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Sema Yildirim

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Avvo Rating9.4
  • Tampa, FL
  • Licensed for 18 years
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About Sema

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

  1. Family: 70%

    Divorce, Child-Support and Custody (Timesharing/Visitation), Relocation, Alimony.

    18 years

  2. Criminal defense: 15%

    18 years

  3. Immigration: 15%

Languages spoken

German, Turkish

Photos and videos

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Contact

The Law Offices of Sema Yildirim, P.A.

602 South Boulevard
Tampa, FL, 33606

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    FLMember in Good Standing200403/28/2022
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers469
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate Granted
    Avvo Rating 10Avvo2019
    Client's Choice AwardAvvo2018
    18 Positive ReviewsAvvo2018
    Community Outreach Pupilage GroupStann W. Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa2017
    Citizenship Project PresentationSuncoast UMCM2017
    PresentationTampa Bay Paralegal Association2016
    Marital and Family Law Section Executive BoardHillsborough County Bar Association2013
    Top ContributerAvvo2012
    Member of Stan Givens Inn of CourtStan Givens Inn of Court2010
    Member of AILAAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association2006
    work experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PresidentThe Law Offices of Sema Yildirim, P.A.2004 - Present
    associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Suncoast UMCM Citizenship ProjectPresentation2016 - 2016
    Tampa Bay Paralegal AssociationPresentation2016 - 2016
    Hillsborough County Bar Association, Family Law SectionExecutive Board Member2013 - 2016
    Stan Givens Inn CourtMember2010 - 2018
    Stann Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of TampaMASTER and CHAIR of the COMMUNITY OUTREACH PUPILAGE GROUP2009 - 2018
    American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember2006 - 2008
    publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Hillsborough County Bar Association's LAWYER magazineThe Pitfall of International Love2015
    education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Stetson University College of Law2003
    speaking engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Suncoast UMCM Citizenship ProjectImmigrants and Family Law: How the law can help you2017
    Suncoast UMCM Citizenship ProjectImmigrants and Family Law: How the law can help you2017
    TBPA Monthly Luncheon EventFamily Law and Timesharing2017
    legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    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

    Reviews

    5.0 stars5.0 (27)
    5 Star
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    4 Star
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    Review Sema Yildirim

    Chuck H.

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Attorney

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Exceptionally good beyond expectation

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    BEST AT WHAT SHE DOES

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    You need a Strong Lawyer ? You found her right here!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    The Aggressive Lawyer you need for a Contested Divorce

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    divorce attorney

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Best Choice

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Beyond Excellent - Exceeded Expectations

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Awesome, Honest, and Straightforward Lawyer

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

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    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (31)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Johnny G DeGirolamo

    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.

    Lawyer Mayra L. Calo

    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

    Lawyer Johnny G DeGirolamo

    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.

    Lawyer Mayra L. Calo

    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

    Lawyer Martin John Hernandez

    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

    No photo

    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.

    Lawyer Elif Keles

    Elif Keles, Immigration Attorney on Sep 11, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Sean Cleary

    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.

    Lawyer Peter Joseph Lamont

    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.

    Lawyer Bryce A. Fetter

    Bryce Fetter, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 16, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Dean George Tsourakis

    Dean Tsourakis, Family Attorney on Sep 12, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Syed Sharik Ahmed

    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.

    Lawyer Ashraf Sami Salem

    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.

    Lawyer Theresa Nadege Jean-Pierre

    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.

    Lawyer Emel Ersan

    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.

    Lawyer Joseph Franklin Pippen Jr.

    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.

    Lawyer Heather Morcroft

    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.

    Lawyer Sheadyn Reaves Rogers

    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.

    Lawyer Gregory Thomas Buckley

    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.

    Lawyer Virginia Giselle Alvarez

    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.

    Lawyer Robert A. Stumpf

    Robert Stumpf, Unknown Attorney on Aug 24, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    No photo

    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.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates $150-$300/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card