Lee County Legal Aid Society housing attorney Sems Al-Bazz admitted to Florida Bar

Multilingual attorney brings international legal experience and focus on housing stability 

Lee County Legal Aid Society announced housing attorney Sems Al‑Bazz was officially admitted to the Florida Bar, enabling her to continue strengthening the organization’s efforts to assist low‑income residents facing urgent housing challenges throughout Lee County. Al-Bazz was sworn in on March 20 by Lee County Judge Javier Pacheco.  

Al‑Bazz represents clients in a broad range of housing matters, including evictions, unlawful lockouts, utility shutoffs, security deposit disputes, lien foreclosures and partition actions. Her work supports individuals and families navigating housing instability while helping preserve safe and stable living conditions. 

“Sems brings an exceptional combination of legal skill, international perspective and dedication to service,” said Andrew Banyai, executive director of Lee County Legal Aid Society. “Housing issues remain one of the most urgent needs in our community, and her experience will help us protect vulnerable residents and keep families safely housed.” 

Admitted to practice New York, Turkey and, as of March, Florida, Al‑Bazz brings a global legal perspective shaped by experience in both the United States and abroad. Prior to relocating to the U.S., she practiced law in Istanbul, where she handled commercial and white‑collar litigation and advised international clients on domestic and cross‑border legal issues. 

Fluent in Turkish, Arabic and English, Al‑Bazz is committed to delivering client‑centered advocacy and expanding access to justice for diverse and underserved communities. 

Since opening its doors in 1967, the organization has focused on protecting vulnerable residents by addressing the systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing the justice system. Its mission extends beyond casework, emphasizing compassionate advocacy, legal education and community engagement.   

Through volunteer involvement, partnerships and programs that support at‑risk youth, families and individuals navigating housing instability, Lee County Legal Aid Society works to strengthen the well‑being and legal resilience of the broader community. 

For more information on Lee County Legal Aid Society, visit LeeCountyLegalAid.org or call 239-334-6118.