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Dana Laganella Gerling

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Dana Laganella Gerling
Dana Laganella Gerling
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About Dana

Dana Laganella Gerling has been nominated again in 2020 as a Super Lawyer; this is the tenth year she has been on the Florida Super Lawyers Magazine list. Only 2.5 % of lawyers in Florida receive such designation.  She has also been voted as Legal Elite for a sixth year in Florida Trend Magazine. Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group has won People’s Choice Award from the Bradenton Herald for Favorite Attorney for eight years.  Dana is a dedicated community leader who primarily practices in areas of law that include: Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration and Elder Law.

Dana is originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and graduated Cum Laude. She was awarded the Best Advocate of the Northeast Region and was voted Best Attorney in East Manatee County by Living Out East Magazine.  It is Dana’s commitment to providing quality, affordable legal services that has won her respect and acclaim from both her peers and her clients.  She truly enjoys her work. Her passion for helping people in her community is evident in her dedication to providing education on important topics, including Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney’s and Health Care Surrogates.  Further, as a founding partner of Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group Chartered, Dana’s commitment to protecting the interests of her clients has become the focus of this client centered firm.

She is currently President of the Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers for her third term and has also served on the Board of Directors with the Sarasota County Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Dana is a member of both the Manatee County and Sarasota County Bar Associations. She formerly served on the Board of the Sarasota County Humane Society, Manatee County Animal Control Advisory Board, and the advisory Board of the Pinellas Animal Foundation.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Finance from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, graduating with honors. Dana is a mother of two little girls as well as being an animal lover, providing a loving home for two dogs and two bunnies of her own.  She is a strong supporter of all animal related organizations in the community.

Practice areas

OtherTrustsWills and living willsEstate planningProbate
  1. Probate: 30%

  2. Estate planning: 30%

  3. Wills and living wills: 15%

  4. Trusts: 15%

  1. Power of attorney: 10%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1263882 1469634520

Contact

6148 State Road 70 E
address map

6148 State Road 70 E
Bradenton, FL, 342039707

Website
http://www.gerlinglawgroup.com

9040 Town Center Parkway
Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34202

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing200112/20/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers115
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Super LawyersSuper Laywers Magazine2018
Florida Legal Trend MagazineLegal Elite2018
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2018
People's ChoiceBradenton Herald2017
Best Attorney in East Manatee CountyLiving Out East Magazine2009
Best Up And Coming AttorneyFlorida Legal Trend Magazine2008
Best Attorney in East Manatee CountyLiving Out East Magazine2007
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Managing PartnerAffordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group2003 - Present
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Inn of Court - Manatee CountyMembership Chair2015 - Present
Manatee County Florida Association of Women LawyersMember2007 - Present
Manatee County Bar Association, Probate, Trust, Estate Planning and Tax SectionMember2002 - Present
Manatee County Florida Association of Women LawyersPresident2018 - 2019
American Inn of Court - Manatee CountyHospitality Chair2014 - 2015
Kaiser CollegeAdvisory Board for Paralegals2010 - 2013
Manatee County Animal Advisory BoardBoard Member2008 - 2009
Manatee County Florida Association of Women LawyersPresident2005 - 2007
Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)Board of Directors2003 - 2005
Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)Member2003 - 2008
Sarasota County Humane SocietyBoard Member2002 - 2003
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Quinnipiac University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2001
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Free Educational SeminarsProbate Avoidance, Estate Planning2015

Reviews

(57)
5 Star
98%
4 Star
2%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Dana Gerling

Excellent Experience

Posted by

I retained Dana Laganella’s law firm after researching several attorney’s in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. Her office responded expediently, provided accurate information and was welcoming. From my first encounter to the settlement I found their communication consistent and exemplary. A lawsuit is a highly stressful situation, and difficult for the lay person to understand at times. Dana and her staff guided me through the process with friendly professionalism. Her encompassing expertise was evident on many occasions. I also noticed that her colleagues held a high regard for her demeanor and knowledge. Some of my questions and concerns throughout the proceedings might have seemed trivial to Dana and her staff but they patiently helped me understand. Dana and her staff felt like friends by the time my case was completed. I have had occasion to request information from them in the approximately two years since the case was closed and have continued to receive their trademark service. That tells a lot about the character of the office. Since my case, I have recommended Ms. Laganella’s office to several friends who required legal assistance. I have heard they are as happy as I was from the service and results received. Oustanding customer service, sharp legal minds and a consummate effort to satisfy clients — that is what I received from Ms. Laganella’s office.

David H. Rosenberg, Esq.

Posted by

I have had the opportunity to work with Dana many times over the past few years and have found her to be professional and well versed in her practice areas. Additionally, Dana has brought a high level of customer service to the legal profession which is generally unheard of. I have no hesitation in making referrals to Dana!

Attorney Review of Ms Dana Gerling, Esq.

Posted by

I had the opportunity to work with Dana Gerling to create a trust upon my becoming a resident of Florida in 2019. She was detailed, explained everything, made recommendations and handled all the details. I felt very comfortable with her and her staff. Subsequently I had to go to probate on my husband's estate and she handled all of the paperwork very efficiently and in a caring manner as the probate work had to be done in concert with and estate litigation attorny. Ms Gerling worked in concert with the litigation attorney and all documents were sent to me electronically in a timely manner as I had gone back to NJ for the summer of 2020. Her administrative assistant, Ms. Howser, kept on top of all documents that had to be signed and would call me to follow up. In spite of the angst of probate, Ms. Gerling was extremely helpful and got the job done.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding Service

Posted by

From our first consultation to our documents signing Dana and her staff provided courteous and professional service and guidance. We felt confident that our wishes and concerns were addressed. We are extremely happy with the service and attentiveness we received.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great experience. Made it so easy for us.

