Dara A. Cooley
Trial Attorney
Dara A. Cooley graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Florida in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. During her tenure, she served Hillsborough County in the classroom and throughout the district as a staff development trainer and math specialist resource teacher. In 2010, she embarked on a legal career, graduating magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. She earned awards in Trial Advocacy, Negotiation and Mediation, and Pro Bono Service.
Humane Society of Pinellas
Rated by
Super Lawyers
Tampa Bay Business & Professional Women's Association
Lawyers Autism
Awareness Foundation
PARC Center for Disabilities
The National Association of Trial Lawyers
After clerking for a Federal Judge, Ms. Cooley spent years perfecting her craft as a trial attorney and litigator at nationwide law firms, handling a variety of cases in casualty law, premises liability, products liability, auto negligence, wrongful death, and civil rights litigation.
After securing millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of clients, Ms. Cooley founded Dara Cooley Law, P.A. in 2021.
Dara advocates for clients in Florida trial and appellate courts, federal trial courts in the Middle District, and federal bankruptcy courts in Florida and Delaware, handling complex business and bankruptcy disputes, consumer fraud and protection claims, personal injury, and wrongful death claims from medical malpractice and long-term care abuse and neglect.
She was selected to Super Lawyers Florida Rising Stars (2017-2019) for General Litigation and Super Lawyers (2020-2021) for Personal Injury-Plaintiff. Super Lawyers is a rating service of the top 5% of attorneys from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Their patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.
Ms. Cooley is on the Board of Directors for the Human Society of Pinellas.
My Story
Why this is my passion, in my own words...
I grew up with a physically handicapped older brother, and a special needs younger sister. I watched their struggles and their triumphs and saw first-hand their vulnerabilities. My brother Joel passed away at the tender age of eighteen from Muscular Dystrophy, and my younger sister Lindsay still needs ongoing care.
As a kid I did what I could do to help my brother and sister - with the small things - to make life a little bit easier for them. Now, as an adult, I strive to be the best champion I can be for those who are vulnerable, those who need a voice, and those who need someone to go to bat for them. I found the field of law to be my true calling, and the perfect way to become that champion.
So, to me, what I do, is very personal. Negotiating the legal system can be overwhelming for most people. But I am at my best whenever I use my experience, strengths, and talents, to help bring justice and closure to the most vulnerable among us. This is what guides and motivates me each day. This is what inspires my mantra, "Compassion in Action."
If you or a loved one feels overwhelmed, mistreated, abused, or neglected by those entrusted to your care, please contact me today. Let me be your champion.
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Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Pinellas
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Former President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Divisions
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Previous Officer and Board of Directors for the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
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Actively involved with Parc Center for Disabilities
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Actively involved in the Pinellas Association for Women Lawyers
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Actively supports the Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation
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Current member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association
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Over 12 years of involvement and active contribution
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Super Lawyers Florida Rising Stars list for General Litigation - 2017, 2018, and 2019
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Super Lawyer - 2020 and 2021
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Business & Professional Women Statewide Outstanding Young Careerist
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Tampa Bay Business & Professional Women Outstanding Young Careerist
Selected 2020 and 2021
Selected 2017 - 2019
CONTACT
Dara Cooley Law
OUR ADDRESS
4900 Central Ave., Suite B, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Email: staff@daracooleylaw.com
Tel: 727-888-1140