Massachusetts Attorney Encourages a More Human Approach to Legal Practice and Everyday Life

ATTLEBORO, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 16, 2025 / In her newly released feature interview, respected Massachusetts attorney Jane Coogan is calling attention to the growing need for empathy and balance in both the legal profession and daily life. As a Partner at Coogan Smith, LLP, Coogan's message is simple but powerful: real success comes from listening, understanding, and staying present.

"You certainly need the knowledge base to give clients sound advice," Coogan said. "But empathy is probably one of the most important attributes for success. You have to really listen and understand the stresses and emotions your clients are dealing with."

The Human Side of Law

Coogan, who has practiced law for over 15 years, believes the profession is at a crossroads. A recent American Bar Association (ABA) study found that 44% of attorneys report symptoms of burnout, while nearly 1 in 5 say work-related stress has affected their ability to serve clients effectively.

"Law is about people - their families, their businesses, their futures," Coogan explained. "If we lose sight of the human element, we lose the heart of what this work is supposed to be."

Her focus on estate planning, business succession, and probate law often places her in deeply personal conversations with clients navigating emotional transitions. Rather than approaching these moments as transactions, she sees them as opportunities for compassion and clarity.

Balancing Family and Career

As a mother of two young daughters, Coogan is also vocal about the importance of work-life balance - an issue that affects working parents across industries. According to Pew Research Center, 56% of working mothers say balancing work and family responsibilities is difficult, while 77% report feeling judged by others for how they handle those responsibilities.

"It's always a challenge to find that balance," Coogan said. "We're often torn in two directions, but both my family and my career are fulfilling. The key is to stay present wherever you are - with your children at home or with your clients at work."

Her perspective resonates with many professionals striving to succeed in demanding fields without sacrificing personal well-being. "Making life easier for others - whether it's my family, friends, or clients - is what drives me," she added. "I hope to be someone my daughters can look up to, and someone other female attorneys can see as proof that you can build both a meaningful career and a fulfilling home life."

Leading Through Service

Beyond her legal work, Coogan serves as a board member for the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Attleboro YMCA (Finance and Governance Committees), and the Friends of St. John the Evangelist School, as well as Past President of the Attleboro Area Bar Association. Her community involvement reflects a consistent theme in her career - that leadership begins with service.

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

Bringing Empathy Back

Coogan hopes her message sparks reflection - not just among lawyers, but among anyone juggling professional ambition with personal responsibilities. "Take time to listen," she advises. "Be present with the people around you. The smallest act of empathy can completely change someone's experience - and your own."

Experts agree that practicing empathy has measurable benefits. A Harvard Business Review study found that leaders who show empathy improve workplace engagement by 76%, and teams led by empathetic managers report 50% higher job satisfaction.

"Empathy isn't just soft - it's strategic," Coogan said. "It creates trust, strengthens communication, and builds better results for everyone involved."

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Jane Coogan

Jane Coogan is a Partner at Coogan Smith, LLP, based in Attleboro, Massachusetts. She focuses on estate planning, business formation, and probate law. A lifelong Attleboro resident, she holds degrees from the College of the Holy Cross and Villanova University School of Law, where she earned both her JD and LLM in Taxation. She is active in local nonprofits and is a passionate advocate for empathy, balance, and community leadership in law and beyond.

Jane Coogan encourages professionals, parents, and community leaders to take one small step toward balance and understanding today - whether that means putting the phone down during family dinner, really listening to a coworker, or showing patience in a stressful moment.

Contact:
info@janecoogan.com

SOURCE: Jane Coogan