.5 for Ethics. Thank you to HCBA for hosting the CLE and to all who attended.
Kudos to SBCF attorney Andrew D. Reder for his recent participation in the John Germany Young Readers “Read to Dream” Initiative by reading to children at Broward Elementary School. He has participated several times in the program, which regularly places caring and engaged volunteers—readers and mentors—in positive group reading sessions with at-risk and underserved children. The Read to Dream initiative coordinates with the Hillsborough County Public School System and Friends of the Library. For more information about contributing to or volunteering, please contact Lorie Tonti, Manager of Learning Experiences, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library at 813-273-3638 or TontiL@hillsboroughcounty.org.
Congratulations to SBCF Shareholder Caroline Black Sikorske, who recently was 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. The organization was formed in 1986 to improve the practice of law and administration of justice in divorce and family law throughout the world. Caroline said, “I have found more and more that my cases have global issues and my connection to international lawyers on these issues has been incredibly interesting and rewarding. The law around the world is so different yet so much alike.”
It is a time of change here at Sessums Black, P.A. After being part of the SBCF family for 13 years, Sarah E. Kay, an associate at our firm and an excellent lawyer, has decided to start her own law firm, Kay Family Law PLLC, effective December 21, 2019. Sarah’s last day at SBCF is December 20. We are proud of Sarah’s desire to start her own firm and expand her family law practice to include the matters affecting families of special needs children, including special education law. We wish her the best.
Sessums Black is proud to have been a sponsor for a very special continuing legal education event last weekend in Tampa. The Florida Bar Family Law Section’s “Special Needs Children and Family Law” CLE focused on educating family lawyers and the judiciary on issues regularly faced by families with “differently-abled” members. Speakers included a special education attorney, an education and family advocate, mental health and medical professionals, a guardianship attorney, Florida Bar board-certified specialists in family law, parents of children with special needs and others experienced in working with families of special needs children. Congratulations to SBCF attorney Sarah Kay, who was one of the three program chairs who facilitated an outstanding event.
Congratulations to SBCF Managing Partner Alexander Caballero, who has been invited to be a presenter on Practice and Procedure at the 2020 Marital and Family Law Review Course hosted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – Florida Chapter and the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar. The continuing legal education event is scheduled for Jan. 31–Feb. 1, 2020, in Orlando. With more than 1,600 attendees, it is one of the largest CLE events in the Southeast. Alex served on The Florida Bar Marital and Family Law Board Certification Committee from 2012 to 2018, which prohibited him from being a review course presenter, and we are proud that he will be speaking for the second time at this preeminent CLE event. Alex is Florida Bar board certified in Marital and Family Law, is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is named to the 2019 lists of Top 100 Florida and Top 50 Tampa Bay Super Lawyers and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell.
Sessums Black Shareholder Jennifer Ficarrotta recently participated in “The Six: A Great Debate,” a panel discussion among six marital and family lawyers about the pros and cons of collaborative divorce versus litigation. The Clearwater Bar Association’s Collaborative Law and Family Law sections hosted the debate. Jennifer is board certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated and is an active member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Tampa Bay Collaborative Divorce Group.
Last week, SBCF Attorney Sarah Kay attended the 15th Annual Conference of the Florida Chapter – Association of Family & Conciliation Courts and Office of The State Courts Administrator (FLAFCC and OSCA) in Orlando. The conference is the result of ongoing collaboration between family law attorneys, mental health professionals, court administrators, the judiciary, and guardians ad litem to provide educational and networking opportunities for professionals who regularly work with parties within the family court system. The goals are to reduce conflict and promote conciliation. Sarah is board certified by The Florida Bar in Marital and Family Law and is a Certified Family Law Mediator through the Florida Supreme Court.
We’d like to give a shout-out to SBCF attorney Sterling Lovelady, who is serving for the second year as an Attorney Ad Litem—a volunteer attorney—for Crossroads For Florida Kids, a nonprofit organization that handles complex legal representation for disadvantaged children and young adults in Hillsborough County. Sterling earned his Bachelors of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University, where he played as an offensive lineman for FSU Seminoles football. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law. Sterling is an active member of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division and the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar and devotes 100 percent of his practice to marital and family law.
