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Contact
Email
sdiefenbach@walkerlambe.com
Phone
(844) 257-6223
Address
240 Leigh Farm Rd., Durham, NC, 27707, US
Professional
About
Shirley M. Diefenbach is an accomplished attorney based in Durham, NC, specializing in Estate Planning and Tax Law at Walker Lambe, PLLC. Her legal career began in New York, where she honed her expertise as an associate at a nationally recognized Elder Law and Estate Planning firm. Over the years, Shirley has successfully guided hundreds of families through the complexities of estate planning, trust administration, and tax-related matters, ensuring that her clients' wishes are honored and their legacies protected. Shirley received her Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City, where she distinguished herself as the Internet Editor of the Arts & Entertainment Law Journal. Additionally, she actively participated in the Tax Clinic, representing low-income taxpayers in various issues including audits, administrative appeals, and tax collection cases. Her academic foundation is complemented by a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. Admitted to practice law in both New York and North Carolina, Shirley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients. She is committed to providing personalized legal solutions that address each client's unique needs and circumstances in estate planning and tax law. Outside of her legal practice, Shirley enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband, Scott, whom she married in 1999, and their son, Nathan, born in 2008. She values quality time spent with loved ones and enjoys cooking and traveling, experiences that enrich her personal and professional life.
About Trusts Law
Trust attorneys help individuals and families create and administer trusts for asset protection, tax planning, and wealth transfer. Common matters include trust creation, trust administration, trust disputes, special needs trusts.
Credentials
Education
2003 Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law JD - Juris Doctor 1998 University of Maryland, College Park BS - Bachelor of Science
Languages
English | Hebrew
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
2017 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell 2003 Advocate, Tax clinic 1998 Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Outstanding Senior
Publications
2015 News & Observer Providing for your Pets After Your're Gone 2013 Walker Lambe Newsletter What do do when a loved one passes away
Associations
2018 - Present North Carolina Bar Association, Elder Law Section Board Member 2013 - Present Durham-Orange Estate Planning Council Member North Carolina Bar Association Member Durham County Bar Association Member Wake County Bar Association Member
Speaking
2017 Estate Planning 101 Estate Planning 2016 Who will take care of my cat when I'm gone Pet Trusts and Estate Planning 2016 Wake County Public Schools Adult Education Estate Planning 2016 A Coffee & Conversation Series Estate Planning 101: Trusts 2015 Pet Trusts Pet Trusts
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Updated: Jun 08, 2026