Hinshaw Veteran Spotlight: Geoffrey Coan, Boston

Our Veterans Employee Resource Group is pleased to bring you a continuing series of "Veteran Spotlights" that highlight different Hinshaw veterans or military family members. We thank our veterans for their service, their commitment to the veteran community, our firm, and the firm's clients. Today, we introduce you to Geoffrey Coan, partner in our Boston, Massachusetts office.

What branch and years did you serve, and what was your military occupational specialty (MOS)?

United States Navy 1992 – 2022. 7 years active duty, 23 in the reserves. We don’t have a MOS in the Navy, but I was in the JAGC (Judge Advocate General Corps). I retired on June 1, 2022 with 30 good years as a Commander (05).

Can you share a fond memory of your time in service?

I was the Staff Judge Advocate at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia from 1994 – 1996. I became friends with many aviators, including my Commanding Officer and the Fighter Wing Commander. Prior to my rotation, the Fighter Wing Commander lined up a flight in a F-14 Tomcat for me.  It was an exciting ride and gave me an appreciation for what fighter pilots do on a daily basis when training. However, my fondest memory is that I met my wife in the Navy. 

How does your time in service, the skills, and lessons you learned, help you now in the practice of law?

The Navy JAGC provided me with a lot of responsibility at a young age and at an early point in my career as an attorney. I was able to learn essential time management skills and important trial skills sooner than many of my civilian counterparts. Additionally, the Navy JAGC provided a sense of comradery that fostered friendships with many individuals who I have remained friends with to this day.