Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
32 Client Reviews
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J. Nathan Cole
also known as Nate Cole
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About J. Nathan
Biography
Bio:
I am the founding partner of Cole Law Partners, P.C., and a trial attorney and seasoned litigator with offices in Boston, Providence, and MetroWest, focused on construction disputes, commercial lease issues, construction defects (both commercial and residential), delay claims, Prompt Pay Act claims, cumulative impact claims, business litigation, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements, mechanic’s liens, employment disputes, shareholder conflicts, insurance coverage disputes, and personal injury cases.
With deep experience as both a negotiator and courtroom advocate, I represent plaintiffs and defendants in litigation, contract negotiations, partnership disputes, and claims against insurance brokers. My practice centers on employment, contract, and construction-related matters.
Client service is my top priority. I am known for being responsive and accessible—promptly returning calls and emails—and for treating every case with the focus and respect it deserves. Whether securing courtroom victories or negotiating favorable contract terms, I am committed to achieving practical, high-value outcomes.
Notable Results:
October 2025 - Prevailed on Motion for Summary Judgment, with Norfolk Superior Court dismissing the claims against my client and finding that an option agreement to purchase real estate in the future was so vague as to be unenforceable against my clients as a matter of law.
December 2024 – Convinced the Superior Court to vacate an arbitrator’s award under the Massachusetts Prompt Pay Act, overturning an unfavorable decision. This rare win highlights my ability to challenge arbitration outcomes in complex construction disputes.
January 2024 – Achieved a major arbitration victory for a subcontractor in a construction dispute featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Defeated a general contractor’s effort to withhold over $700,000, prevailing on Prompt Pay Act and change order claims after multi-day proceedings.
March 2022 – Won summary judgment in U.S. District Court in a $15 million dispute over a liquidated damages clause. Successfully argued the clause was unenforceable, allowing counterclaims for unpaid work. Cover story in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (March 25, 2022).
June 2018 – Dissolved a mechanic’s lien in Massachusetts Superior Court based on improper recording under G.L. c. 254. This win for the homeowner was the cover story in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (June 25, 2018).
Recent Jury Trial – Successfully defended a snowplow company in a Middlesex Superior Court slip-and-fall case during a blizzard. The jury returned a defense verdict in under an hour.
Contract Negotiation – Negotiated a promotional partnership for Polkadog Bakery with a celebrity foundation, securing monthly social media exposure to millions of followers in exchange for pet treat donations.
Injury & Construction Settlements – Recovered millions in settlements for construction workers and others injured in workplace accidents, car crashes, and catastrophic personal injury cases.
Approach:
Whether drafting contracts or trying cases, I leverage my litigation background to anticipate risks and deliver proactive legal solutions. I am a tenacious, prepared, and results-driven advocate in and out of the courtroom.
Awards & Recognition:
Best Lawyers in America, 2020–2025 (Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Personal Injury)
Top Lawyers for Construction Law, Boston Magazine, 2022, 2024 & 2025
BTI Consulting Group Client Service All-Star, 2022-2023
Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2013–2025 (Boston Magazine)
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Perfect 10.0 Rating, Avvo
Leadership & Speaking Engagements:
I serve on the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association and chair its Construction Law Committee. I am the incoming Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Real Estate Development and Construction Law Committee for the 2025–2026 term. I am also the past Chair of the International Association of Defense Counsel's Construction Law and Litigation Committee (2022-2024).
A frequent lecturer, I’ve presented on a range of topics, including construction delay claims, out-of-state discovery, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A, trial tactics, and the use of expert witnesses in civil litigation. I’ve spoken at law schools, MCLE, the International Association of Defense Counsel's Annual and Midyear Meetings, and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
Nationally Recognized Litigator For Construction Disputes, Real Estate and Lease Disputes, Partnership Disputes, Employment Cases & Jobsite Accidents
Experienced Counselor Recognized for Litigating Lease Disputes, Partnership Disputes, Construction Defect Claims, Delay Claims, Jobsite Accidents, Mechanic's Liens, Insurance Coverage Disputes, and Real Estate Litigation. Represents Owners, Developers, GCs, and Subcontractors.
