About Us
Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group was founded in 2004 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.
Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group has been selected for the eleventh time as the People’s Choice for Favorite Attorney from the Bradenton Herald in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023!
Dana Laganella Gerling, Esq. and Rodney D. Gerling, Esq. have both been named as 2023 Super Lawyers by Florida Super Lawyer Magazine for another year! This designation is only given to 5% of the attorney’s practicing in the State of Florida and is voted on by their peers in recognition of their hard work.
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 and has remained on the Super Lawyers list for 12 years now! Only 2.5% of lawyers in Florida have received such designation. Dana Laganella Gerling, was also voted as Legal Elite in the 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 issues 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 – 2014 and 2017 by Sarasota Magazine.
In 2014, Dana was selected as a Top Rated Lawyer in Trusts and Estates and achieved the AV Preeminent® peer review rating from ALM and Martindale-Hubbell. The AV Preeminent® Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell is the highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards. It is Dana’s commitment to providing quality, affordable legal services that have 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, Dana’s commitment to protecting the interests of her clients has become the focus of this client-centered firm.
Dana was the 2019-2020 president of the Manatee American Inn of Court. She was President of the Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers in 2018-2019 and has previously served two other times as well as being on the board of directors for several years. She has also served on the board of directors with the Sarasota County Florida Association of Women’s 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.
Dana 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 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, with who she loves spending time when not at work.
Rodney Gerling, Partner
Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Rodney Gerling is the firm’s Estate Planning and Probate 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. Rodney was named as a Florida Super Lawyer in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 in Super Lawyers Magazine. 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, with who he loves spending time when not at work.
Marla Stewart Owczarek, Associate
Marla Stewart Owczarek happily joined Gerling Law Group to continue her Estate Planning practice in her new hometown. Marla began her legal career over 12 years ago on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where her family owns a farm; through the years, she practiced in Baltimore, Annapolis and throughout the mid-Shore providing estate planning services. Marla enjoys a client-centric practice in which she can meet personally with clients to learn their goals and provide advice and craft plans to best effectuate her clients’ wishes. Gerling Law Group’s focus on exceeding clients’ expectations meshes perfectly with Marla’s style, and she looks forward assisting the Bradenton and Sarasota communities.
Marla earned her Juris Doctor degree at Tulane University and her undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University. She is admitted to practice in Florida and Maryland. Outside of working diligently for her clients, Marla enjoys spending time on the water, attending car enthusiast activities, watching British television shows or reading spy and mystery novels. Marla’s Great Dane, Gatsby, also takes up her free time, but she loves every minute of their time together!
Office Staff
Rochelle Parsons, Office Administrator
Rochelle has been part of the Gerling team since 2005. She has worked as the receptionist, estate planning assistant, probate assistant as well as taking on many administrative tasks for the firm. After many dedicated years she has moved into the Firm Administrator role at Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group.
Rochelle attended college at the University of South Florida where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and graduated with honors. Rochelle loves animals, traveling and spending time with her family and her son, Christopher.
Peggy Howser, Probate Paralegal
Taylor Smith, Estate Planning Legal Assistant
Shauna Smith, Estate Planning Legal Assistant
Eline Vieira, Probate Paralegal.
Alison Vorreyer, Receptionist
AFFORDABLE ATTORNEY, GERLING LAW GROUP CAN HELP YOU
With over 20 years industry experience Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law is the right law group to help you with all your Legal needs.