West Palm Beach, Fla., July 25, 2014 – Lewis, Longman & Walker Shareholder Michelle Diffenderfer has been accepted into the 33^rd Class of Leadership Florida. Mrs. Diffenderfer was selected among outstanding Florida leaders that are chosen for their abilities, passion for the state, and commitment to help make great things happen for Florida.  Ms. Diffenderfer will participate in the eight-month educational program that consists of five two and three-day sessions held in cities throughout the state. LLW Shareholder Brenna Durden and LLW Director of Corporate Affairs Sean Alveshire are graduates of Leadership Florida.

The mission of Leadership Florida is to continually discover and convene committed individuals, enhancing and recharging their leadership skills by introducing them to a powerful community through whom they find knowledge and inspiration.  Leadership Florida includes sessions on issues critical to Florida, leadership skills assessment and training, and relevant information on Florida’s history, demography, diversity, and opportunities.

The over 1,500 graduates of Leadership Florida are men and women who serve as chief executive officers of some of Florida’s top corporations, mayors of major cities, executives of pivotal non-profit groups, and leading academicians.  Their commitment to local and state community is witnessed through their collective services on over 5,000 boards of companies and organizations throughout the state.

Her practice focuses on environmental, water, natural resources, and land use law, specifically, permitting and enforcement.  Mrs. Diffenderfer Chairs Lewis, Longman & Walker’s Natural Resources and Everglades Practice Groups. Mrs. Diffenderfer is the Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section on Environment, Energy and Resources, Special Committee on Communications and External Relations; a Past-Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches; a Past-Chair of the Environmental and Land Use Law Section of the Florida Bar.

Mrs. Diffenderfer was selected in 2010 – 2012 as a Florida Super Lawyer and received the ATHENA® Award in 2008 which honors individuals that have achieved professional excellence, actively served the community, and helped women to reach their leadership potential. Michelle is also a member of the United Way Leadership Circle of Palm Beach County.

“Michelle continues to shine as a leader within our law firm and in our community, and it’s no surprise to me that Leadership Florida has recognized those exceptional qualities as well.” said Kenneth Spillias, Managing Shareholder for Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

For 20 years, the attorneys at Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., have helped the individuals, businesses and governments that have shaped Florida’s future. We offer solutions to issues associated with complex local, state, and federal laws and regulations. We focus on the specific, technical and seemingly ever-changing areas of Environmental, Land Use and Governmental Law.  For more information, visit www.llw-law.com 

Our offices are in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and West Palm Beach. Wherever you are, we’re nearby.

###