In a world where law firms come and go, few have the staying power of Coogan Smith, LLP. Founded in Attleboro, Massachusetts, in 1946, the firm has grown from a two-person practice into the region’s largest full-service law office — representing individuals, businesses, and organizations across southern New England. What sets them apart isn’t just longevity; it’s how they’ve used the law to build trust, strengthen communities, and shape the region’s professional landscape for nearly eight decades.
From Humble Beginnings to Regional Leadership
The story of Coogan Smith begins in the years following World War II. John W. McIntyre, a former Mayor of Attleboro and District Court Judge, teamed up with Harvard Law graduate and returning veteran Edmund F. Henry to open a small local law practice. What started as McIntyre & Henry in 1946 quickly became a pillar of the Attleboro community.
Over the years, the firm evolved through several partnerships — names changing as new leaders joined and others retired. “Each generation added something new,” one partner reflects. “Our history mirrors the growth of the region itself — steady, hardworking, and focused on doing things the right way.”
By 2015, after decades of mergers and name refinements, the firm officially became Coogan Smith, LLP, honoring two of its most influential senior partners: James Jerome “Jerry” Coogan and Pierce D. Smith.
Building a Full-Service Firm with Small-Town Roots
Today, Coogan Smith is known for its versatility. The firm represents clients in cases ranging from real estate, estate planning and corporate law to family disputes and municipal matters. “We’ve always been a community-driven firm,” an attorney explains. “That means understanding not just the law, but the people and businesses behind every case.”
Their full-service model allows them to guide clients through complex issues that often cross multiple areas of law — something larger city firms might separate into departments. Yet, despite their scale, the firm’s approach remains personal. “Clients come to us because they want experience and reliability,” says one partner. “But they stay because they know we care.”
A Commitment to Community and Character
While Coogan Smith’s attorneys are known for their legal acumen, much of their reputation stems from what they do outside the profession. Members of the firm serve on local boards, volunteer with nonprofits, and contribute to civic organizations. That community-first approach has been a constant since the firm’s earliest days.
“Our founders believed that being a good lawyer meant being a good neighbor,” says a senior attorney. “That principle still drives us.”
From participating in local government hearings to helping shape policy on planning and development boards, their involvement runs deep. These experiences don’t just build goodwill — they inform their legal practice. “When you live where you work, you understand how your decisions affect real people,” one attorney notes.
Navigating Change in a Modern Legal Landscape
Like every profession, law has changed dramatically in recent years. Technology, global business, and new forms of communication have reshaped client expectations. Yet Coogan Smith has managed to adapt without losing its traditional foundation.
“The challenge,” a partner explains, “is staying innovative while preserving the human side of what we do. Law is still about trust — and that’s built person by person.”
The firm’s attorneys often collaborate on large-scale commercial transactions, zoning cases, and litigation that span state and regional lines. But their roots in Attleboro give them a unique perspective. “Being local gives us agility,” says one lawyer. “We can handle the big cases, but we never forget the small ones that built our reputation.”
A Legacy That Looks Forward
As Coogan Smith approaches its 80th year, its reputation for integrity and quality continues to grow. The firm’s success isn’t just measured in verdicts or contracts — it’s in the relationships they’ve built over generations.
“We’ve represented some families for decades,” one attorney shares. “We’ve seen children grow up, start businesses, and come back to us for advice. That’s the kind of continuity that matters.”
Their long history has also created a mentorship culture within the firm. Younger attorneys are encouraged to learn from the veterans who came before them — many of whom helped shape the region’s legal and civic institutions. “We believe in passing down knowledge, not just titles,” a senior partner says. “That’s how a firm stays strong.”
Why Their Story Still Matters
Coogan Smith’s journey reflects something bigger than a business. It’s a story about how commitment, consistency, and community can shape success over time. While many firms chase trends, Coogan Smith has stayed true to its mission — offering top-tier legal service while staying deeply rooted in the place they call home.
“Our goal has always been simple,” one partner concludes. “Do good work. Treat people well. Give back more than you take. If we can keep doing that, the rest takes care of itself.”
At nearly 80 years strong, Coogan Smith, LLP isn’t just a law firm — it’s a reminder that real leadership comes from service, not slogans. Their story proves that even in a changing world, integrity and community remain timeless foundations for success.
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