Skip to main content

Sema Yildirim

  Save
Avvo Rating9.5
  • Tampa, FL
  • Licensed for 17 years
View more
See more Tampa Family lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

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.

Read More

Practice areas

Criminal defenseImmigrationFamily
  1. Family: 70%

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

    17 years

  2. Immigration: 15%

  3. Criminal defense: 15%

    17 years

Languages spoken

German, Turkish

Photos and videos

1272963 1546533698

1272963 1546537195

1272963 1546543537

1272963 1547482969

1272963 1547483714

Contact

The Law Offices of Sema Yildirim, P.A.

602 South Boulevard
Tampa, FL, 33606

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    FLMember in Good Standing200406/11/2021
    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 LawN/A2003
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    TBPA Monthly Luncheon EventFamily Law and Timesharing2017
    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
    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

    (24)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Sema Yildirim

    BEST AT WHAT SHE DOES

    Posted by

    I work in the medical legal field and when faced with divorce I asked my colleagues about who to work with. Sema came highly recommend and now I know why. Divorce is an awful thing and Sema guides you through the process with experience, professionalism, and a firm yet gentle hand. You are not a case number with her. She takes the time you need to understand a process that I hope I only have to go through once. Even though I work within the legal system, this is not my field. I’m grateful to have Sema on my side. She’s meticulous and makes sure that everything that can be done is done. She’s protecting myself and my family and has literally changed the landscape of my divorce. I would recommend Sema highly, and without hesitation and I am EXTREMELY picky. SHE’S THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

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

    Posted by

    First, i would like to thank Sema for taken care of my divorce case about 4 years ago also other cases. I would like to point out that she does a remarkable job where she will dominately fight for your rights. During the whole process as she made it as smooth , as my lawyer she has also guided me with her empowering personality which guided me to become a stronger with her outstanding positive energy and credulous work ethic she has delivered.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    The Aggressive Lawyer you need for a Contested Divorce

    Posted by

    Sema represented me for my contested divorce. My ex husband was vindictive and immoral and Sema immediately understood my situation and gave me the specific advice I needed. She also saw some things I hadn’t and offered some additional ideas. M husband filed a divorce in a different state to make my life miserable, but Sema helped me find a good lawyer in another state and get that case closed due to lack of jurisdiction. She’s very compassionate about what she does and she was always ready for a good fight no matter how ugly the case gets. I’m glad I chose her to help me get out of an ugly marriage. Thank you for making my divorce proceedings less stressful.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    divorce attorney

    Posted by

    The best divorce attorney ever i met with had things done in a smooth and fast way would recommend always For sure could count on her!!!!!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Best Choice

    Posted by

    Sema Yildrim was the best choice I made when choosing my divorce attorney. It was a difficult period for me and with all the emotions she worked with me in a very proffesional manner. Today I got my divorce done with less issues and I'm very happy. She knows exactly what she doing and she will guide you through the process.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Beyond Excellent - Exceeded Expectations

    Posted by

    Sema Yildirim works for you. We consulted with and then hired Sema to assist us with the tedious tasks of renewing my husband’s “green card.” Despite the challenges of government timelines and paperwork, Sema worked tirelessly through the finite details, all the while making sure that we were not stressed. With a calming, caring and wonderfully accepting professional attitude and nature, we plodded together through the process which of courses ended in success. She crosses all her Ts and dots all of her Is. Not only was the journey seamless, but we were treated in her eyes as a fully legitimate and bona fide married couple, even though we are both men. We recommend Sema Yildirim without reservation. You will not be disappointed. In fact, we have hired her again to assist us with the citizenship application! you will absolutely love Sema; she goes above and beyond - exceeding all expectations!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Awesome, Honest, and Straightforward Lawyer

    Posted by

    I am a single father and had no idea of what rights I had as a father of a child out of wedlock. Sema helped explain all of my rights and the process that was involved in securing my paternal rights in the state of Florida. She made no promises and was very honest about the process. In the end I received 50/50 shared custody and did not have to pay child support. I received what was deemed in the best interest of my child, which was what I was seeking. I was referred to Sema by a friend who was very familiar with her work ethic and professionalism. I wish I consulted with her 5 years prior to when I did. I would have been well educated and may have saved myself a lot of grief. I consulted with a couple other attorneys and they did not make me feel comfortable with their approach to representing me in my situation. Sema gave me facts and did not over promise. I would recommend her to anyone family or friend. My conclusion was greater than I expected.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Sema is a Warrior.

    Posted by

    When served with a baseless motion for contempt, I consulted with a few different attorneys before finding Sema. She immediately put my mind at ease. Although the opposing counsel had no incentive to resolve the issue without going to court. (The longer he was able to drag the case out the more he was able to bill the ex-wife.) Sema went to war on my behalf and was able to get a resolution that was far better than I had dared to hope. Her legal mind, professionalism, work ethic and principled approach to the litigation is an asset to anyone who has the wisdom to choose her as their attorney. Had I known about Sema when I was going through my divorce, the outcome would have been far more equitable and much less expensive. Divorce often turns into a war. Do yourself a favor and get the advantage that comes with having Sema Yildirim as your lawyer.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Wonderful!

    Posted by

    Sema was absolutely wonderful! She took care of everything, including all the paper work, notary needs, and just made everything so simple. All I had to do was show up. She was professional, polite, compassionate, and timely. I hope I don't ever need her services again, but if I do, she will be the lawyer I call. Sema, thank you so much for everything. Sorry this took me so long to do. Blessings!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Sema Yildirim's response: Jade it was an absolute pleasure to represent you and I am happy it all worked out for you. I appreciate your review and kind words. Good luck in your future!

    Hire Sema if you want to win!

    Posted by

    I wholeheartedly recommend Sema Yildirim for any of your legal needs. Going through a divorce can be an overwhelming feeling. However, Sema was able to reassure me immediately that she was an excellent lawyer though her demeanor, her knowledge and her confidence in her abilities. I especially appreciated how hands-on Sema was and how diligent she was with communication. We communicated regularly via telephone, email and face to face. So, I was always aware of the progress of my case. I mean this in the nicest way possible but, Sema is a “bulldog” when defending her clients. It was clear to me that she was a tireless advocate for my parental rights and very knowledgeable about case law. Because of Sema’s hard work, I was more than satisfied with the results of my case, Sema, I’ll always appreciate you walking beside me through one of the most trying times of my life. Thanks for everything!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (31)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    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

    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

    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.

    Cost

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

      Cash, Check, Credit Card