Atty. Michael A. Cole

Atty. Michael A. Cole

Michael A. Cole is a lawyer practicing estate planning, plaintiffs litigation, insurance defense litigation and 2 other areas of law.

Norfolk Norfolk 42 yrs experience 42 year
Call (757) 529-1787 Book Appointment

Estate Planning & More Attorney · Serving Norfolk, VA · 42+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Michael A. Cole at a Glance

Michael A. Cole is a Retired Partner based in Norfolk, Virginia, practicing at Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black. They have 42+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1984. Their practice focuses on trusts, estate planning, workers comp, litigation, and insurance. Admitted to practice in Georgia (Inactive) (1984), U.S. Supreme Court (1991), and Virginia (2005). Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 1984) and University of Virginia (B.A., 1981). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of State Bar of Georgia Virginia State Bar Danville Bar Association Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys. Serves clients in Norfolk, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated November 2026

About Michael A. Cole

  • Michael A. Cole is a lawyer practicing estate planning, plaintiffs litigation, insurance defense litigation and 2 other areas of law
  • Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Virginia in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years
  • Michael practices at Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black in Norfolk, VA

Practice Areas Explained

Michael A. Cole's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael A. Cole handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Norfolk.

Trusts in Norfolk

Michael A. Cole is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Virginia →

Estate Planning & Probate in Norfolk

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Michael A. Cole is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Virginia →

Workers Compensation in Norfolk

Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.

Michael A. Cole is one of 54,932 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Virginia →

Civil Litigation in Norfolk

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Michael A. Cole is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Virginia →

Insurance Law in Norfolk

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

Michael A. Cole is one of 120,903 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Norfolk

Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Norfolk are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Norfolk Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Norfolk-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Norfolk or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael A. Cole

Where is Michael A. Cole's law office located?
Michael A. Cole's law practice is located in Norfolk, Virginia. The firm is Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael A. Cole handle?
Michael A. Cole focuses on trusts, estate planning, workers comp, litigation, insurance. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
How long has Michael A. Cole practiced law?
Michael A. Cole has 42+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1984.
Where did Michael A. Cole go to law school?
Michael A. Cole earned their education at (J.D., 1984); (B.A., 1981).
How can I contact Michael A. Cole for a consultation?
You can contact Michael A. Cole directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael A. Cole received?
Michael A. Cole's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Norfolk Choose Michael A. Cole

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael A. Cole's practice in the field of trusts, estate planning, workers comp, litigation, and insurance.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Michael A. Cole brings 42+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Georgia (Inactive), U.S. Supreme Court, and Virginia, Michael A. Cole can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering trusts, estate planning, and workers comp, Michael A. Cole can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Norfolk

A Norfolk-based practice means Michael A. Cole attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Michael A. Cole Handles in Norfolk

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael A. Cole has experience with under Virginia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning
Work-related injury claims
Workers Comp
Occupational disease benefits
Workers Comp
Employer retaliation
Workers Comp
Disability rating disputes
Workers Comp

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael A. Cole directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael A. Cole Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Norfolk commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael A. Cole.

Michael A. Cole attorney Michael A. Cole lawyer Michael A. Cole Norfolk Michael A. Cole Virginia Michael A. Cole reviews Michael A. Cole contact Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black law firm trusts attorney in Norfolk trusts lawyer Norfolk best trusts attorney Norfolk top rated trusts lawyer near me trusts attorney Virginia find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Michael A. Cole directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of Virginia
- 1984
B.A.
University of Virginia
- 1981

Awards & Professional Honors

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Georgia (Inactive)
Admitted: 1984
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1991
Virginia
Admitted: 2005

Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael A. Cole

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