LAIRD A. LILE

ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW, diamond & LILE, NAPLES

Lile's firm represents individuals and fiduciaries in complex estate and trust matters. Working through appointments with the Florida Supreme Court and leadership within the Florida Bar, he has led efforts that modernized the state's trust, probate and power-of-attorney laws, shaping the statutes that govern how Floridians plan, protect and pass on their assets. Most recently, he's helped lead recommendations to modernize routine probate proceedings, reforms that will simplify estate administration and improve consistency for courts, practitioners and families statewide.

EDUCATION: College of William & Mary (BBA), Ohio Northern University (JD), University of Miami (Master of Law in Estate Planning)

NEXT BIG FOCUS: Professionally, my focus is helping see Florida's probate modernization efforts through implementation so routine estate administration becomes more efficient and consistent statewide. Personally, I'm proud to see the next generation of my family connected to the law, continuing a legacy that began with my father and now includes my children, Langdon and Allie.

DAILY RITUAL: I perform at my best by rising before the sun and beginning the day's work before the world is awake. The work ethic my parents instilled in me still sets my pace: be prepared, stay focused and do the work until it is done.

FOOD FIX: Fresh Florida stone crab claws and a glass of Clos du Temple rosé.