We are pleased to announce that attorney Andrew D. Reder has been accepted for membership in the J. Clifford Cheatwood American Inn of Court, a local association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals from all experience levels and backgrounds who share a passion for professional excellence. American Inns of Court are designed to improve the skills, professionalism and legal ethics of attorneys and members of the judiciary. The Inns help lawyers become more effective and ethical advocates through mentoring in their communities. J. Clifford Cheatwood was a former Chief Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and is one of the Inn’s founding members.
Congratulations to SBCF paralegal Frank Steinbeck, Jr., who this month is celebrating seven years with the firm. 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 Tampa P.A. Program, an ABA-Approved Paralegal Education Program, in 2014. He is a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar. Frank, we appreciate all that you do for Sessums Black and are proud that you are part of the team.
Did you know that SBCF attorney Sarah E. Kay was an exchange student in Ecuador her senior year in high school? That life-changing experience has inspired Sarah to be a long-term volunteer with her international exchange student organization, AFS Intercultural Programs. AFS promotes intercultural understandings and cultivates global citizenship through offering programs in more than 80 countries worldwide. AFS is a largely volunteer-driven organization with more than 4,400 volunteers in the U.S. and more than 50,000 throughout the globe. Since first volunteer roughly 19 years ago, Sarah has held a variety of roles in AFS Massachusetts and Florida. Her favorite, by far, has been serving as a host mother. Thank you, Sarah, for making a difference.
Congratulations to Sessums Black Shareholder Caroline Black Sikorske, who has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020 in the field of family law, her 14th 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 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. She was named to the list of Top 10 2018 Florida Super Lawyers, attorneys who received the highest points during the Super Lawyers nomination, research and review process. Learn more about Caroline’s family law practice at this link.
Sessums Black participated again this year in the Christmas in July office challenge, a month-long, community-wide fundraiser by the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation to encourage businesses, civic organizations and individuals to collect toys for the kids of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. We’re proud to say we were the week-three winner of the#CIJOfficeChallenge and on July 26, partner Jennifer Ficarrotta and paralegal Frank Steinbeck, Jr. delivered 412 toys to the hospital. This year, the Christmas In July office challenge raised a record $130,000 in monetary donations and toys. The need is great. You can help through sponsorships, hosting toy drives or donating directly to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Please call the foundation at (813) 872-0979 for more information.
Please join us in celebrating work anniversaries for Sessums Black attorneys Sarah Kay (13 years) and Sterling Lovelady (two years). Sarah worked in several administrative and support roles at SBCF while earning her law degree. She is now a board-certified attorney in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. Sterling joined SBCF first as a paralegal while awaiting his bar exam results and is now an attorney who devotes 100 percent of his practice to family law. Happy work anniversaries, Sarah and Sterling!
Congratulations and thank you to SBCF attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta, who served on The Florida Bar Grievance Committee 13C from Nov. 1, 2015, through Oct. 31, 2018. She is pictured here with a certificate “in recognition and appreciation of meritorious service to the public and the legal profession in Florida.” Jennifer chaired the committee in 2017-2018. Each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits has at least one grievance committee. The committees review complaints against lawyers and decide if there is probable cause to believe a lawyer violated Florida Supreme Court professional conduct rules and whether discipline against the lawyer is warranted.
The Hillsborough County Bar Association 2019-20 Board Officers & Directors Retreat took place July 26 and 27 in Sarasota. SBCF Managing Partner Alex Caballero and other directors are pictured here with HCBA Immediate Past President John Schifino. 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 to SBCF partner Jennifer Ficarrotta, who on July 20 celebrated her eighth anniversary of working with the firm. Jennifer is board certified by The Florida Bar in Marital and Family Law and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell. She is an accomplished litigator who also 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. She has been named to the list of Florida Super Lawyers for the seventh consecutive year and devotes 100 percent of her practice to marital and family law. We are honored to have Jennifer as part of the SBCF team!
Kudos to SBCF shareholder Caroline Black Sikorske for being part of the Athena Society of Tampa, an organization of Tampa professionals who have demonstrated leadership in the community and committed themselves to promoting equality and opportunity for women. The society promotes equality through the removal of artificial boundaries to success and by fostering leadership through collaboration and education. Learn more at www.athena-society.com.