Posted by

Well worth our time. Dana Gerling took the time to explain every aspect of the Trust and wills. She and her staff were so professional and never once made us feel that our que. were not important to them. They keep us informed along the way and every meeting was met on a timely bases. We want to thank her and the staff for guiding us through this to us difficult process.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great focused and pragmatic advice/services

Posted by

Dana and her team were great at getting us through our estate planning in an efficient way, and ensuring we understood any decisions we made (family trust, wills, DPOA and healthcare surrogate) Wholeheartedly recommend her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Review for Dana Gerling

Posted by

Dana was very well prepared and answered questions with language and reasons that were understandable. All costs for services were right up front so there were no surprises.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Estate Planning, Pet Trusts

Posted by

Dana was outstanding. We needed special personalized attention for our trust and pet trusts for our cats and dogs. She took lots of time to listen to our wishes and concerns and addressed them thoroughly. She provided exceptional thoughtful solutions to our needs.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Estate Planning

Posted by

Dana was very helpful; she explained everything really well; thorough and supportive.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding Lawyer, Ms. Dana Laganella Gerling

Posted by

Ms. Laganella Gerling is efficient and patient. She is also very professional and easy to communicate with. I recall asking her some questions more than once and she was not irritated. She also made sure we used the time we had with her efficiently/wisely and this helped us save some money/time. The people who works in the office were friendly, professional and you could tell they enjoyed working at the law firm. We are extremely pleased with our visits with Ms. Laganella Gerling.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(26)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Joseph Battaglia, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 30, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Dana. Dana is knowledgeable, personable, and an excellent counselor to her clients. I would not hesitate to refer a client to her.

Alyson Battaglia, Probate Attorney on Jun 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dana personally for years and have used her for all matters of probate and estate planning. She is highly effective and an excellent communicator. I would recommend her to anyone I know in need of this type of legal service.

Rebecca Proctor

I endorse this lawyer.

Danielle Lindauer

I endorse this lawyer. Dana is a strong and knowledgeable attorney. She works hard for her clients and her community. I have complete confidence in her legal representation of my friends and clients.

Gerald O'Brien, Elder law Attorney on Jul 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dana for many years, she is ethical, intelligent, skilled, and compassionate. I endorse Dana without reservation

Andrea Johnson, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 27, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Dana for many years in our profession. I have found her to be well prepared, diligent, and hard working in all she does for her clients. She is one of the most trusted attorneys I know. I highly recommend Dana and her law firm and am proud of the professionalism and intellect she brings to the legal community.

Charles Moore, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 9, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Dana is a very experienced attorney who has handled a variety of estate planning and probate related matters. She is also very personable. I highly recommend this lawyer.

Sherry Ellis, Wills and living wills Attorney on Oct 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dana for 10 years. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her high energy serves her practice and clients well. Dana respects people of all walks of life and animals too. She has worked cases in protecting the rights of animals/pets and their owners.

Aaron Tracy, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mrs. Gerling provides quality legal services at more than reasonable rates.

Kevin Burke, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ms Gerlings's answers on Avvo demonstrate a depth of knowledge of estate planning law and a profound ability to analyze complex legal problems. I am happy to endorse her.

Cindy Hill, Estate planning Attorney on May 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Dana is not only a talented lawyer, but also a caring person. Recognizing that the expense of legal services can be a great concern for many people, she makes an effort to work with her clients to provide the services they need at a cost they can afford. I therefore do not hesitate to refer people who contact me regarding a need for estate planning to Dana, confident that they will be well taken care of.

Jason Reid, Estate planning Attorney on May 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I personally know Dana Gerling as a very experienced and talented attorney practicing in the areas of trusts and estates, probate, and wills. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney in these practice areas.

Telese McKay, Estate planning Attorney on May 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Not only have I worked with her on a professional level, I have gone to her for my personal estate planning purposes as a client. She was very thorough and followed up well to make sure the work and documentation was done in a timely manner. She is also very friendly, which makes working with her as an attorney enjoyable and comfortable.

Terri Cromley, Wills and living wills Attorney on Jul 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Dana is an excellent attorney. She is very well respected in the Bradenton area. She was instrumental in planning the "Wills for Heroes" where first responders can obtain wills free of charge from local attorneys.

David Rosenberg, Probate Attorney on Apr 5, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

It is not uncommon to come accross a probate matter in the course of my real estate practice. Dana is the person I trust to handle these issues She is excellent at getting to the crux of the matter and helping to keep my transaction moving forward. Additionally, she has done an excellent job with a number of my clients on their estate planning.

Patricia Fradley, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 1, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I've worked with Dana on a number of Pre-Nuptial agreements, and have referred many clients with Estate Planning needs to her. I've only received positive feedback from my clients. She is very personable and takes the time to listen to their concerns. Her staff is extremely efficient and very helpful whenever I call or email. I endorse her without reservation.

Michelle Liguori, Trusts Attorney on Jan 20, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Dana is very easy to work with. She has helped me out with client matters when I needed Florida counsel, and she has also done estate planning and trusts for my own parents. She has great knowledge about her practice area and is very accommodating when it comes to her clients' needs. I have repeatedly recommended Dana to friends, family and anyone else in need of legal services in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

Tracey Starrett, Trusts Attorney on Aug 11, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. I would (and do) recommend her to anyone seeking a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and responsive attorney to help them with their estate planning.

Crystal Golm, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 6, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. She is extremely intelligent, insightful and compassionate. Dana is well-respected in our community.

Alyssa Nohren, Wills and living wills Attorney on Jul 14, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$225-$250/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
OTHER BILLING TYPES
  • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.10%-20%
PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check