Jane Coogan grew up in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the youngest of five children, where she learned early the values of hard work, empathy, and family. She attended Bishop Feehan High School, where running cross-country taught her focus and endurance—traits that would shape her future career.
After earning her Bachelor’s degree in English from the College of the Holy Cross, Jane pursued law at Villanova University, completing both her Juris Doctor and her Master of Laws in Taxation. She began her career at Feingold and Edelblum in New Jersey, a boutique firm that served high-net-worth individuals and family businesses. Those years taught her the importance of listening as much as advising.
In 2014, Jane returned home to Attleboro to join Coogan Smith, LLP, where she is now a Partner. Her work in estate planning, business formation, and probate law is guided by empathy and a deep understanding of people’s needs.
Outside of law, she is an active community leader, serving on the boards of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Attleboro YMCA, and Friends of St. John the Evangelist School. She’s also a past President of the Attleboro Area Bar Association.
Jane lives in Attleboro with her two daughters and their golden retriever, Clark. She finds balance through family, running, and skiing — living proof that success is built on presence, not perfection.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early. I like to run before the rest of the house wakes up — it clears my mind. Then, it’s breakfast and school drop-off for my two daughters before heading into the office. I start each workday by reviewing my client list and prioritising tasks that require the most focus. I block time for deep work — no phone, no email, just concentration. Productivity for me isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most with full attention.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write them down immediately. My best ideas come during conversations with clients or while running. Once I have a thought, I test it against practicality — will this help someone? Can it make their process easier? I believe in taking small, actionable steps instead of waiting for perfect conditions.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m encouraged by how technology is humanising law. Tools that help clients understand estate planning visually — flowcharts, dashboards — make communication clearer. I think the legal field is finally realising that accessibility and empathy can coexist with precision.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Being present. I try not to multitask. When I’m with clients, I’m with them. When I’m home, I’m with my family. It’s simple, but that mental separation keeps me focused and energised.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush. The best work — and relationships — come from patience. When I was younger, I thought success meant constant movement. Now, I know success is about steadiness.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That empathy belongs in business decisions. Many people still think empathy makes you less objective, but I believe it’s the opposite. When you understand what drives people emotionally, you make better choices and create more sustainable outcomes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Go for a walk or run without your phone. It’s the simplest way to reset. Ideas come when you create space for them.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away. Sometimes I walk around the block, or I call a friend who isn’t in the legal field to get a fresh perspective. Stepping back helps me return to the problem with clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building relationships, not transactions. I’ve always treated my clients as people, not cases. That’s helped me build a strong referral network and trust over time. Listening — truly listening — has been my biggest growth strategy.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I took on too much at once. I wanted to prove myself, so I said yes to everything. It led to burnout. I learned the importance of boundaries and that quality outweighs quantity. Now, I focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create an app that helps families prepare for estate planning meetings by answering guided questions and uploading essential documents securely. It would save time for both clients and lawyers while reducing anxiety.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on Notion. It’s where I keep client notes, task lists, and reading material. I like how flexible it is — I can switch between legal templates and personal reminders easily.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I love Atomic Habits by James Clear. It reminds me that consistency beats intensity. Small improvements, repeated over time, shape who we become.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed The Crown. It’s fascinating to watch leadership portrayed with such complexity — the mix of public duty and private emotion resonates with me as someone balancing work, family, and community roles.
Key learnings
- Presence and empathy improve both professional performance and personal wellbeing.
- Productivity isn’t about speed; it’s about clarity and intention.
- Listening deeply builds trust, which drives long-term success.
- Boundaries prevent burnout and help sustain excellence.
- Consistency — in habits, relationships, and self-care — creates real progress over time