About Us

Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group Chartered was founded eight years ago by Rodney Gerling and Dana Laganella Gerling 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.  Our family firm has been built on providing sound legal advice and experienced 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. We have been practicing in Manatee and Sarasota counties since 2001. We currently have offices in both Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch for your convenience.

Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group has been nominated for a fourth time as Best Small Law Firm in East Manatee County by Living Out East Magazine and has also received the 2009, 2010 and 2011 People’s Choice Award from the Bradenton Herald for Favorite Attorney in Manatee County.

Our Attorneys

Dana Laganella Gerling, Partner

Originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dana Laganella Gerling practices in Estate Planning, Probate Elder Law, and Corporations.  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 while in law school. She was included among the 2010 and 2011 Rising Stars in Florida Super Lawyers Magazine.  Only 2.5% of lawyers in Florida have received such designation.  Dana Laganella Gerling, was also voted as Legal Elite in the 2009 and 2010 issue of Florida Trend Magazine and was featured in their July publications.  Dana was also named among just 7 percent of the wealth managers in the Sarasota area as a Five Star Wealth Manager in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by Sarasota 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 was President of the Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers for two years 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 is a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Manatee County Estate Planning Council and the Florida Bar Real Property and Estate Planning section. In the past she has 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 because of her love for animals.

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 a cat of her own.  She is a strong supporter of all animal related organizations in the community. Dana also has two adorable little girls, Grace and Lilly, who she loves spending time with when not at work.

Rodney Gerling, Partner

Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Rodney Gerling is the firm’s Personal Injury, Estate Planning, Probate, 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 and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. 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. Rodney also has two adorable little girls, Grace and Lilly, who he loves spending time with when not at work.

Bradenton Florida 6148 State Road 70 East Bradenton, Florida 34203 Telephone: 941-756-6600 Fax: 941-782-5575