Name:
Mallory Durden Cooper
Education:
Merchandising, Winthrop College; J.D., FSU College of Law, with Honors.
Admitted to the Bar:
June 16, 1987.
Date sworn in to the bench:
County Court (elected): January 1997; Circuit Court (appointed): January 2006.
Court:
Circuit Court, Fourth Judicial Circuit, State of Florida.
Division:
Felony/Repeat Offender Court
Why did you become a judge?
In all honesty, I did want to follow in my father’s footsteps (Circuit Judge William L. Durden). But beyond that, I felt that I could contribute even more to the judicial system from the bench than as an attorney. I was blessed to have many people who supported me in my election to County Court and to have Gov. Jeb Bush appoint me to Circuit Court where I could continue to grow and serve.
What should every lawyer know about appearing in your court?
Please be on time and prepared, and please always introduce yourself and your client(s).
What do you know now that you didn’t when you were practicing before the bench?
I am extremely patient!
Community involvement?
New Courthouse Committee, The JBA, Chester Bedell Inn of Court, Hope Haven Advisory Council, Leadership Jacksonville (2000), Jacksonville Women’s Network, JBA Special Needs of Children Committee and Florida State College Paralegal Studies Advisory Committee.
What are your interests outside the courtroom?
Football (college and pro), holiday decorating, interior design and cooking.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Women, Food and God” by Geneen Roth.