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Scott Edward Cole
About Scott
Biography
Mr. Cole is known for taking on the big cases and getting big results. An experienced litigator and trial attorney, he brings three decades of experience to every case he prosecutes, not to mention his leadership of the firm’s highly experienced and talented team. As a well-known and respected leader in the fields of consumer, employment and environmental class action litigation, has achieved record results in both settlements and judgments in such cases, has penned numerous scholarly publications, and is the author of the book, Fallout (chronicling the 1994 toxic substance release by Unocal and the ensuing legal battle). He has been called upon repeatedly to serve as a guest speaker at seminars on issues surrounding class action procedure, negotiation theory and various substantive issues. Mr. Cole founded the predecessor firm to Cole & Van Note in 1992 and has devoted himself, his team, and the firm’s resources to championing consumer (fraud and privacy), employment and environmental disputes ever since
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
75%
34 years
Consumer Protection
25%
34 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 33 years
State: California
Acquired: 1992
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2005
Location
Cole & Van Note
555 12th St., Suite 1725, Oakland, CA, 94607
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Scott Edward Cole's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
3 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (3)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by Tony F. | July 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Consumer Protection
Made the case easy and was professional
Scott Cole's firm just finished my case and got me paid for my data being breeched. They asked if I'd write a review but they didn't have to because they took care of me well in the lawsuit. I think this lawyer was very professional and knew a lot about the legal issues and I would hire him once agai...
Posted by anonymous | July 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Great job!!
Cole and his team did a great job on my case. Professional and reliable. I would definitely use them again if the need arises.
Posted by Mark | July 04, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Great attorney and law firm
I hired Scott Cole & Associates to handle a wage case last year and they did an amazing job. Really aggressive negotiation and they recovered more for me than I thought I was entitled to. I know people have complaints about lawyers for all kinds of reasons but I really couldn't recommend this firm mo...
Scott Edward Cole's Lawyer Endorsements
"Scott Cole is an excellent attorney, and his knowledge and experience in class actions is tremendous. He has brought (and won) cases against many of the biggest companies in California and across the U.S. Any client would be lucky to have him represent them."
"Scott has a deep and detailed understanding of employment law and class action suits which he generously shares with both his staff and clients. A thoughtful and trusting manager, Scott knows how to develop a strong sense of individual responsibility among his staff while still fostering teamsmanship. Scott's dedication to the success of those around him makes him an excellent mentor and a pleasure to work with!"
No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2005.
Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2005
updated on 01/12/2022This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.
Scott’s comment:
“This is very misleading. This 1997 settlement at issue was requested by the client. The fact that the client changed her mind after signing does not mean our firm acted improperly. We'd welcome anyone to check the actual records of this very old incident before assuming anything about our team.”
Work Experience
1992 - Present
President/CEO, Cole & Van Note
Associations
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member
California Employment Lawyers Association
Member
National Employment Lawyers Association
Alameda County Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Augustus v ABM
Judgment and subsequent settlement for $110 million.
Cornn/Despres v UPS
settled for a record $87 million
Education
N/A
University of San Francisco School of Law
N/A
San Francisco State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
N/A
[Numerous conferences]
[Numerous presentations]
Publications
2011
Los Angeles Daily Journal
Got a Minute? The De Minimis Standard in Wage and Hour Law
2009
California Employment Lawyers Association Bulletin
A New Standard for Class Action Settlement Approval?
2004
he Boston University Public Interest Law Journal
To Certify or Not to Certify: A Circuit-By-Circuit Primer
2003
Employment Law Strategist
The Quest for Class Certification
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers