In a world the place authorized work can usually really feel chilly and transactional, Jane Coogan stands out for bringing empathy, readability, and a human contact to her purchasers. A lifelong resident of Attleboro, Massachusetts, she’s constructed her profession — and her life — round connection. As a associate at Coogan Smith, LLP, Jane has spent years serving to households and companies plan for his or her future with care, confidence, and understanding.
Her path to management didn’t occur in a single day. It’s a narrative formed by household, neighborhood, and a gradual perception that doing good work means listening first.
From Native Roots to Authorized Management
Jane grew up in Attleboro, the youngest of 5 youngsters. She attended Bishop Feehan Excessive College, the place she ran cross nation and observe — an indication early on of her willpower and endurance. “I used to be an excellent runner,” she says, “however what I actually liked was the main target it gave me.”
That very same self-discipline carried her by means of her training. After incomes a Bachelor of Arts in English from the School of the Holy Cross, she went on to Villanova College College of Legislation, the place she earned each her JD and her LLM in Taxation. By 2007, she was able to tackle the world of property planning and enterprise legislation.
Her first main position got here at Feingold and Edelblum, a boutique agency in Hackensack, New Jersey. “It was a small workplace, however the work was refined,” she recollects. “I discovered the way to serve high-net-worth households and enterprise house owners — not simply with technical ability, however with real understanding.”
Returning Dwelling to Make an Affect
In 2014, Jane returned to Attleboro to affix Coogan Smith, LLP — a full-circle second that introduced her again to her hometown roots. As we speak, she is a associate on the agency, specializing in property planning, enterprise formation, succession planning, and probate and property administration.
Her purchasers vary from rising households to multi-generational enterprise house owners. What all of them share is the necessity for steerage by means of life’s most advanced transitions. Jane’s strategy is grounded in empathy. “You actually want the information base to present purchasers sound recommendation,” she says. “However empathy might be some of the necessary attributes for fulfillment. It’s important to actually hear and perceive the feelings your purchasers are coping with.”
This mindset has made her a trusted advisor in her neighborhood. Purchasers describe her as regular, affected person, and considerate — the type of lawyer who helps them make sense of life’s massive choices.
A Legacy of Management and Service
Jane’s affect extends far past the workplace. She serves on a number of native boards, together with the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Basis, the Attleboro YMCA (the place she additionally contributes to the finance and governance committees), and the Buddies of St. John the Evangelist College.
She additionally served as President of the Attleboro Space Bar Affiliation, the place she helped foster collaboration amongst friends and strengthen native skilled networks.
“I measure success by the end result of a challenge and suggestions from purchasers,” she says. “However being concerned in the neighborhood provides one other layer — it’s about serving to individuals reside higher, not simply managing their authorized affairs.”
Classes from Household and Function Fashions
Jane credit her dad and mom for shaping her outlook. “My dad has been a beautiful lawyer,” she says. “I hear so many pretty issues concerning the care and work he’s supplied to purchasers.” However her admiration doesn’t cease at his skilled instance. “Extra importantly, as a father, he was at all times so encouraging of my siblings and me. He gave us confidence to go after our targets.”
Her mom additionally performed a defining position. “My mother has at all times proven me what it means to be an excellent mom,” Jane provides. “She continues to encourage me as I attempt to steadiness my profession and my household.”
That steadiness is one thing she thinks about usually. “It’s at all times a problem to search out that steadiness,” she says. “We’re usually torn in two instructions, however each points of my life — household and profession — are fulfilling. I attempt to keep current wherever I’m. Once I’m at residence, I’m with my youngsters and undistracted by work. Once I’m at work, I deal with my purchasers.”
Constructing a Profession on Connection and Care
For Jane, management in legislation isn’t about status or titles — it’s about individuals. Her days are stuffed with conversations about households, companies, and futures. Behind each file is a narrative, and she or he takes the time to listen to it.
Her strategy exhibits in her relationships. “Making life simpler for others — whether or not it’s my household, mates, or purchasers — that’s what drives me,” she says. “I additionally hope to be somebody my daughters can look as much as, and that different feminine attorneys can see that it’s doable to construct a significant profession whereas having a satisfying life.”
Staying Grounded within the Work That Issues
Exterior of labor, Jane enjoys snowboarding, operating, and studying — actions that allow her recharge and keep centered. She’s additionally an lively mother to 2 daughters, ages 9 and 7, and their golden retriever, Clark.
Her life in Attleboro is a mirrored image of the values she brings to her observe: laborious work, humility, and coronary heart.
Whether or not she’s drafting an property plan or main a board assembly, Jane Coogan is exhibiting that success in legislation — and in life — comes right down to being current, listening nicely, and main with care.
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