J. Nathan Cole

J. Nathan Cole is a trial lawyer and strategic advocate trusted by clients across Massachusetts, New England and beyond. Regularly appearing before federal and state courts, arbitrations, and mediations, Nate represents businesses, contractors, and manufacturers in construction and commercial litigation matters. His practice focuses on construction disputes, commercial lease disputes, delay claims, defect claims, bid protests, denial of insurance claims, and coverage interpretation issues, serving clients in industries such as construction, real estate, retail, and insurance. Nate’s litigation expertise also extends to business torts and employment-related matters, where he delivers results with a winning mindset.

Understanding that litigation can be resource-intensive, Nate provides proactive risk management counseling to help clients avoid disputes or position them for success when litigation arises. From policy analysis to contract drafting and dispute resolution strategies, Nate takes a vested interest in his clients’ goals, delivering clear, timely, and tailored communication that avoids uncertainty and empowers informed decision-making. His strategic approach ensures clients remain confident and operations continue smoothly, even in high-stakes disputes.

Nate is recognized by clients and peers for his commitment to teamwork, excellence, and practical solutions that balance risk with business realities. As Founding Partner of Cole Law Partners, he leads with a vision for delivering exceptional legal outcomes through tenacity, preparation, and execution.

When not practicing law, Nate enjoys time with friends and family on Pleasant Lake in New London, NH, hiking, and skiing at Ragged Mountain. Before law school, he captained whale watching and harbor tour boats out of Plymouth, MA, as a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed 100-ton Near Coastal Captain.

Representative Experience

• Secured $400,000 arbitration victory for a subcontractor in a construction dispute involving lost productivity claims, leveraging detailed evidence and strategic advocacy to achieve a favorable outcome.
• After a 5-day trial in Superior Court, obtained a complete defense verdict for a landscape and snowplow company in a significant personal injury case, demonstrating meticulous trial preparation and effective courtroom advocacy. The jury returned a complete defense verdict in under one hour.
• Won summary judgment for a subcontractor in a $15 million liquidated damages dispute, protecting the client’s interests in a high-stakes construction litigation matter.
• Successfully negotiated favorable settlements in bad faith insurance claims, recovering millions for clients facing wrongful claim denials by insurers.
• Provides ongoing risk management counsel to construction and real estate clients, drafting contracts and advising on insurance coverage issues to mitigate exposure and ensure compliance.
• Defended clients before state and federal courts in complex coverage interpretation disputes, securing favorable rulings by clarifying ambiguous policy language.
• Presents to industry groups on insurance coverage trends and construction litigation strategies, sharing insights on risk management and legal developments.

Leadership Positions

• International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC): Chair, Construction Law and Litigation Committee (2022–2024); Vice Chair of Programs, Construction Law and Litigation Committee (2020–2021); Member, Nominating Committee (2023); Member, Membership Committee (three-year term).
• Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association (MassDLA): Officer, Executive Committee (2023–present); Chair, Construction Law Committee (2022–present); Board Member (2019–2023).
• Massachusetts Bar Association: Incoming Chair, Real Estate Development and Construction Law Committee (2025–2026); Member, Judicial Administration Section Committee (2019–2020).
• Defense Research Institute: Member (2014–present).
• Boston Bar Association: Former Co-Chair, Professional Liability Committee (2019–2020).

Speaking Engagements

• March 5, 2025: National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Greater Boston Chapter, “Contract Reading and Negotiating: Avoiding the Traps, Understanding Obligations, and Getting to Yes,” Boston, MA
• February 12, 2025: International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), “Winning the War for Talent: Finding, Developing, and Keeping Future Firm and In-House Leaders,” Mid-year Meeting, Dana Point, CA
• February 21, 2023: International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), “Reimagining Rainmaking: How Alternative Origination Credit Can Address Inequity and Enhance Retention,” Mid-Year Meeting, Austin, TX
• January 26, 2023: Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association (MassDLA), “Massachusetts Mechanic’s Lien Statute, G.L. c. 254,” Boston, MA
• November 2022: National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Greater Boston Chapter, “Mass.G.L.c.149A, Construction Manager-At-Risk as Project Delivery Method,” Boston, MA
• April 13, 2022: Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association (MassDLA), “Negotiating and Drafting Liquidated Damages,” Boston, MA
• February 2022: International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), “Blockchain and the Practice of Law: How Cryptocurrency Will Impact the Legal Profession,” Mid-Year Meeting, Scottsdale, AZ
• January 9, 2020: Boston Bar Association, “Pre-Trial Care and Feeding of Professional Liability Expert Witnesses,” Boston, MA
• July 2019: International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), “General Contractors’ Non-Delegable Duty for Jobsite Safety,” Annual Meeting, Asheville, NC
• 2015: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), “Construction Contract Workshop: Insurance and Indemnity Issues,” Massachusetts