Congratulations to SBCF Managing Partner Alex Caballero, who is serving a three-year term on The Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee. The committee is charged with answering ethics inquiries from members of the Bar concerning attorneys’ proposed conduct, and it publishes formal advisory opinions to guide Bar members in interpreting and applying the ethics rules. Thank you, Alex, for your volunteer service to the legal community.
The SBCF team is extremely proud of attorney Sarah E. Kay, who has been honored for the third time by the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar with its Above and Beyond Award. The inscription reads, “For exceeding all expectations with your tireless dedication and hard work to benefit the Family Law Section.” Sarah has been a Family Law Section member since 2010 and an Executive Council member since 2015. She has served in leadership roles and as a member of numerous Family Law Section committees including Continuing Legal Education, Certification Review Course, Finance, Family Law Rules and Forms, and Technology. Congratulations, Sarah, and thank you for your hard work and dedication!
We are proud to announce that SBCF partner Jennifer A. Ficarrotta has been appointed to a three-year term as Vice-Chair of The Florida Bar Marital & Family Law Board Certification Committee. The nine-member committee reviews credentials for Marital & Family Law certification applicants, implements the area’s standards, and administers and grades certification examinations. Board certification evaluates attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Board certified lawyers are evaluated for professionalism and tested for expertise. Jennifer earned Florida Bar Marital & Family Law board certification in 2015.
Congratulations and best wishes to Sessums Black Shareholder Alex Caballero, who on July 1 succeeded Caroline Black Sikorske as Managing Partner of the firm. Alex is a former lead trial attorney for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office. He is board certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, is named to the 2019 lists of Top 100 Florida and Top 50 Tampa Bay Super Lawyers, and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell. Caroline remains with the firm as a Shareholder and is pleased to pass the Managing Partner title on to Alex.
Kudos to Sessums Black attorney Sarah E. Kay, who is serving as Co-Chair of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar’s 2019 Trial Advocacy Workshop. The July 25 – 28 continuing legal education seminar allows family law attorneys to hone their trial skills as they prepare and present a case. Sarah is a member of the Family Law Section’s Executive Council. She is board certified by The Florida Bar in Marital and Family Law and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.
Please join us in congratulating Sessums Black attorney Andrew D. Reder on his four-year work anniversary with the firm. Before he joined us in 2015, Andrew worked with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office where he tried numerous jury and non-jury trials and prosecuted domestic violence-related offenses. Prior to that, Andrew served as a Sixth Judicial Circuit staff attorney in and for Pasco County. He is a Stetson University College of Law alumnus.
We are pleased to announce that today is the 20-year work anniversary for SBCF scheduling administrative assistant Nelva Aleman. Nelva started working with us in 1988 and has rejoined the firm several times over the years. She also has served as Executive Director of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – AAML – Florida Chapter, worked part-time at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Tampa and enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. Nelva is an integral part of Sessums Black and we are extremely lucky to have her as part of the team. Congratulations, Nelva, and thank you for all that you do for the firm.
Please join us in congratulating Sessums Black partner Jennifer Ficarrotta, who has been named to the list of Florida Super Lawyers for the seventh consecutive year. Super Lawyers uses a patented, multiphase selection process that includes nominations, evaluation of candidates by the research department and peer evaluation by practice area. Jennifer is board certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell. She devotes 100 percent of her practice to Family Law.
We are very proud of Sessums Black partner Alex Caballero, who recently was sworn in for another term on the Hillsborough County Bar Association board of directors. Congratulations to incoming HCBA President Grace Yang and YLD President Jeff Wilcox and to all of the newly installed 2019-2020 HCBA and YLD officers and directors. Thank you for your volunteer service to the Tampa legal community.
Sessums Black managing partner Caroline Black Sikorske and her husband, Jeff Sikorske, attended the June 6 – 9 Annual Retreat of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Florida Chapter. Florida family law attorneys and their families gathered at the Casa Marina Hotel in Key West and enjoyed water sports, boating, sightseeing and a Keys-style dinner on the beach. Attorneys who attended the retreat also participated in a continuing legal education seminar.
