About Us
About Us
Welcome to Dara Cooley Law, Your Trusted and Experienced Florida Elder Law Attorney
Our Values
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Relentless Advocacy – We stand up to powerful institutions to secure accountability and fair compensation—even against insurance companies and large care facilities.
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Personalized Service – Every client is treated with dignity and care. We take time to listen, explain every step, and make sure you feel heard and respected.
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Justice for the Vulnerable – We believe every elder deserves protection. No one should suffer due to neglect, financial exploitation, or physical mistreatment.
Ready to explore your legal options?
Contact us today for a free, no‑obligation consultation. We work on contingency—you don’t pay unless we win.
📞 24/7 Hotline: 727‑888‑1140
📧 Email: staff@daracooleylaw.com
📍 Based in St. Petersburg, FL — serving clients across all of Florida.
Welcome to Dara Cooley Law — your trusted advocate for vulnerable individuals facing abuse, neglect, or mistreatment in nursing homes and long-term care facilities across Florida.
Our Mission
At Dara Cooley Law, we fight tirelessly to protect the dignity, rights, and well‑being of elder residents harmed under another’s care. Our mission is simple: pursue justice with compassion and resolve, ensuring those who have been betrayed by the system receive the compensation and closure they deserve.
Who We Are
Dara A. Cooley, Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of South Florida (B.S., 2002) and Stetson University College of Law (J.D., 2010). Since launching her legal career—beginning with a federal clerkship—Dara has built a reputation for excellence in trial advocacy, negotiation, and appellate work.
Her leadership and professional standing is recognized through:
- Repeated “Rising Star” and “Super Lawyers” designations (2017–2021
- Key roles in legal and civic organizations: Board member of the Humane Society of Pinellas, Tampa Bay Business & Professional Women, PARC Center for Disabilities, and Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation.
Dara’s personal history gives her deep insight and empathy for vulnerable individuals. As the sibling of a disabled brother and special‑needs sister, she witnessed firsthand their unique struggles. That inspired her legal journey: “What I do is very personal… I strive to be the best champion for those who are vulnerable and need someone to go to bat for them”.
Her firm is built around the mantra “Compassion in Action.” We’re not just attorneys—we are fierce advocates committed to personalized attention and hands‑on legal guidance, focused on:
- Elder abuse & neglect
- Nursing home wrongful death
- Assisted living facility negligence
Why Us
Why Choose Dara Cooley LawMy proven track record includes securing substantial compensation for victims of neglect and abuse throughout Florida. Unlike large firms where cases get passed between associates, I personally handle every aspect of your case from consultation to resolution. My approach combines aggressive legal representation with compassionate client care, understanding the emotional trauma these situations cause. With my extensive network of medical experts and deep understanding of Florida's elder protection statutes, I provide comprehensive representation that larger firms simply cannot match.
At Dara Cooley Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis—which means you don’t pay us a dime unless we secure a financial recovery on your behalf. This ensures every victim of nursing home abuse has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
With over a decade of litigation experience, Dara A. Cooley is a proven courtroom advocate who isn’t afraid to take on powerful nursing home corporations and insurance companies. Her extensive trial background gives your case the edge when it matters most.
At Dara Cooley Law, results matter. Our team has successfully recovered compensation for victims of nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death across Florida. We don’t just file claims—we fight for meaningful outcomes that hold facilities accountable and provide justice for your loved ones.
You’re not just another case to us. We take the time to understand your unique situation and provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your family’s needs. From the first consultation to the final resolution, you’ll have direct access to Dara and a compassionate team committed to keeping you informed and supported.
When nursing homes cut corners and put profits over people, we fight back—hard. Dara Cooley is an experienced trial attorney who aggressively pursues negligent care facilities, insurers, and corporate owners. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to ensure maximum pressure and leverage for your recovery.
Dara Cooley Law has helped secure millions of dollars for victims of elder abuse and neglect. Whether through negotiated settlements or courtroom victories, our firm consistently delivers high-value results that reflect the seriousness of the harm caused—and the strength of our commitment to every client.
Awards, Associations and Recognitions
Award Winning and Top Rated St. Petersburg Attorney
Our Attorney
Meet Attorney Dara A. CooleyDara 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.
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.