Yahima Hernandez, ESQ.

Partner

Yahima Y. Hernandez immigrated with her immediate family to the U.S. from Cuba in 1995. She graduated with honors and received her Bachelor in Psychology from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. Upon graduation, Yahima worked at the Presbyterian Church National Offices supporting international volunteers’ missions to end world hunger.

She moved to Florida in 2003 to pursue her legal career at Stetson University College of Law. She successfully completed her studies and obtained her license to practice law from the Supreme Court of Florida.

She went into private practice, partnering with her colleague and former Stetson classmate, C. Christine Smith. She has advocated for immigrants’ rights for more than ten years. Yahima is active in the community spending hours assisting families where legal advice is most needed. She pays particular attention to educating migrant workers about their rights.

She loves spending time with family and friends. Her family is incredibly supportive and credited in part with her success. She has one son who attends college and makes her immensely proud. Traveling, gardening, visiting museums and attending performing arts events are some of her favorite leisure activities.

Professional Organizations

  • Recipient of Civics Leadership award by the Tampa Hispanic Heritage (Class of 2016)
  • Awarded the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award for performing outstanding pro bono service to the community (2006)
  • Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (2009-Present)
  • Member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association (2009-Present)
  • Co-chaired the HCBA’s Immigration Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association (2012-2014)
  • Sheriff Hispanic Advisory Council member of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (2014-2016)
  • Columnist for La Gaceta newspaper focusing on immigration topics (2013-2016)
  • Speaker/Volunteer at various events benefiting migrant workers throughout the year (2006-Present)

Practice Areas

  • Individual Immigration
  • Family Immigration
  • Green Cards & Visas
  • Detentions & Deportations
  • Work in the USA
  • Naturalization & Citizenship

Education & Bar Admission

  • B.A., Psychology, University of Louisville
  • J.D., Stetson University
  • Florida Bar