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, Leonard’s practice encompasses the full spectrum of activities attendant to the employment relationship.

Exclusively representing management, Leonard routinely consults with employers on the development, application and implementation of policies and procedures which can help them avoid employment related claims and the disruption which they can cause. Fluent in the state and federal statutory scheme pertaining to labor and employment matters, Leonard is a frequent 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.

With a traditional labor background, Leonard represents employers who face claims brought under the Florida Public Employee Relations Act. His practice includes assisting employers with union elections and collective bargaining. He has experience negotiating union contracts for law enforcement agencies, school boards and counties.

A significant portion of Leonard's practice is in education law.  He is the school board attorney for the Suwannee County School Board and provides legal counsel to numerous other school board and charter schools in Florida. Well versed in the state and federal statutes governing the employment relationship, Leonard has litigated claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act including those alleging discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin and pregnancy. He has represented employers in cases brought under the Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA), the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Florida Civil Rights Act, Chapter 760. He has represented clients in public sector whistle blower 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 have included healthcare providers, sheriffs, cities, school boards, police departments, counties and the State of Florida.

Leonard has represented law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Florida for more than twenty years.  He has defended police chiefs and sheriffs in employment and civil rights claims in both federal and state courts.   Leonard has also defended complex use-of-force, wrongful death and false arrest claims.  He also provides advise to the Florida Police Chiefs Association and is a frequent lecturer at their conferences on a wide variety of topics.

Outside of litigation, he is a frequent speaker to management on employment issues and public records topics.