Helping You Prioritize Your Family’s Future
At The McKinney Law Group, we know how deeply personal and impactful family law matters can be. That’s why we approach every case with a deep commitment to understanding and addressing our clients’ unique needs. We serve clients across Florida and North Carolina, with dedicated offices in Tampa and Asheville, ensuring comprehensive legal coverage in both states.
Our founder, Damien McKinney, a 5th generation native Floridian with nearly two decades of legal experience, leads our practice with a profound dedication to family law. His background in psychology and child development uniquely positions him to handle the emotional complexities of family law matters with sensitivity and care.
Together, we strive to minimize stress and maximize outcomes for our clients. We treat each case with the respect and attention it deserves, making sure that the solutions we provide not only meet your immediate needs but also support your family’s future. With The McKinney Law Group by your side, you can be confident that you’ve made the right choice for your family’s legal needs.
Meet Attorney Damien McKinney
Background and Education
Damien McKinney is a 5th generation native Floridian, born and raised in the scenic Panhandle. His deep roots in Florida have profoundly influenced both his personal and professional life. In 2002, Damien graduated from Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. His academic pursuits continued at Stetson University College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 2005.
Legal Career
After completing his education, Damien embarked on a distinguished legal career. He founded The McKinney Law Group ten years ago, dedicating his practice to marital and family law. Over the past 18 years, Damien has represented thousands of clients in divorce and paternity cases, bringing a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to his practice. His expertise spans prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, complex financial asset cases, custody disputes, appellate matters, international custody disputes, child support, and all other family law matters.
Damien splits his time between Asheville, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida, maintaining robust law firms in both states. His bi-state practice allows him to serve a diverse clientele and stay attuned to the unique legal landscapes of both regions. As a licensed attorney in both North Carolina and Florida, Damien actively participates in the Hillsborough County Bar Association and the Buncombe County Bar Association. He is a member of the Family Law Sections of both the Florida Bar and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Damien also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem and a family law mediator, underscoring his commitment to the well-being of families.
Recognition and Awards
Damien’s expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Since 2012, he has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, a testament to his skill and promise in the legal field. In 2016, he received the prestigious Super Lawyers Distinction of Excellence, an honor awarded to only the top 5% of lawyers in Florida. These accolades reflect Damien’s exceptional skills and his unwavering commitment to his clients.
Legal Philosophy
Damien’s life purpose is to help families navigate the complexities of divorce. He is highly settlement-focused, believing in empowering clients to resolve their cases amicably rather than leaving decisions to a judge. With nearly two decades of trial experience, Damien is prepared to represent his clients passionately and aggressively when necessary.
Damien specializes in prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, complex financial asset cases, custody disputes, appellate matters, international custody disputes, child support, and all other family law matters. His approach prioritizes negotiation and settlement, aiming to protect families and their assets through collaborative resolution.
Personal Interests
Outside of his legal practice, Damien is an avid outdoorsman and artist. He enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, cycling, paddleboarding, whitewater kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and whitewater rafting. His passion for the outdoors reflects his love for adventure and nature.
As an artist, Damien has been recognized as an emerging talent at the annual Gasparilla Art Festival. He actively supports art charities such as Tempus Projects and Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts, demonstrating his commitment to fostering cultural and artistic growth in his community.
Commitment to Clients
Damien is deeply family-oriented and is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his clients and their families. He is always available to offer legal advice and support, emphasizing that clients hold the power to resolve their cases. Damien’s philosophy centers on negotiation and settlement, ensuring that families can navigate difficult times with dignity and respect.
In summary, Damien McKinney is a dedicated attorney with a profound commitment to family law. His extensive experience, compassionate approach, and dedication to settlement-focused resolution make him a trusted advocate for families in both North Carolina and Florida. Whether in the courtroom or the great outdoors, Damien brings passion and dedication to everything he does.
Meet Stephanie Koether
Stephanie Koether, Of Counsel at The McKinney Law Group
Stephanie Koether is an of counsel attorney at The McKinney Law Group, where she fiercely advocates for families in the courtroom. Known for her tenacious and aggressive litigation style, Ms. Koether has established a reputation as a formidable legal warrior, unafraid to tackle the most challenging and contentious family law matters. Her relentless pursuit of justice and unwavering dedication to her clients make her a powerful force in the legal community.
Ms. Koether’s journey into law began with her undergraduate studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This academic background provides her with a unique perspective on the emotional and mental health challenges her clients face during contested divorces, child custody disputes, and other difficult family matters. Her deep understanding of these issues allows her to connect with clients on a personal level, offering both compassionate counsel and fierce advocacy.
Following her time at Fordham, Ms. Koether pursued her legal education in New York before relocating to Florida. She completed her studies at the University of Miami School of Law, earning her Juris Doctorate with an Honors Distinction. Her academic achievements underscore her commitment to excellence and legal proficiency, qualities that she brings to every case she handles.
Ms. Koether is an active member of the Florida Bar, participating in both the Family Law section and the Young Lawyers section. Her involvement in these professional communities reflects her dedication to staying current with legal developments and contributing to the advancement of family law practice. She continuously hones her skills and expands her knowledge to provide the best possible representation for her clients.
Driven by a desire to help those in need, Ms. Koether has dedicated her career to family law. Her passion for justice and her aggressive legal style ensure that she is always prepared to go the extra mile for her clients. She meticulously prepares for each case, leaving no stone unturned in her quest to secure favorable outcomes. Her clients can rest assured that they have a staunch advocate in their corner, ready to fight for their rights and interests with unparalleled vigor.
Stephanie Koether’s combination of empathy, legal acumen, and aggressive advocacy make her an invaluable asset to The McKinney Law Group. Whether she is navigating the complexities of a contested divorce or standing up for a client’s parental rights in a heated custody battle, Ms. Koether’s dedication and tenacity shine through. Her commitment to providing exceptional legal representation ensures that her clients are well-equipped to face the challenges ahead, with a champion who will fight tirelessly on their behalf.
