Who we are
At Cooper and Fernandez Law, PLLC, we are committed to standing by your side when it matters most. Our firm prides itself on delivering professional, trustworthy, and results-driven legal representation. We understand that legal challenges can be stressful and time-sensitive, which is why we are dedicated to providing unwavering support and personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Our team is passionate about fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. We are always here when you need us, offering the accessibility and dedication you deserve. At Cooper and Fernandez Law, you can trust that your case is in capable and caring hands.
Meet the Team
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Managing Partner
Criminal LawMaryjane Cooper was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA (Go BIRDS!) She attended Temple University, where she majored in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. After she graduated, she began a family and pursued a career in the field of Education, to be close to her children.
She returned to her education in 2013 attending Florida A&M University Law School where she graduated with Honors. During her time in Law School, Maryjane received the “Book Award” in the areas of Criminal Law and Family Law. Additionally, Maryjane was elected as Vice President of the Central Florida Chapter of ACLU. She also led the student chapter of ACLU. She organized protests and marches in the areas of police brutality, women’s rights, immigration policies, among others. She spoke out publicly before the Orlando Citizen Review Board.
She participated in the advocation and passing of Orlando Municipal Ordinance 2016-36, 43.95 Orlando City Code, making possession of 20 grams of cannabis or less a civil citation rather than an arrest-able offense. In addition to this, Maryjane organized food drives, feed the homeless campaigns, collections for homeless shelters, and participated in and organized many Know Your Rights Community Meetings throughout the city of Orlando.
For her dedication to service, she was awarded 3 Col. Bernard D. Hendricks “Top Rattler” Awards in the following areas: Top Law Student, Organizational President of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Additionally, the Florida Bar presented her with an Award for Outstanding Philanthropy and Service to the Law School Community.
Upon graduation, she worked with several different firms as a legal researcher and writer. In 2019, she began her career in the Ninth Judicial Circuit as an Assistant Public Defender, where she handled cases ranging from Municipal Ordinance Violations to First Degree Felonies. She conducted substantial research, and drafted and argued Motions to Dismiss, Motions to Suppress, and Stand Your Ground Motions. She continued her fight and advocacy in taking cases to Jury Trial and Hearings on Violations of Probation.
During the course of her time at the Ninth Circuit Public Defenders Office, she was tasked with organizing a training on Violations of Probation and other various legal topics. The Florida Bar appointed Maryjane to serve on the Traffic Committee in 2021. Maryjane also authored Chapter 4, entitled Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage for The Florida Bar’s publication of Florida Automobile Insurance Law, published January 1, 2023. ISBN: 9781663342478.
In August of 2022, Maryjane ventured into the world of Private Criminal Defense where she continued her advocacy in the private setting for a local private firm.
In December of 2023, she began The Law Office of Maryjane Cooper, where she successfully started her own practice. On March 1, 2025, her former trial partner and best friend, Belkys Fernandez, agreed to join forces and embark on a new adventure together in forming Cooper & Fernandez Law! Maryjane is the proud mother to four beautiful children, and is married to her loving husband Jason. She is an avid and admittedly obnoxious Philly Sports fan. In her free time she enjoys traveling, playing softball, gardening, cooking, theme parks, and listening to 90’s R&B and Rap.
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Managing Partner
Criminal Law
BilingualBelkys was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She attended Florida International University (FIU), where she majored in Criminal Justice and English Literature. As a student, she participated in the Men Going Home Program at the Everglades Correctional Institution. She worked with inmates who were sentenced in Florida prior to 1995 and were eligible for parole. Along with other students, she mentored inmates on employability and community re-entry. Prior to graduating from FIU, she received scholarships to study abroad. She studied in Italy to learn Italian, China to learn about diplomatic relations, and England to learn about common law. Additionally, she participated in the FIU Alternative Breaks Program and spent a Spring Break cleaning a school in Boston, Masschusetts.
Upon graduating, Belkys attended St. Thomas University School of Law. During her second year, she began proactively interning at the Broward Public Defender's until graduation. As a law student Belkys was very involved in extracurricular activities. She became Managing Editor of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review and received two "Book Awards" in Criminal Externship and Criminal Procedure. Also, she and another student founded the Karnes Pro Bono Project. Belkys and another student worked closely with Professor Gilbert to organize a week long program for STU law students to volunteer at the Karnes Family Detention Center. The group worked to secure the release of women and children detained by Homeland Security. Belkys and another student advocated before Judge Santander to overturn the Asylum Officer's negative decision and obtained their client's release. Prior to graduating, Belkys received a pro bono award for over 400 hours of community service.
In 2019, Belkys began her legal career as a Public Defender in Broward County. And she practiced juvenile delinquency, misdemeanor, and felony. Belkys conducted bench trials, violation of probation hearings, and motion hearings.
In 2021, Belkys continued her career at the Osceola Public Defender's Office. And her friendship with Maryjane Cooper began there. Belkys and Maryjane were trial partners. Belkys zealously advocated for her clients and cared for them. Belkys practiced in juvenile, county court, and felony. She did jury trials and hearings on Stand Your Ground, Motions to Suppress, and Violations of Probation among many more.
Belkys is married to her loving husband Robert. And they share a 4 year old Schnauzer named Flash (aka Menace).
Although Maryjane and Belkys share many common interests, sports is not one of them. During her free time you can find Belkys at Diagon Alley wearing her Ravenclaw cloak and sipping on Butterbeer at Universal Studios or hanging with the haunts at Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom. Also, she loves horror movies, exploring new places, cooking/baking, concerts, and comic book shops.
Giving Back
We believe in the power of giving back. With a deep commitment to our community, we actively volunteer our time, resources, and expertise to make a meaningful impact. Whether through organizing donation drives, supporting local charities, or offering pro bono legal assistance, we strive to uplift those in need.
Our team is passionate about serving beyond the courtroom, recognizing that true advocacy extends into the heart of the community. From back-to-school drives to holiday giving initiatives, we are dedicated to making a difference and standing beside those who need it most. Giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are.
