Jane Coogan is a Partner at Coogan Smith, LLP in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and a respected attorney known for her strong work ethic, steady leadership, and thoughtful approach to the law. She built her career by combining technical skill with empathy, proving that success comes from understanding people as much as understanding legal strategy.
Jane grew up in Attleboro as the youngest of five children. Running cross-country in high school taught her focus, discipline, and how to keep moving even when things felt difficult. She carried those lessons into higher education, earning a BA in English from the College of the Holy Cross before completing both her JD and LLM in Taxation at Villanova University School of Law.
Her career began at a boutique New Jersey firm, where she learned how to guide high-net-worth families through major decisions. In 2014, she returned home to Attleboro and joined Coogan Smith, LLP. Today, she is a Partner who helps clients with estate planning, business formation, succession planning, and probate matters.
Jane is also a dedicated community leader, serving on multiple local boards and contributing to organisations that shape her hometown. Outside of work, she stays grounded through running, skiing, reading, and spending time with her two daughters and their golden retriever, Clark.
Her path shows that success is built through clarity, consistency, and staying connected to what matters most.
Q&A with Jane Coogan
How do you personally define success today?
Success for me is about being steady and present. Earlier in life, I thought success meant taking on everything at once. Now I see it as being able to focus fully on what’s in front of me — whether that’s a client meeting, a family dinner, or an early morning run. Success is also measured by how my work impacts others. I’ve always believed that if a client feels less stressed after talking with me, then I’ve done my job well.
What experiences early in life shaped your understanding of success?
Growing up as the youngest of five taught me to speak up, stay patient, and learn by watching. Running cross-country in high school also shaped me. Long-distance running forces you to understand pace. You can’t sprint the whole race. That idea — finding the right pace — follows me in every part of life. It taught me that consistency matters more than speed.
What daily habits help you succeed?
Running is my reset button. I run early in the morning before my daughters wake up. It’s my time to think, plan, and clear my head. I also block off “deep work” time where I shut off email and focus on one task. That helps me be more intentional in how I use my time.
What role does empathy play in your view of success?
It plays a huge role. People often don’t associate empathy with law, but in my experience, it’s essential. When clients come to me, they’re often dealing with big transitions — aging parents, business decisions, or estate planning. Success in my field isn’t just measured by technical accuracy. It’s measured by how secure a client feels when they walk out the door. Listening closely is what creates that sense of security.
Can you share a moment in your career that changed how you think about success?
When I first began practising, I said yes to everything. I took on too many cases at once and ended up exhausted. One day, a mentor pulled me aside and said, “Doing everything doesn’t make you successful. Doing the right things well does.” That was a turning point. I learned to prioritise and to set boundaries. My work improved, and so did my wellbeing.
What’s one habit or principle you believe contributes most to long-term success?
Presence. When I’m with my daughters, I’m fully with them. When I’m in a meeting, I’m focused there. The habit of being present protects both productivity and relationships. It allows you to give your best instead of splitting yourself in too many directions.
Is there something you believe about success that most people might not agree with?
I believe slowing down is sometimes the fastest path forward. Many people treat success like a race. But often, stepping back to reassess is what creates clarity. I take short “reset breaks” — stepping outside for five minutes, walking around the block, or simply sitting quietly. Those moments help me return to my work clearer and more effective.
What strategy has helped you grow most in your career?
Building relationships, not transactions. I focus on knowing clients as people. Over time, that has built trust, referrals, and long-term partnerships. Success grows naturally when the relationships are strong.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You don’t have to prove everything at once. You are allowed to grow at your own pace. And remember: steady progress is still progress.
What’s one small practice you think everyone should adopt?
Start and end the day with something grounding — a walk, a prayer, journaling, stretching. Bookending the day improves focus and helps prevent burnout.
What’s one recent lesson about success you learned outside of work?
My daughters are nine and seven, and they remind me daily that success is also about joy. Sometimes they’ll ask me to stop working and play outside with them. Those moments remind me that life doesn’t have to be optimised — it just has to be lived.