Azhar Cheema
About Azhar Cheema, Esq.
Azhar Cheema is a Tampa family law attorney with experience handling contested court proceedings, depositions, mediations, settlement negotiations, discovery, legal research, and case strategy.
His work has included preparing and arguing contested family law matters, evaluating evidence, drafting pleadings and motions, negotiating with opposing counsel, preparing witnesses, and representing clients through evidentiary hearings and trials.
Azhar approaches each case by identifying the issues that actually require resolution, reviewing the available evidence, and determining whether the matter is better addressed through negotiation, mediation, or contested court proceedings.
Family Law Litigation Experience
Azhar has worked on family law matters at several Tampa law firms, developing experience in both negotiated and litigated cases.
His work has included:
- developing litigation strategies
- preparing arguments for contested hearings
- drafting pleadings and motions
- preparing discovery requests and responses
- conducting depositions
- evaluating evidence
- legal research
- preparing witnesses
- settlement negotiations
- mediation
- evidentiary hearings
- trial preparation and trial
This background allows him to evaluate a family law dispute from both a settlement and litigation perspective rather than assuming every case should follow the same path.
Prior Tampa Legal Experience
Before establishing his current practice, Azhar gained extensive litigation experience at several Tampa-based law firms. From August 2023 to June 2026, he served as an Associate Attorney, developing litigation strategies, drafting pleadings and motions, handling discovery, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in contested hearings and mediation.
From December 2022 to August 2023, he worked as an Associate Attorney at another Tampa law firm, focusing on legal research, case evaluation, depositions, and court proceedings.
Azhar began his legal career at a Tampa law firm in 2021, initially joining as a Legal Intern before advancing to Law Clerk and eventually Associate Attorney. In these roles, he worked directly with clients, assessed case facts and legal merits, drafted pleadings and motions, analysed evidence, and researched applicable laws. He also assisted with hearing preparation, developed case strategies, and negotiated with opposing counsel.
Through these positions, Azhar developed a strong foundation in litigation, negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution, gaining the experience and practical skills he brings to his current practice.
Preparing Family Law Cases for Settlement or Court
Preparing a family law case requires careful planning, a clear understanding of the legal issues, and a strategy that reflects each client’s circumstances. Azhar begins by reviewing case details, identifying disputed matters, examining relevant documents, and evaluating the legal options available.
When settlement is possible, Azhar helps clients prepare for negotiations and mediation. He focuses on understanding their priorities, reviewing financial records and supporting evidence, assessing proposed settlement terms, and identifying practical solutions that may help resolve disagreements without unnecessary court proceedings.
Not every family law dispute can be resolved through negotiation. When litigation becomes necessary, Azhar uses his courtroom experience to prepare legal arguments, organize evidence, draft necessary court documents, and address issues that may arise during hearings. He also helps clients understand court procedures, potential outcomes, and important decisions throughout the process.
Whether a case involves divorce, property division, child custody, or other family law matters, Azhar emphasizes thorough preparation, clear communication, and practical legal guidance to help clients work toward a favourable resolution.
Education
Azhar earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, and was the recipient of a 100% Tuition Honors Scholarship.
During law school, he received multiple Certificates of Merit for earning the highest grade in his class.
Azhar served as a member of the Moot Court Board, a Resource Editor for the Law Review, and an Associate Editor for the Journal of Practical & Clinical Law. He was also nominated for Student of the Year.
Family Law Publications
Azhar’s experience with Florida family law also includes legal writing and publication work.
Florida Dissolution of Marriage
Azhar served as an Assistant Author of the Alimony chapter of Florida Dissolution of Marriage, 15th Edition.
Tampa Bay Magazine
His published work includes:
Limiting Private Financial Disclosures
and
Setting Aside a Premarital Agreement
These publications reflect his work with legal issues involving financial privacy, alimony, and marital agreements.
Professional Organizations
Azhar’s professional involvement includes:
The Stann Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa
The Inn brings together judges, lawyers, and other members of the legal profession with an interest in family law and professional development.
The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division
Azhar has also been involved with the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division.
A Litigation Background Focused on Preparation
Family law cases can involve disputed testimony, conflicting evidence, financial records, prior agreements, discovery disputes, and factual disagreements that cannot always be resolved informally.
Azhar’s background includes preparing cases at each stage of that process.
He has experience assessing the merits of a matter, developing case strategy, drafting court filings, conducting depositions, negotiating with opposing counsel, participating in mediation, and preparing arguments and evidence for hearings and trials.
Rather than adding unnecessary conflict, the focus is on identifying what must be proven, what information is needed, and what procedural steps are appropriate for the case.
Working With Attorney Azhar Cheema
Clients working with Azhar receive legal representation informed by experience with both settlement negotiations and contested family law proceedings.
Depending on the matter, representation may involve reviewing existing court filings, evaluating evidence, preparing discovery, taking or defending depositions, negotiating proposed terms, preparing for mediation, or presenting disputed issues before the court.
When a case can be reasonably resolved, settlement may avoid unnecessary litigation.
When court intervention is required, Azhar’s experience with evidentiary hearings, depositions, mediation, and trials provides a foundation for preparing the case for contested proceedings.