Rooted in Western Massachusetts since 1924
More than a century after the firm was founded in Springfield, Egan, Flanagan and Cohen is still here, and so are we. Our attorneys grew up in the area, and they raise their families here now. They coach the local teams, serve on town boards and turn out for neighborhood fundraisers.
We think a law firm owes something to the community around it. For us that means sponsoring causes that matter, giving our time and legal skills, and training the next generation of lawyers in the Pioneer Valley.
Causes We Champion
Ending Domestic Violence
We’re proud to stand with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, which provides emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling and crisis services to survivors of domestic violence and answers more than 6,500 hotline calls a year.
Sheriff’s Shuffle 5K Run/Walk. EFC is the “Sheriff’s Premier Sponsor,” the event’s top sponsorship level, and our team has taken part every year. All proceeds go to the YWCA’s domestic violence services.
YWCA Golf Tournament. EFC sponsors and its attorneys participate in the YWCA’s annual golf fundraiser at Springfield Country Club.
Standing with Veterans and Service Members
Service to country is part of who we are. Our Managing Partner, Michael G. McDonough, is a U.S. Army veteran and a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve. Attorney Kevin D. Withers is a Vietnam War veteran, serving with the U.S. Navy. Two of the firm’s founders, James F. Egan and William C. Flanagan, were officers in the U.S. Navy.
SrA Stephen Comeau Memorial Stride for Change. EFC sponsors this 5K at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke. Karen Struck founded it in memory of her son, Senior Airman Stephen Comeau, and it raises money for mental health care and suicide prevention for active-duty service members and veterans.
Veterans Outreach. Attorney McDonough has served in the Hampden County Bar Association’s Veterans Outreach Initiative since 2016. Attorney Robert L. Quinn has served on the board of the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts since 1991.
Access to Justice
We believe everyone deserves good legal help, whether or not they can pay for it.
Pro bono service. Our attorneys take part in the Hampden County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Legal Clinic Program. Attorney Stephen J. DePalma was named to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Honor Roll. Attorney Jonathan Goldsmith was the first recipient of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s Pro Bono Award for Western Massachusetts and received a 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Award from Community Legal Aid of Central and Western Massachusetts. Attorney Lauren F. Olanoff serves on the Board of Bar Overseers’ Pro Bono Panel.
Protecting clients. The Supreme Judicial Court has appointed EFC attorneys to protect the public from attorney misconduct. John J. Egan served as Chairperson of the Clients’ Security Board, and Lauren F. Olanoff has been serving on that Board since 2023.
Supporting legal aid. Attorney Lauren F. Olanoff serves on the board of Hampden County Lawyers for Justice and Attorneys John Egan and Paula C. Tredeau are Life Fellows of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, which funds access-to-justice programs across the Commonwealth.
Faith and Fellowship
Many of our attorneys are active in the region’s faith communities. They have served as the director of the St. Thomas More Society of Springfield; led the Knights of Columbus Unity Council; served on the Finance Council of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield; served as president of Temple Beth El and the Springfield Jewish Community Center; served on the board of the B’Yachad religious school; and serve on the boards of the Springfield JCC and the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Health, Housing and Families
Our attorneys volunteer with organizations that care for our neighbors, including the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Mont Marie Health Care Center, Brightside for Families and Children, South End Community Center, Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, Jay Caron Community Impact Foundation, Pioneer Valley Red Cross and Mercy Hospital.
Civic Leadership
Egan, Flanagan and Cohen attorneys have a long record of public service in the cities and towns we serve:
Chicopee: Richard J. Kos served seven terms as Mayor of Chicopee and was named the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Julia Sudol has served on the Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals since 2021.
Springfield: Mary Egan Boland was elected to the Springfield City Council in 1972 and became its President in 1973. Timothy J. Ryan served on the City Council and chaired the Board of Police Commissioners. Theodore C. Brown served on the Springfield Planning Board.
West Springfield: Thomas E. Day chaired the Planning and Construction Committee and served on the Conservation Commission.
Longmeadow: Paula C. Tredeau has served on the town’s Conservation Commission, Historical Commission and Long Range Planning Steering Committee.
Amherst: Robert L. Quinn served for 15 years as an elected Town Meeting member.
Across the region: Our attorneys serve on the Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Commission, the Eastern States Exposition Board of Trustees and the Hampden County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. They also serve on the boards of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass, the MassHire Workforce Board and Elms College.
Education and the Next Generation
We invest in students, from middle school classrooms to law school.
Scholarships for local students. EFC has sponsored the St. Thomas More Society’s benefit performances at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, most recently Waitress in April 2025. Ticket proceeds support the Hon. Kent B. Smith Scholarship Fund, which gives grants to area college and law students. Mary Egan Boland works with the Edward P. Boland Scholarship Committee, which has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to residents of the 2nd Congressional District.
Supporting local schools. EFC has sponsored the Cardinal Classic Golf Tournament for Pope Francis Preparatory School. Attorneys Thomas E. Day and Katherine A. Day have both served on the school’s board. Attorney Kevin C. Giordano incorporated the Wilbraham Hampden Academic Trust. Senior Counsel
Our Summer Program. In 2026, we welcomed our largest summer law clerk and intern class ever: 11 participants, including six law student summer associates, three undergraduate legal interns, and two participants in the Hampden County Bar Association’s Leap Into Law program. EFC alumna Katie M. McDonough and our Chief of Staff, Faith Hoynoski, co-founded Leap Into Law to help working professionals move into legal careers.
Mentoring young advocates. Attorney Julia Sudol has volunteered as a legal mentor in Discovering Justice’s Mock Trial and Mock Appeal programs at STEM Middle Academy, helping students prepare to present in federal court. Attorney Lauren F. Olanoff volunteers her time with the Western New England University Law School’s Intro to the Legal Profession for its first year students.
On the field. Attorney Rachel T. Woods helps coach the Western New England University women’s lacrosse team. Attorney Marissa Fabbo has coached the 18U CT Polar Crush softball team and Attorney Michael G. McDonough is a volunteer coach with the Longmeadow Football Association.
Want EFC to know about a local cause or event? Contact Faith Hoynoski at (413) 737-0260 or fah@efclaw.com.