James V. Cole

Expert guidance on a complex ERISA compliance issue

Our company retained James Cole at Groom Law Group to navigate a particularly thorny ERISA compliance issue related to a recent merger. From our initial consultation, it was clear we were dealing with a true specialist. His deep knowledge of employee benefits law, honed at Georgetown and recognized by Best Lawyers, was immediately evident. He didn't just quote regulations; he explained the practical implications for our plan structure and our employees in a way our internal team could understand. James developed a strategic, phased approach that addressed both the immediate Department of Labor inquiry and our long-term administrative needs. His analysis was thorough, and his written guidance was exceptionally clear. While his expertise is undeniable, there were a few instances where response times on follow-up emails stretched longer than ideal during a critical phase, which added some minor stress. That said, the quality of the work product was consistently top-tier. He is a pragmatic and highly skilled attorney who delivers significant value. I would confidently recommend him to any organization facing complex benefits or ERISA challenges in the DC area.