Dana Laganella Gerling

Dana Laganella Gerling, an esteemed attorney, has been awarded the coveted AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. As a partner at Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group, in Bradenton, Florida, she focuses on estate planning, probate, elder law and corporations. Her proficiency and services are available throughout the state, making her an invaluable legal resource.

Ms. Gerling’s reputation in the legal industry is built on her commitment to offering affordable legal services. Her clients and peers acclaim her passion for her work, which is apparent from her dedication to educating the community on crucial subjects like wills, trusts, durable power of attorneys and health care surrogates. She takes enormous pride in her ability to provide sound legal counsel while helping people, which sets her apart from her colleagues.

Hailing from a Philadelphia suburb, Ms. Gerling earned her Juris Doctor cum laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut, in 2001. Simultaneously, she obtained her license to practice law in Florida. During her academic tenure, she was acknowledged as the Best Advocate of the Northeast Region and voted the Best Attorney in East Manatee County by Living Out East Magazine. Before her legal studies, she completed her undergraduate degree in business finance at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, graduating with top honors.

An Avvo “Superb” rated attorney, Ms. Gerling, has been named Legal Elite in the 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 issues of Florida Trend Magazine. The magazine also hailed her in its July publications. Additionally, she was distinguished among only 7% of wealth managers in the Sarasota area as a Five Star Wealth Manager in 2009-2014 and 2017 by Sarasota Magazine.

Ms. Gerling is a highly accomplished legal professional and a true champion of women’s rights. She currently holds the position of president at the Manatee County Florida Association for Women Lawyers, marking her third consecutive term with the organization. She has also lent her skills to the Sarasota County Florida Association for Women Lawyers as a past member of its board of directors. Her rich legal acumen extends beyond these associations, as she is a valued member of the Manatee County Bar Association and the Sarasota County Bar Association.

Furthermore, Ms. Gerling’s benevolent spirit has also presented itself in her unwavering support for animal welfare causes. She has served on the board of the Humane Society of Sarasota County, the Manatee County Animal Control Advisory Board and the advisory board of the Pinellas Animal Foundation, earning her a reputation as a community leader and tireless advocate.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.