Leonard J. Dietzen

Leonard Dietzen concentrates his practice on the representation of private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. From consulting with clients to representing them in administrative proceedings and litigation, his practice encompasses the full spectrum of activities attendant to the employment relationship.

With a traditional labor background, Leonard represents employers who face claims brought under the Florida Public Employee Relations Act. He assists employers with union grievances and collective bargaining, including negotiating union contracts for law enforcement agencies, school boards and counties.

Leonard litigates claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act including those alleging discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin and pregnancy. He represents employers in cases brought under the Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Florida Civil Rights Act, Chapter 760. He represents clients in public sector whistleblower claims, workers’ compensation retaliation claims as well as state and federal constitutional claims and claims brought under 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, 1983 and 1985. Leonard’s clients include sheriffs, cities, school boards, police departments, counties and the State of Florida.

A significant portion of Leonard’s practice is in education law. He is the school board attorney for both the Suwannee and Walton Counties School Board, and provides legal counsel to numerous other school boards and charter schools in Florida. He is well versed in the state and federal statutes governing the employment relationship.

For more than 25 years, Leonard has been representing law enforcement agencies throughout Florida. He has defended police chiefs and sheriffs in employment and civil rights claims in both federal and state courts. Leonard defends complex use-of-force, wrongful death and false arrest claims, and serves as General Counsel to the Florida Police Chiefs Association. He is a frequent lecturer at their conferences on a wide variety of topics.

Fluent in the state and federal statutory scheme pertaining to labor and employment matters, Leonard is a frequently and sought after speaker on employment issues. He is often asked to speak at trade association meetings and invited to make presentations to public and private employers alike. Leonard also serves as the Administrative Partner of the Tallahassee office.