Please join us in congratulating Sessums Black Partner Alex Caballero, who on June 7, 2019, celebrated his 20-year work anniversary with the firm. After earning a Juris Doctor degree with high honors from Florida State University College of Law, Alex joined the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office where he became a Lead Trial Attorney. During his five-year tenure as an Assistant State Attorney, Alex tried numerous jury trials, including prosecuting in the Felony Domestic Violence Specialty Division. When he joined SBCF in 1999, he began devoting his practice 100% to marital and family law. Alex is board certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar and holds Matrimonial Law Arbitrator Certification by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell, is a fellow of the AAML and is listed in Best Lawyers in America. Recently, he was named to the 2019 lists of Top 100 Florida and Top 50 Tampa Bay Super Lawyers.
Congratulations to Alexander Caballero, Jennifer Ficarrotta and Caroline Black Sikorske, who have been named to the list of 2019 Florida Super Lawyers in the family law practice area and to Sarah Kay, who has been named for the seventh consecutive year to the list of Florida Rising Stars in family law.
Every year Super Lawyers selects attorneys from throughout the United States from all firm sizes and more than 70 practice areas. Super Lawyers uses a patented, multiphase selection process that includes nominations, evaluation of candidates by the research department and peer evaluation by practice area. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. The objective of Super Lawyers is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
Congratulations to Sessums Black attorney Andrew D. Reder, who recently was elected to be a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s 2019-20 Marital and Family Law Section Executive Council. We also would like to give a big shout-out to the other members who were elected to the council: Paul Maney, Kristi McCart, Jennifer Meister, Ellie Probasco, Angelica DelosReyes Roselló and Debbie Thomson. Thank you for your involvement in the section and for your volunteer service on behalf of HCBA.
Sessums Black Partner Alexander Caballero recently was in Philadelphia with members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers National Test Committee to review, update and finalize the exam for applicants applying to be Fellows of the AAML. The AAML’s mission is to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law. Comprised of the top 1,600 matrimonial attorneys in the United States, AAML Fellows are recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners, possessing a high level of knowledge, skill, and integrity and earning reputations for professionalism, competence and integrity.
Members of the AAML National Test Commmittee
Alex Caballero and Charles Meyer of Philadelphia
Congratulations to Sessums Black attorney Sarah E. Kay, who was awarded the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers 2019 Pro Bono Award on May 15 during HAWL’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon. Sarah is the Immediate Past President of HAWL. We also would like to congratulate the other HAWL members who were honored during the event. Thank you all for making a difference in the Tampa Bay community!
Sarah is pictured here with HAWL Past President Katherine Yanes and with SBCF attorney Andrew Reder.
Congratulations to Sessums Black paralegal Frank Steinbeck Jr. on being named to the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association Board of Directors, and for serving as the Chairman of the Association’s Charity/Community Service Committee. Frank has been working with the firm for more than six years. He is a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar.
Sessums Black is proud to have been a sponsor for the Hillsborough County Bar Association Foundation‘s May 2 Law & Liberty Dinner. Proceeds from this annual event have helped the foundation provide local legal-related charities with more than $825,000 in support and grants. SBCF managing partner Caroline Black Sikorske is a member of the foundation board. This year’s dinner featured Emmy Award-winning actor, author, director and producer Henry Winkler. Pictured here are SBCF attorney Sarah Kay; attorney Sterling Lovelady and his wife, Allison Rose Lovelady; and firm administrator Paul Kanjorski and his wife, Shannon. Congratulations to Hillsborough County Bar Association and the foundation on another successful dinner!
The annual St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation Heroes Ball raised more than $600,000, and Sessums Black is proud to have been a sponsor of the event and the Patron Party recognizing the most generous donors. This year, the Foundation honored community hero Dr. Kiran Patel, a distinguished cardiologist and philanthropist. Funds raised this year allow St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to be one of two hospitals in the United States to use real-time, virtual reality software for mapping and performing the most complicated pediatric cardiac surgeries. The Foundation is already hard at work planning the Annual Fashion Show and the 2020 Heroes Ball. A special thank you to SBCF Shareholder Jennifer Ficarrotta for her term on the committee, fundraising, and co-chairing the Patron Party. As you can see, the Ball was a great success, but Jennifer had to say good-bye to the Labradoodle puppy who assisted in raising donations during the live auction game of donor wars.
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.