Anchored in Relationships: Leonard Dietzen’s 20 Years at RK
Anchored in Relationships: Leonard Dietzen’s 20 Years at RK
Sometimes the most meaningful career decisions begin with a simple conversation. For Leonard Dietzen, his path to RumbergerKirk started with an invitation from a colleague to visit the Tallahassee office. During that visit, he met firm co-founder the late Thom Rumberger, and the two quickly bonded over a shared love of fishing and the Florida Keys. A conversation grounded in shared interests ultimately laid the foundation for a professional partnership that has thrived for over 20 years.
When Leonard first joined the firm, his goal was simple. Build a strong litigation practice. Over time, his role naturally grew into leadership, business development and mentoring younger attorneys. He says RumbergerKirk gave him the opportunity to expand his practice across the state while also helping guide the next generation of lawyers along the way.
One memory that stands out is how the firm came together during the COVID-19 pandemic. While everyone shifted to remote work, the team continued to win cases and grow the business. He is also especially proud of his 30-year representation of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the relationships he built with deputies who later became leaders, including sheriffs.
Ask Leonard what he appreciates most about RumbergerKirk and he will quickly say the people. From his 15-year partnership with a trusted paralegal to the attorneys and staff who treat clients like family, the sense of teamwork is what keeps him motivated. That culture has shaped both his career and his daily experience at RumbergerKirk.
Outside the office, Leonard is usually chasing sunshine and water. He loves traveling, boating, flats fishing, pickleball and golf. What most people do not know is that surfing was his first love. He grew up riding waves on Florida’s east coast and even took a surf trip to California and Mexico after his first year of law school.
His advice for new attorneys is straightforward.
“Enjoy practicing law, learn from those around you, work hard and remember that everyone at the firm wants to see you succeed.”
Looking ahead, he is excited to watch younger attorneys step into leadership roles and to see how the firm continues to embrace new tools like Generative AI.
For Leonard, joining RumbergerKirk was the best professional decision he ever made. And after all these years, he is still grateful to be part of a team he describes as exceptional.
“Looking back, that first visit to Tallahassee truly changed the course of my career,” Leonard said. “Joining RumbergerKirk was the best professional decision I ever made. What has kept me here for more than 20 years is the people. I am grateful to be part of a team that values excellence, supports one another and is committed to building the next generation of leaders.”