Article by David Baugher of Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly
While a solo practitioner, Lauren F. Olanoff recalls taking a hard line on a case that eventually resulted in a settlement. Once it was officially over, opposing counsel was so impressed with her work, they came up with different kind of offer.
“That’s how I got my start at Egan, Flanagan & Cohen,” recalls Olanoff, who has spent 11 years with the firm and made partner in 2019.
Last year, Olanoff recovered more than $5 million for clients in trials and settlements and this year, she was named chief operating officer where she led the firm’s transition from its legacy practice management software to a new cloud-based platform. She’s also been designing and implementing firm and litigation practice standards and procedures.
Olanoff, who was born and raised in West Springfield, was tapped in 2023 by the Supreme Judicial Court to lead the Clients’ Security Board. She also sites on the board of Hampden County Lawyers for Justice. Primarily a defense attorney at one time, she still uses those skills in her corporate litigation role today. She says she’s comfortable in the courtroom.
“I like trying cases. I like helping clients from start to finish,” she says. “What I say to my partners is that the reason I like my job so much is that every day is different in this field. I’m never doing the same thing again and again and I really enjoy that.”
Olanoff says trial experience remains vital to her success.
“I’m able to use that every day,” she says. “I’m able to give clients advice from the perspective of what a case is going to look like and need at trial. I’m not just looking to settle a case to get it over with. If I really truly think it is a case that ought to go to trial, I’m not afraid of that.”
