Practice Areas
Education
Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, MI
J.D., cum laude, 2024
Journal of Business Law, Editor-In-Chief
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
B.S., with Distinction, Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, 2020
Bar Admissions
Michigan
Court Admissions
All Michigan state courts
Labor and Employment Attorney
Cole is a member of Varnum’s Labor and Employment Practice Team. He counsels public- and private-sector employers on a broad range of employment and traditional labor matters, including day-to-day workplace issues, compliance concerns, long-term workforce planning, collective bargaining agreement negotiations, and grievance resolution across multiple industries.
Cole represents clients in employment litigation in Michigan state courts and federal courts across the country, as well as in arbitrations and mediations. He also conducts workplace investigations and helps public- and private-sector employers navigate administrative claims before state and federal agencies. His work includes matters before the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and National Labor Relations Board, where he communicates with agency representatives, conducts factual and legal investigations, and prepares position statements and other submissions.
Beyond disputes and investigations, Cole advises employers on workplace agreements and policies, including employment and separation agreements, restrictive covenants, and employee handbooks. His work considers federal requirements and employment laws across jurisdictions throughout the United States. He also provides training and presentations for employees, supervisors, and executive teams on labor and employment issues.
In addition to his legal practice, Cole speaks and writes on labor and employment topics. He has presented on behalf of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and at Varnum seminars for employers. He also serves on the board of Beyond26, a West Michigan nonprofit that works to expand meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Professional Affiliations
State Bar of Michigan
Community Involvement
Beyond26, Board