After their recent in-depth interview exploring nearly eighty years of service, Coogan Smith, LLP is calling on professionals and community members alike to take a more active role in rebuilding public trust through civic engagement, volunteerism, and community leadership.
“Law doesn’t exist in isolation,” said one partner at Coogan Smith, LLP. “It only matters when it serves the people around us. Our founders believed that being a good lawyer meant being a good neighbour — and that idea feels more important now than ever.”
Building Community Through Service
Recent studies suggest that public confidence in the legal system remains low — only 26% of Americans express trust in the courts, according to Gallup’s 2024 Confidence in Institutions report. Coogan Smith believes that connection and transparency at the local level are key to turning that around.
“When lawyers and professionals give back — whether it’s serving on a town committee, coaching a youth team, or helping a charity — it reminds people that law is about service, not status,” one senior attorney noted. “We see our clients in the community every day. That keeps us accountable and grounded.”
The firm’s long history of involvement spans from volunteering with non-profits and schools to advising local councils on zoning and development issues. Their approach to leadership goes beyond the courtroom — aiming to strengthen community networks through personal contribution.
Why Community Engagement Matters
According to Independent Sector, volunteers contribute over 4 billion hours of service in the United States each year — with an estimated economic impact exceeding $122 billion. Yet participation in civic life has declined by almost 10% over the past decade, leaving local organisations struggling to find consistent support.
“We can’t wait for someone else to fix it,” said another Coogan Smith partner. “Each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small. It starts with showing up — at meetings, at local events, in our schools and neighbourhoods.”
The firm argues that stronger communities lead to better decision-making, fairer representation, and more trusted institutions. “When people engage with their local systems, they not only understand them better — they help improve them,” a partner added.
A Call to Action
Coogan Smith, LLP encourages professionals and residents throughout Southern New England to find a cause close to home and get involved. That might mean volunteering with a local charity, mentoring students, joining a civic committee, or supporting small community projects.
“You don’t need a title to lead,” said a Coogan Smith attorney. “Leadership starts with participation. It’s about using your time and skills to make life better for someone else.”
Continuing a Legacy of Service
Founded in 1946 by John W. McIntyre, a former Mayor of Attleboro, and Edmund F. Henry, a Harvard Law graduate and World War II veteran, Coogan Smith, LLP has long balanced legal excellence with public service. Nearly eighty years later, that legacy continues.
“Our success has always been measured by more than court cases,” the firm stated. “It’s measured by the strength of our community and the trust we build every day.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Coogan Smith, LLP:
Founded in 1946, Coogan Smith, LLP is the largest full-service law firm in the Attleboro area, serving individuals, families, and businesses across Southern New England. The firm is committed to professional excellence, integrity, and civic leadership, combining legal expertise with a longstanding tradition of community service.
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