As early as second grade, Erum Siddiqui Kistemaker knew she wanted to be a lawyer. In high school, she participated in debate team and was invited to participate in a Model UN international debate at Georgetown University, further solidifying her dream. She attended the University of Florida from 1993-1997 for undergraduate school with her sights set on law school. While at UF, she was a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and the Florida Blue Key with concentrations in Political Science and Journalism.
Kistemaker knew she wanted to practice international law – as she approached the end of her time at UF, she decided to commit to Miami Law because of the strong international law program as well as the cosmopolitan city environment.
While studying at Miami Law from 1997-2000, Kistemaker experienced the extreme tragedy of the loss of her best friend, sorority sister and roommate, Nicki Kleban. Kleban and her friend Amy Buchman were killed by a drunk driver during Kleban’s 2L year at Miami Law. Kistemaker was instrumental in the dedication of a memorial tree - planted in her memory on the Bricks. Community support from her 2L class as well as the administration, professorial staff and law school peers was instrumental in bolstering her success after this horrific experience.
Because of the tragedy, Kistemaker became embedded in the Miami Law community. She was very involved with the Litigation Skills program and was am assistant for Professor Gudridge, assisting with day-to-day tasks as well as his esteemed publications. She also clerked for a federal judge in Miami, working on the notable Elián González case, was a Certified Legal Intern, and worked for the Public Defender’s Office
After graduation and passing the Florida Bar in 2000, Kistemaker worked at the State Attorney’s office for a year. She then moved to Manhattan and passed the New York Bar in 2001. Subsequently, she moved to England where she worked for a large law firm and qualified as a solicitor – achieving her goal of practicing international law. She then returned to Miami in 2003 and worked as an associate at Carlton Fields in the construction and real estate departments. Kistemaker then decided to return to her hometown, where her future husband resided. She acquired the extremely sought-after in-house position of associate general counsel with ICI Homes in Daytona Beach – the largest private builder in the state of Florida. Having honed her real estate and construction law skills, and after having her son in 2007, she made the foray into private practice.
The elements that stand out to Kistemaker about her Miami Law experience are the great networking opportunities in the Miami area and beyond. She noted the beautiful campus, nurturing and familial environment, amazing international student body. and elegant and exclusive feel. Kistemaker is a proud ‘Cane and entered the professional world with vital and practical working knowledge given to her by the stellar programs at Miami Law.
Kistemaker believes her all-encompassing experience at Miami Law has helped her perpetuate such programs in her burgeoning boutique firm, such as her summer associate and summer and year-round-intern programs, as well as expansive training for her team. Through these experiences, she feels UM grads come to her firm more prepared and ready to tackle the tasks imperative to success.
In addition to running her thriving practice, Kistemaker is a voting member of the Florida Bar Condominium & Planned Development Committee and as such, serves as Co-Chair of the Education Sub-Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Senate Bill 4D/154 Substantive Legislative Committee Task Force and Board Certification Course Committee.
Kistemaker embraces time with her husband, son, and tiny Frenchie, and plays competitive tennis. The proud Ormond Beach resident loves going to nice restaurants and is very into fashion. Her new goal is to attend every major tennis tournament. Her parting words for Miami Law alumni: “Go ‘Canes! - and embrace your dreams!”
