Thomas R. Cole

Thomas R. Cole has served Maui clients for decades through a broad civil practice focused on practical, solution-oriented representation. His work includes administrative law, business matters, commercial leasing, construction disputes, estate planning, mediation, arbitration, agreements between spouses, and real estate transactions for individuals, professionals, and local organizations across Maui communities.

Thomas earned his undergraduate degree in Labor and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Arizona, then continued at the university for his Juris Doctor. After completing law school, he was admitted to the Hawai’i State Bar in 1975, beginning a long-standing legal career on Maui. After admission, he began serving the public as a VISTA volunteer with the Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i. In 1976, He opened the Law Office of Thomas R. Cole, building a practice focused on practical, reliable client guidance.

Thomas’s administrative law practice includes matters involving government agencies, regulated industries, marine-related issues, and harbor concerns. In business law, he assists with contracts, transactions, entity formation, purchases, sales, and dissolutions. His commercial leasing work supports landlords and tenants with lease negotiation, review, drafting, and related proceedings from start to finish. In construction law, he helps contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, homeowners, and other parties address contract issues, disputes, mediation, arbitration, and lien matters. His estate planning services include wills, trusts, and probate administration, enabling clients to organize their affairs, protect important financial and family interests, and make informed decisions about the future with confidence.

Thomas R. Cole also provides mediation and arbitration services for construction, real estate, union-management, commercial, and personal injury arbitration matters. His experience as a neutral helps parties understand risks, evaluate options, and pursue efficient resolutions outside prolonged litigation while preserving professional relationships whenever possible and encouraging constructive, practical outcomes for parties seeking fair, workable solutions. Beyond private practice, he has supported the Maui legal and civic community through bar association leadership, nonprofit board service, advisory roles, and legal counsel to community organizations. His career reflects a steady commitment to helping people, businesses, and institutions handle complex legal needs with professionalism, clarity, care, and lasting trust.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner, Thomas R. Cole Attorney at Law
• Member, Maui County Bar Association
• Member, Hawaii Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of Arizona
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Arizona
  BA in Labor & Industrial Relations & Personnel Management

Awards & Badges