After serving as the District Attorney of Middlesex County, Martha Coakley took on a bigger role when she was elected as the Attorney General of Massachusetts—a significant milestone in her career. Before she rose to prominence, Coakley laid the foundation for her success through education and early professional experience. She first attended Williams College, where she completed her undergraduate studies, and then went on to earn her law degree from Boston University School of Law. Following that, Martha Coakley worked at several well-known Boston-based law firms, including Goodwin Procter and Parker, Coulter, Daley & White, gaining valuable experience that would shape her future path.
Growing up in North Adams, Massachusetts, Coakley was raised by her parents, Phyllis and Edward Coakley, who instilled strong values in her from an early age. Over time, Martha Coakley built a life rooted in public service and family. She eventually made her home in Medford, Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, Thomas O’Connor. Throughout her journey, Martha Coakley has remained a dedicated figure in the legal and political landscape of the state.
Back in the late 1990s, she played a key role as one of the lead prosecutors during the highly publicized trial of British nanny Louise Woodward. The case centered around the tragic death of Matthew Eappen, an infant from Massachusetts who had been under her care at the time. Her involvement in the case brought significant attention, and she stood out among the legal team handling the complex and emotional proceedings. Throughout the trial, she demonstrated sharp legal insight and dedication, reinforcing her reputation as a determined and capable prosecutor. It was one of the defining moments in her career, where her name became closely associated with high-profile criminal justice cases.