Extensive Experience Litigating Claims Involving Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Wage Act Violations For Both Employers and Employees
Litigated Hundreds of Complex Litigations and Tried Numerous Cases Before State Superior and District Courts to Verdict Involving Partnership Disputes, Solar Lease Disputes, Lost Productivity and Delay Claims, Prompt Pay Act Claims, and All Aspects of Construction and Commercial Litigation
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Construction and Development
45%
23 years | 100 cases
Litigation
30%
23 years | 100 cases
Insurance
15%
21 years | 50 cases
Employment and Labor
10%
12 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 375-575 per hour
Contingency
33%-33%
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2014
Licenses
Licensed in New Hampshire for 5 years
State: New Hampshire
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Licensed in Massachusetts for 22 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Cole Law Partners, P.C
100 Cambridge St, 14th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114
colelp.com/attorneys/j-nathan-cole/Cole Law Partners, P.C.
10 Dorrance St, Ste 700, Providence, RI, 02903
colelp.com/attorneys/j-nathan-cole/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find J. Nathan online.
J. Nathan Cole's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Real Estate
Posted by Paul | March 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Tulin and Paul Johansson got their life back thanks to J.Nathan Cole
After finding ourself in legal trouble, my wife Tulin and myself contacted J.Nathan Cole for legal advise. He offered to meet us and explained all our options to us in a clear, precise way. We felt comforted by his knowledge and his approach and obtained his services to represent us in our case. With...
J. Nathan Cole
Replied last May 19, 2022Paul and Tulin--thank you for your feedback and trust. I am glad that I was able to help you out of a difficult and scary situation for your business and allow you to get your lives back on track. Best of luck to you both in the future.
Posted by anonymous | January 18, 2017 | Real Estate
The best "Investment" my company has made
I own and operate a small Real Estate investment and Property Management services company. J Nathan Cole has represented my interests in an ethical and professional manner with the utmost consideration for a cost effective resolution. His expertise in matters pertaining to tenants, contractors, ins...
J. Nathan Cole
Replied last January 18, 2017Happy to have helped you and your company and thank you for thinking of me the next time you need a lawyer to review your contracts or insurance disputes. Best, Nathan
J. Nathan Cole's Lawyer Endorsements
"Nate is an exceptional lawyer. He has a rare ability to take complicated legal and factual issues, distill what matters, and build a clear strategy around it. Just as important, he relates well to people. He communicates effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and the court in a way that advances his clients’ interests. He is responsive, smart, and pragmatic and is a solid choice for anyone looking for counsel."
"Simply said, Nathan is an outstanding personal injury attorney. Highly recommended!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cole is extremely thorough and very enthusiastic in representing his clients. I recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Cole is an absolute pleasure to work with. In the insurance defense arena, I've worked with hundreds of other lawyers. Attorney Cole stands out. He has superior knowledge of case law and subject matter, defines what it means to be a zealous advocate, displays the utmost in professionalism and courtesy, but also brings charm and humor to table. I would highly recommend Attorney Cole to anyone seeking representation, and would not hesitate to retain him myself if the need ever arose. Likewise, his firm, Heifetz Rose, is a superior establishment, run by the best of the best. You cannot go wrong with J. Nathan Cole."
"I endorse this lawyer. J Nathan Cole is a highly skilled attorney. He is exceptionally dedicated to his clients and will zealously pursue their interests in all circumstances. As a young attorney, I am fortunate to have Attorney Cole as a patient and knowledgeable supervisor. I recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Top Lawyer - Construction, Boston Magazine
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
2024 Massachusetts Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2024
Best Lawyer, Construction Litigation & Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers in America
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
2023 Massachusetts Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2023
Best Lawyer, Commercial Litigation & Personal Injury, Best Lawyers in America
2022
2022 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2022
2022 Client Service All-Star, BTI Consulting Group
2022
Best Lawyers In America, Best Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
2021 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2021
Best Lawyers In America, Best Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
2020 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
2019 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
2018 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
2017 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
2015 Trial Academy Attendee at Stanford Law School, International Association of Defense Counsel
2015
2015 Massachusetts "Rising Stars", Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
2014 Massachusetts "Rising Stars", Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Recommended Insurance Attorney - General Defense, A.M. Best Company - Recommended Insurance Attorneys
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
AV Preeminent 4.7 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
2013 Massachusetts "Rising Stars", Super Lawyers Magazine
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Founder, Cole Law Partners, P.C.
2023 - 2025
Shareholder, Kenney & Sams, P.C.
2016 - 2022
Partner, Kenney & Sams, P.C.
