Name: Mallory Durden Cooper
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Winthrop College, and J.D., Florida State University College of Law
Admitted to the Bar: May 1987
Date sworn in to the bench: County Court: January 1997 and Circuit Court: January 2006
Division: Repeat offender court/felony
Community involvement: Hope Haven Advisory Committee, Leadership Jacksonville, Chester Bedell Inn of Court and Jacksonville Women’s Network.
Why did you become a judge?
To serve our community, to serve as a role model for children and young adults, and to emulate my dad, Judge William L. Durden Jr.
What should every lawyer know about appearing in your court?
Please be on time and prepared, and always introduce yourself and your client for the record.
What do you know now that you didn’t when you were practicing before the bench?
I have a lot of patience.
What are your interests outside the courtroom?
College football; decorating for holidays; interior design; cooking and baking.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Shrimp, Collards & Grits — Recipes, Stories and Art From the Creeks and Gardens of the Lowcountry” by Pat Branning.