By Kathy L. Collins
“Equality before the law is not just a legal principle to me; it is my entire reason for being an attorney, mediator, law clerk and public servant,” said Isabel Cissy Boza Sevelin (Cissy Sevelin), candidate for Circuit Court Judge in Group 24.
Sevelin stated, “My dedication and involvement with our community sets me apart from others who are running in my group. I am compassionate about providing life-changing legal assistance to the poor and oppressed in our community. I have dedicated more than 2,500 hours in pro bono legal services since October 2013. I am dedicated to following the rule of law as written and not as I wish it to be.”
Throughout her life, Sevelin has worked in a variety of fields before becoming an attorney. She began working at the age of 12 when she went to work at Olympia Bakery in Tampa. Sevelin received her Associate of Arts Degree from Hillsborough Community College in 1989 and graduated from the University of South Florida with a dual major in accounting and finance in 1995.
Sevelin has worked as an accountant, a loan officer and a small business owner. Sevelin became an attorney in 2002 and worked as a mediator and then as a Bankruptcy Law Clerk for the judges in the Middle District of Florida for nine years. During that time, Sevelin wrote thousands of legal opinions.
Sevelin has been a sole practitioner in Thonotosassa since 2013. However, she is not in a traditional practice. This is because 100 percent of Sevelin’s practice is devoted to pro bono work. Her clients are financially disadvantaged and cannot afford representation.
Sevelin explained, “The general nature of my current practice is representing indigent clients in various areas of the law such as Domestic Violence Injunction Hearings, Family/Domestic Relations, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Advance Directives, and Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency Hearings.” Sevelin is also a Certified Family Mediator where she deals with custody, child support, division of property and other family law matters.
“I personally understand what it takes to accomplish goals in life and be able to set aside potential legal obstacles. While raising three children and working full time, I was able to attend college and complete my education,” said Sevelin. “I believe that I have the credentials, the spirit and the experience to pursue the opportunity to become a member of the judiciary. I hope you will vote for me on Tuesday, August 30.”
For more information, visit www.cissysevelin4judge.com.