2015 - 2016
Partner, Heifetz Rose, LLP
2013 - 2014
Associate, Heifetz Rose LLP
2006 - 2012
Associate, Tucker, Heifetz & Saltzman, LLP
2005 - 2006
Law Clerk to the Justices, Superior Court Of Massachusetts
2003 - 2005
Attorney-Advisor, United States Department of Commerce, Office of the Secretary, Ethics Division
Associations
2024 - Present
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers AssociationOfficer
2024 - Present
International Association of Defense CounselNortheast Regional Chair, Membership Committee
2025 - 2026
Massachusetts Bar AssociationChair, Real Estate Dev. and Construction Practice Committee
2022 - 2024
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers AssociationChair - Construction Law Committee
2022 - 2024
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard Member; Chair of Construction Law Committee
2022 - 2024
International Association of Defense CounselChair - Construction Law and Litigation Committee
2019 - 2020
Boston Bar AssociationCo-Chair, Professional Liability Insurance Subcommittee
2019 - 2022
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Haven Realty Trust v. Corrigan, et al. v. O’Connell, et al., Norfolk Superior Court (Civil Action No. 22-01060) (Oct. 10, 2025)
Motion for Summary Judgment Allowed
J.C. Cannistraro, LLC v. Columbia Construction Co. (Goldenberg, J.) (Norfolk County Superior Court) (Civil Action No. 2082-0738)
Motion to Vacate Arbitrator's Award allowed by Trial Court; Client Awarded over $1M for Loss Productivity Change Order
Saladin v. Goslee, et al. (Dunigan, J.) (Essex Superior Court) (Civil Action No. 2177CV001037-A)
Dismissal of all claims against Mr. Kirk for failure to prosecute claims.
Saladin v. South Coast Music Group, et al, (Essex Superior Court) (Civil Action No. 2177CV001037-A)
Motion for Summary Judgment allowed; all claims against client dismissed.
Secure Our City, Inc. v. ECI Systems, LLC
Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Liquidated Damages Provision of Agreement allowed, LD's held to be unenforceable.
Belanger, et al. v. Boys in Berries, LLC, et al., (Ullmann, J.) (Suffolk Superior Court) (Civil Action No. 2012-04432-G)
Mr. Cole obtained Summary Judgement for his client on all counts.
MA Dept of Industrial Accidents v. Costa v. Lewis Gammons Ins. Agency, Inc., C.A. No. SUCV2013-02041
Achieved Summary Judgment on all Counts
Crotty v. Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, et al, Suffolk Superior Court, CA No. 2011-01506
Obtained Summary Judgment for Defendant on All Counts
Hampton v. Riverfront Foodservice Corp., 79 Mass. App. Ct. 1118 (2011)
Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment Allowed and Affirmed by Appeals Court of Massachusetts
Lopez v. Olympia & York State, Suffolk Superior Court C.A. No. 2005-02295
Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment Allowed
Education
2003
Boston College Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
Bates College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
2025 Mid-Year Meeting, Dana Point, CA
"Winning the War for Talent: Finding, Developing, and Keeping Future Firm and In-House Leaders."
2024
2024 IADC Midyear Meeting, Miami, Florida
Reimagining Rainmaking: How Alternative Origination Credit Can Address Inequity and Enhance Retention
2024
2023
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association Continuing Legal Education
Massachusetts Mechanic's Lien Statute, Chapter 149A: Traps for the Unwary
2022
National Electrical Contractors Association - Greater Boston
Mass. General Laws Chapter 149A, Construction Manager-at-Risk As Alternative Project Delivery Method
2022
2022 Mid-Year Meeting, Scottsdale, AZ
Blockchain and the Practice of Law: How Cryptocurrency Will Impact the Legal Profession and Our Clients
2021
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association Continuing Legal Education
Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractors Statute and Chapter 93A
2020
Webinar
COVID-19 Insurance Claims and Business Interruption Coverage
2020
International Association of Defense Counsel's Webinar Series
Liability for Injuries to Subcontractor's Employees
2019
MCLE's 60 Minute Lawyer
Out-of-State Subpoenas & Interstate Discovery
2019
Crisis Management Conference
Massachusetts Consumer Protection Statute, Mass. G. L. c. 93A
2019
2019 Annual Meeting, Asheville, NC
The Non-Delegable Responsibility for Jobsite Safety On Construction Projects
2018
Insurance Agents and Brokers E&O Claims
Insurance Agent and Broker Malpractice Claims
2015
2015 Construction Contract Workshop
Insurance and Indemnity Issues In Construction Contracts
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Slip and Fall, black ice. Parking lot of the condo complex I live in. Can I ask for policy number and ins co name?
28 Mar 2017
Q&A
Can I receive more than the maximum bodily injury coverage in an auto accident as passenger when operator has min coverage
13 Mar 2017
Q&A
Individual Hearing with a heavy snow storm what do I do?
13 Mar 2017