Martha Coakley has earned her reputation as a fierce defender of the public interest. In her six years as attorney general, she’s taken on everyone from Goldman Sachs to Apple and the Environmental Protection Agency.
But behind the power suits and courtroom battles, Coakley is a woman who enjoys long walks with her dogs, has fond memories growing up in the Berkshires and is known to crack a joke or two – despite her public perception.
Martha Coakley
Title: Massachusetts Attorney General; Boston
Age: 59
Experience: 33 years as an attorney
What inspired you to become a lawyer and set you on a path to becoming the first female attorney general in Massachusetts?
Growing up in North Adams, I was a big fan of Perry Mason, and that really interested me in becoming a lawyer, specifically a litigator. I also read a lot of Nancy Drew. I loved the mysteries. There were not a lot of female role models at the time, and she was one. The combination led me to law school and becoming a litigator.
What first attracted you to public service?
I grew up in the ’50s and ’60s, and I remember that attitude of "ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." I think I grew up believing that we were lucky to have what we did, and that good citizens give back to their communities and their country. When I graduated from law school in 1979, women were just starting out, just coming into the professional workforce. I thought that it was important for me to do something I thought could make a difference. Being an attorney in public service, speaking for the commonwealth, I thought that was important.
Which of your former positions do you consider the most formative in your career?
My time as district attorney in Middlesex County. Middlesex is about 25 percent of the state, and it’s not only criminal prosecution. I learned a lot about what it means to manage a large office and recruit talent. I learned that it’s not just about responding to cases – doing the research, putting in the time, deciding whether to settle or prosecute, and not being afraid to try a case – it’s also about problem-solving. I realized in my time in that office that many of the issues facing our society don’t have easy answers, and it’s important to look outside of the office and work with others to address that, something that I continue to do as attorney general.
How has the AG’s office changed under your leadership?
I’m very proud to follow my two predecessors, Scott Harshbarger and Tom Riley. I think they were each able to build on works of the other, and I’m proud to continue what they started. We have also started several new divisions, including the Health Care Division, working on health care cost containment; and the Business, Technology and Economic Development Division. I’ve also worked to make the office both more efficient and more transparent. A lot more information is available online, and we’ve updated the infrastructure. We also have a new focus on dedicating investigations and attorneys to fighting corruption through the Public Integrity Division.
What would you like people to know about you, that may not be common knowledge?
I do have a sense of humor! I think in people’s image of the district attorney and the attorney general, they mostly see me on television, announcing indictments of politicians or bringing suit against major companies, and that’s serious business that I do on behalf of the commonwealth. I really enjoy the work, and I enjoy our office – people who don’t know me might not see that very often.
What do you like to do in your spare time, to relax and recharge?
I love to cook. I find it very relaxing to shop for a meal, prepare it, fool around with a recipe until it’s mine. I have two [dogs] who require walking, which is good for them and good for me. We take long walks around the Middlesex Fells, which I enjoy. I try to stay active in the summer by bike riding with my husband, and in the winter, I’ve been skiing for a long time, which I still like to do. Growing up in the Berkshires, I think I started skiing about the time I started watching Perry Mason. I love to read. I like to stay abreast of current events, but I also like novels. I watch movies – when I have time.
Martha Coakley’s Top Five Priorities For The Coming Year:
- Addressing the foreclosure crisis
- Controlling costs of health care
- Addressing financial fraud and white collar crime
- Rooting out public corruption
- Programs to help returning veterans find jobs
