Bob Cole

Bob Cole is a Colorado local government lawyer and partner who advises special districts, municipalities, boards, and executive teams. He has provided general legal counsel to local governments and worked with public-sector staff on day-to-day legal issues for 40 years. His practice helps governing bodies make informed decisions, manage legal responsibilities, and pursue practical outcomes through sound legal advice and public-sector experience.

Bob earned his law degree from the University of Colorado and holds a B.S. in Forest Management. Before entering legal practice, he spent nine years with the US Forest Service in California, working primarily in fire management and timber management. His education and early career support his understanding of natural resources, emergency services, public administration, and operational issues affecting local governments.

Bob has led major local government projects involving municipal organization and fire protection services. He directed the legal process behind the 2019 consolidation of several special district and municipal fire departments into South Metro Fire Rescue. The resulting fire protection district covers ten municipalities, parts of three counties, and approximately 540,000 residents. He led the legal effort to incorporate Centennial in 2001 and helped establish its initial government as the city’s first City Attorney.

Bob Cole has maintained long-term relationships with local government clients while remaining involved in natural resource conservation and professional education. He served on the National Forest Foundation Board of Directors from 2005 through 2021. His service included leadership on its Conservation and Grants Committee and Executive Committee. He has presented on board governance, emergency management, wildfire mitigation, forest health, and special district law, bringing practical public-sector experience to his legal work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Collins Cole Winn & Ulmer, PLLC
• Member, Colorado Bar Association

Licensed State

• Colorado

Education

• University of Colorado
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Colorado
  Bachelor of Science (BS)