Jane Coogan: Building Trust and Balance in Law and Life

In a world where legal work can often feel cold and transactional, Jane Coogan stands out for bringing empathy, clarity, and a human touch to her clients. A lifelong resident of Attleboro, Massachusetts, she’s built her career — and her life — around connection. As a partner at Coogan Smith, LLP, Jane has spent years helping families and businesses plan for their future with care, confidence, and understanding.

Her path to leadership didn’t happen overnight. It’s a story shaped by family, community, and a steady belief that doing good work means listening first.

From Local Roots to Legal Leadership

Jane grew up in Attleboro, the youngest of five children. She attended Bishop Feehan High School, where she ran cross country and track — a sign early on of her determination and endurance. “I was a good runner,” she says, “but what I really loved was the focus it gave me.”

That same discipline carried her through her education. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of the Holy Cross, she went on to Villanova University School of Law, where she earned both her JD and her LLM in Taxation. By 2007, she was ready to take on the world of estate planning and business law.

Her first major role came at Feingold and Edelblum, a boutique firm in Hackensack, New Jersey. “It was a small office, but the work was sophisticated,” she recalls. “I learned how to serve high-net-worth families and business owners — not just with technical skill, but with genuine understanding.”

Returning Home to Make an Impact

In 2014, Jane returned to Attleboro to join Coogan Smith, LLP — a full-circle moment that brought her back to her hometown roots. Today, she is a partner at the firm, focusing on estate planning, business formation, succession planning, and probate and estate administration.

Her clients range from growing families to multi-generational business owners. What they all share is the need for guidance through life’s most complex transitions. Jane’s approach is grounded in empathy. “You certainly need the knowledge base to give clients sound advice,” she says. “But empathy is probably one of the most important attributes for success. You have to really listen and understand the emotions your clients are dealing with.”

This mindset has made her a trusted advisor in her community. Clients describe her as steady, patient, and thoughtful — the kind of attorney who helps them make sense of life’s big decisions.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Jane’s influence extends far beyond the office. She serves on multiple local boards, including the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Attleboro YMCA (where she also contributes to the finance and governance committees), and the Friends of St. John the Evangelist School.

She also served as President of the Attleboro Area Bar Association, where she helped foster collaboration among peers and strengthen local professional networks.

“I measure success by the outcome of a project and feedback from clients,” she says. “But being involved in the community adds another layer — it’s about helping people live better, not just managing their legal affairs.”

Lessons from Family and Role Models

Jane credits her parents for shaping her outlook. “My dad has been a wonderful attorney,” she says. “I hear so many lovely things about the care and work he’s provided to clients.” But her admiration doesn’t stop at his professional example. “More importantly, as a father, he was always so encouraging of my siblings and me. He gave us confidence to go after our goals.”

Her mother also played a defining role. “My mom has always shown me what it means to be a good mother,” Jane adds. “She continues to encourage me as I try to balance my career and my family.”

That balance is something she thinks about often. “It’s always a challenge to find that balance,” she says. “We’re often torn in two directions, but both aspects of my life — family and career — are fulfilling. I try to stay present wherever I am. When I’m at home, I’m with my children and undistracted by work. When I’m at work, I focus on my clients.”

Building a Career on Connection and Care

For Jane, leadership in law isn’t about prestige or titles — it’s about people. Her days are filled with conversations about families, businesses, and futures. Behind every file is a story, and she takes the time to hear it.

Her approach shows in her relationships. “Making life easier for others — whether it’s my family, friends, or clients — that’s what drives me,” she says. “I also hope to be someone my daughters can look up to, and that other female attorneys can see that it’s possible to build a meaningful career while having a fulfilling life.”

Staying Grounded in the Work That Matters

Outside of work, Jane enjoys skiing, running, and reading — activities that let her recharge and stay centered. She’s also an active mom to two daughters, ages nine and seven, and their golden retriever, Clark.

Her life in Attleboro is a reflection of the values she brings to her practice: hard work, humility, and heart.

Whether she’s drafting an estate plan or leading a board meeting, Jane Coogan is showing that success in law — and in life — comes down to being present, listening well, and leading with care.

Have you read?
Global Unicorn Rankings.
Global Health Care Index.
Richest Women (Female Billionaires).
Smartest Countries.