Sema Yildirim graduated with distinction from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia and earned her Juris Doctorate law degree from the prestigious Stetson University College of Law, which has been ranked the top law school for Trial Advocacy for 20 out of 24 years. Stetson Law is also ranked as one of the top schools in legal writing. While studying law, Sema was a member of the prestigious International Moot Court Board and successfully competed against national and international law schools. It is in law school where Attorney Sema Yildirim began honing her court room and legal writing skills.
Sema spent time as an intern for the United States District court, Middle District Florida, where she helped conduct legal research and writing for the former chief judge, who also happens to be the longest serving federal judge in the United States. Attorney Yildirim also interned for Chief Judge Altenbernd at the Second District Court Appeal. Her education and training has served as the foundation for Sema’s successful law practice.
For the past 15 years, Sema has helped people from all walks of life. She is passionate about fiercely representing her clients and is a staunch advocate for women’s rights, father’s rights, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Sema will fight for her clients in and out of the court room and is not afraid to go to trial if necessary. She will continue fighting even after trial; Sema has two published appellate cases, where she successfully challenged the trial court’s ruling.
Sema speaks both German and Turkish, along with English, and has a national and international client base helping people with family law matters (divorce, custody, relocation, domestic violence, alimony, child support), family and investment based immigration cases, as well as criminal matters.
Giving back to the community is a priority for Sema. To help educate the public, she has given free public presentations on Fathers’ Rights and Immigrants’ Rights. In addition, Sema contributes to the broader legal community; in 2015, her article "The Pitfall of International Love" was published, which discusses the complications that can arise in marriage with non-U.S. citizens. Sema has also made presentation to the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association on the subject of Parents and Timesharing with their minor children. She was a member of the Stann Givens Family Law Inn of Court here in Tampa for many years working side by side with other local family law attorneys and judges. Attorney Yildirim takes pride in mentoring young attorneys who reach out to her and guides them in her area of practice. She also frequently makes herself available to answer family law and immigration law related questions when more seasoned fellow attorneys (who practice in other areas of law) call in need of help. To Sema the practice of law is a passion—not a job.
Practice areas
Divorce, Child-Support and Custody (Timesharing/Visitation), Relocation, Alimony.
18 years
18 years
Languages spoken
German, Turkish
The Law Offices of Sema Yildirim, P.A.
602 South Boulevard
Tampa, FL, 33606
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2004 | 03/28/2022 |
Legal answers | 469 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Avvo Rating 10 | Avvo | 2019 |
Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2018 |
18 Positive Reviews | Avvo | 2018 |
Community Outreach Pupilage Group | Stann W. Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa | 2017 |
Citizenship Project Presentation | Suncoast UMCM | 2017 |
Presentation | Tampa Bay Paralegal Association | 2016 |
Marital and Family Law Section Executive Board | Hillsborough County Bar Association | 2013 |
Top Contributer | Avvo | 2012 |
Member of Stan Givens Inn of Court | Stan Givens Inn of Court | 2010 |
Member of AILA | American Immigration Lawyers Association | 2006 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
President | The Law Offices of Sema Yildirim, P.A. | 2004 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Suncoast UMCM Citizenship Project | Presentation | 2016 - 2016 |
Tampa Bay Paralegal Association | Presentation | 2016 - 2016 |
Hillsborough County Bar Association, Family Law Section | Executive Board Member | 2013 - 2016 |
Stan Givens Inn Court | Member | 2010 - 2018 |
Stann Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa | MASTER and CHAIR of the COMMUNITY OUTREACH PUPILAGE GROUP | 2009 - 2018 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Member | 2006 - 2008 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Hillsborough County Bar Association's LAWYER magazine | The Pitfall of International Love | 2015 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Stetson University College of Law | 2003 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Suncoast UMCM Citizenship Project | Immigrants and Family Law: How the law can help you | 2017 |
Suncoast UMCM Citizenship Project | Immigrants and Family Law: How the law can help you | 2017 |
TBPA Monthly Luncheon Event | Family Law and Timesharing | 2017 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Perez v. Perez; 190 So.3d 1154 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2016) | Favorable for our client |
Fotinos v. Fotinos; (Fla. 2nd DCA 2011) | Appellate case in favor of client |
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Johnny DeGirolamo, Family Attorney on Dec 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sema and I have been referral partners for the better part of two years now, and my clients could not be happier with the service and results they've achieved with Sema as their counsel. She has a wonderful heart and exhibits great knowledge of the tricky family law arena.
Mayra Calo, Family Attorney on Dec 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is passionate about the law and about doing everything she can to get the best possible outcome for her clients
Johnny DeGirolamo, Family Attorney on Dec 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sema and I have been referral partners for the better part of two years now, and my clients could not be happier with the service and results they've achieved with Sema as their counsel. She has a wonderful heart and exhibits great knowledge of the tricky family law arena.
Mayra Calo, Family Attorney on Dec 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is passionate about the law and about doing everything she can to get the best possible outcome for her clients
Martin Hernandez, Family Attorney on Jul 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. She is highly competent and knowledgeable. She will aggressively represent her clients and will return her calls quickly. I have been referring her family law cases for years
Judd Nemiro, Unknown Attorney on Apr 2, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Aggressive representation in the court room is something every client needs. Look no further.
Elif Keles, Immigration Attorney on Sep 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Sean Cleary, Business Attorney on Apr 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community.
Peter Lamont, Business Attorney on Oct 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She has earned the respect and trust of fellow lawyers and clients.
Bryce Fetter, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Dean Tsourakis, Family Attorney on Sep 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Syed Ahmed, Family Attorney on Sep 5, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. A fantastic attorney. Professional, and a joy to work with and know.
Ashraf Salem, Family Attorney on Jun 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Yildrim possesses a wealth of knowledge in the field of family law and will represent clients well.
Theresa Jean-Pierre, Family Attorney on Feb 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sema is an outstanding attorney who vigorously advocates on behalf of her clients.
Emel Ersan, Family Attorney on Jan 16, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Yildirim is smart, creative, hardworking and responsible. I think she is a great lawyer.
Joseph Pippen, Family Attorney on Sep 5, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sema does an outstanding job on serving the community on AVVO and has an outstanding reputation in her community.
Heather Morcroft, Family Attorney on Sep 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is consistent and considerate in her answers on this forum, and shows a thorough knowledge of family law.
Sheadyn Rogers, Family Attorney on Aug 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sema has demonstrated excellent legal knowledge in the fields of family law, immigration, and criminal defense. She is a valuable asset to those in need of legal help. I would have no reservations in recommending her to clients in her local community.
Gregory Buckley, Family Attorney on Aug 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sema Yildirim is a great asset to the Avvo community and is always willing to share her knowledge with others.
Virginia Alvarez, Immigration Attorney on Aug 28, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Yildirm has provided valuable responses and guidance to the AVVo community. Based on this I believe she would be effective to counsel to those requiring immigratory representation.
Robert Stumpf, Unknown Attorney on Aug 24, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Kristopher Reilly, Family Attorney on Aug 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Yildirim provides solid and well thought out advice to the users of the Avvo community. This attorney comes highly recommended.
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