Our Firm

Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, P.A. was built with a clear purpose—to provide focused, results-driven representation in family law and criminal defense matters throughout Northeast Florida.

The firm was founded by Darin Gardner and Lisa Coplan-Gardner, who began their legal careers on different paths before ultimately building a practice together. Darin served as a prosecutor with the Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, where he handled serious felony cases and developed extensive courtroom and trial experience. Lisa built her career in family law and later established her own practice, laying the foundation for what would become the firm today.

Together, they created a firm grounded in preparation, efficiency, and strategic decision-making.

Our office is located in Jacksonville Beach, directly across from the ocean. While the work we handle is often serious and high-stakes, we have intentionally created an environment that is professional, focused, and approachable for our clients.

When Family Law and Criminal Defense Overlap, Strategy Matters

In many cases, family law and criminal defense issues are closely connected. Allegations of domestic violence, injunctions for protection, or criminal charges can arise during the course of a divorce or custody dispute—creating additional risk and complexity.

At Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, P.A., we offer a distinct advantage. Darin Gardner practices both family law and criminal defense, allowing for a unified legal strategy when these matters intersect.

Rather than navigating multiple attorneys, clients benefit from a coordinated approach where each decision is made with the full picture in mind. This not only provides convenience—it helps protect our clients’ position across all aspects of their case.

Our Approach

We represent clients in matters that have a direct impact on their future—whether that involves their family, their freedom, or both. These are not situations where guesswork or unnecessary risk has a place.

Our approach is straightforward:

• Analyze the facts
• Identify the most effective strategy
• Execute with precision

Every case is evaluated with careful attention to cost, long-term impact, and overall outcome. In family law matters, this includes consideration of the best interests of the children and how decisions made today will affect the future. In criminal matters, it means thoroughly examining the evidence and positioning the case for the strongest possible defense.

Preparation is the foundation of everything we do. From managing deadlines to gathering critical evidence, our firm is structured to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Trial-Ready Representation

While many cases can be resolved outside of court, we prepare every matter as if it will proceed to trial.

Darin Gardner brings extensive litigation experience from his time as a felony prosecutor, where he handled cases ranging from DUI to First Degree Murder. That background provides a distinct advantage when a case requires courtroom advocacy. He understands how cases are built, how evidence is challenged, and what it takes to present a case effectively before a judge or jury.

When trial becomes necessary, the outcome often depends on preparation, strategy, and execution. Our firm is built to deliver on all three.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

Clients choose Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, P.A. because we are deliberate in our approach and disciplined in our execution.

We do not take unnecessary steps or pursue strategies that are unlikely to produce results. Instead, we focus on what works—efficiently guiding our clients through complex legal matters while positioning them for the best possible outcome.

If you are facing a family law or criminal defense matter, we invite you to contact Darin and Lisa today.