Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group Chartered was founded by Rodney Gerling and Dana Laganella as a culmination of their shared vision to create a client centered firm which could service all the legal needs of the average Floridian family, from estate planning and small business creation to personal injury and criminal defense.  The firm has been built on providing sound legal advice and services, gaining the confidence and respect of clients, and restoring the clients’ belief and trust in their Attorney, all while charging an affordable fee.  We use state of the art software, employ a dedicated and professional staff, and are committed to continuing education.

Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group began as a commitment to provide quality, affordable legal services to the Bradenton community.  That commitment has grown as the firm has expanded to include Manatee and Sarasota counties.  We currently have offices in both Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch for your convenience.

Our Attorneys

Rodney Gerling, Partner

Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Rodney Gerling is the firm’s Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, and Civil litigation Attorney.  He attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut.  He has been admitted to the Florida Bar and the Federal Bar.  Rodney is also a member of the Manatee County and Sarasota County Bar Associations in addition to the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He began his legal career at the Sarasota County Public Defender’s Office where he handled thousands of cases, served as Lead Attorney on over 50 Jury Trials, and became familiar with the local Judges and State Attorneys.  He has parlayed that experience into a winning record as a defense attorney.  As a staunch advocate for individual rights, Rodney firmly believes that every American should be afforded the right to an attorney.

Rodney earned his undergraduate degree in biological science from the University of Missouri and is a die hard Mizzou Tiger.  He is also a proud supporter of the Sarasota County Humane Society and Manatee Animal Network.

Dana Laganella, Partner

Originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dana Laganella practices in Estate Planning, Elder Law, Corporations, Personal Injury and Workers Compensation law.  She is licensed to practice law in both the State of Florida and the State of New Jersey. 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 President of the Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers 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 serves on the Board of the Sarasota County Humane Society, Manatee County Animal Control Advisory Board, and the advisory Board of the Pinellas Animal Foundation. Dana has also been appointed to serve on the Animal Law Committee of the Florida Bar for her third one year term.

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