Diffenderfer Named President At Lewis, Longman & Walker

Lewis, Longman & Walker P.A. has named Michelle Diffenderfer as president of the firm, effective Jan. 1.

Diffenderfer began her career with LLW as a law clerk in 1994, moving from associate to shareholder in 1999. She has served as practice group leader for various practice groups within LLW, chaired LLW’s Business Development Committee and was elected executive shareholder as a member of the firm’s executive committee.

In addition to her leadership within the firm, Diffenderfer maintains an active environmental practice, assisting landowners, businesses and governments with local, state and federal requirements for permitting land development and infrastructure projects.

“Michelle was elected president by her fellow shareholders, which reflects her exceptional contributions and dedication to the firm,” said Ed Ratka, chief operating officer. “I’m confident that Michelle’s strong leadership will help keep LLW on our path of continued growth.”

Diffenderfer was honored by the appointment. “I am thrilled to step into this leadership role for our law firm,” she said. “I have been blessed to be a part of LLW’s first 20 years and appreciate the numerous opportunities that my partners have given me to succeed. I look forward to paying that forward as our president.”

Diffenderfer is a past chair of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, the Florida Bar’s Environmental and Land Use Law Section, and Girls II Women. She has also served in various leadership roles with the American Bar Association’s Environment, Energy and Resources section. She received the chamber’s Athena Award in 2008 and is in the current class of Leadership Florida.

Diffenderfer can be reached at (561) 640-0820 or mdiffenderfer@llw-law.com. For more information, visit www.llwlaw.com.

ABOVE: Michelle Diffenderfer