Merritt A. Cole, Business Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Business, International, and Securities · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
CounselatEarp Cohn P.C.
Philadelphia, PA
Practicing business in Philadelphia since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Merritt A. Cole?
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Quick answer
Merritt A. Cole is a counsel based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, International, and Securities. Merritt has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Earp Cohn P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Philadelphia, PA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Business · International · Securities
- Handles Business, International, and Securities matters from Philadelphia, PA.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Merritt A. Cole: Merritt A. Cole is a counsel based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, International, and Securities. Merritt has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Earp Cohn P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Merritt A. Cole
Merritt concentrates on business, international, securities, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Merritt handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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International
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Securities
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Tax
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Business cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Merritt takes business matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Merritt agrees to represent you.
International cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Merritt takes international matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Merritt agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Merritt takes securities matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Merritt agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Merritt takes tax matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Merritt agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Merritt A. Cole — Over 50 years of Pennsylvania business experience
Merritt A. Cole is a counsel based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, International, and Securities. Merritt has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Earp Cohn P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Merritt Cole is Chair of the Securities Law Practice Group and Counsel at Earp Cohn P.C., which he joined in 2014. He has extensive experience in securities and corporate law matters, including transactional matters (public and private securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments and control contests), SEC reporting and compliance, corporate governance and business counseling. Mr. Cole has represented a broad range of business clients, ranging from development-stage companies to publicly-held companies and financial institutions, including broker-dealers, investment advisors and banks.Mr. Cole has represented businesses and individuals in enforcement actions brought by the SEC, state securities commissions, stock exchanges and FINRA. He has represented both broker-dealers and customers in securities arbitrations. He lectures frequently on securities law matters and has served as an expert witness and arbitrator in legal proceedings.Before entering private practice, Mr. Cole worked with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., where he served as a Branch Chief in the Division of Market Regulation. Prior to moving to Philadelphia in the 1980’s, he practiced with Shearman & Sterling in New York City.In June 2016, Mr. Cole was honored by being admitted to The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation.Mr. Cole has held additional senior leadership positions in many professional organizations. He has served as Chairman of the Business Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association and for many years served on the Executive Committee of the Section. Mr. Cole also served as Chair of the Securities Regulation Committee of the Business Law Section. He served as a member of the Attorney Advisory Committee of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission (until merged as the PA Department of Banking and Securities). Mr. Cole has taught Securities Regulation courses in three law schools and has taught Advanced Corporate Practice at Rutgers School of Law and Advanced Topics in Securities Regulation at Temple University School of Law.
Working with Merritt on a business matter
Merritt Cole is Chair of the Securities Law Practice Group and Counsel at Earp Cohn P.C., which he joined in 2014. He has extensive experience in securities and corporate law matters, including transactional matters (public and private securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments and control contests), SEC reporting and compliance, corporate governance and business…
Who Merritt represents
Merritt reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, international, and securities matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Merritt A. Cole's legal education and bar admissions
Yale University
cum laude Yale University Class of 1972 BA University of Connecticut School of Law Class of 1975 JD · 1972
Jurisdictions
Merritt's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
1984 · ACTIVE
New York State Bar
1981 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania State B
1976 · ACTIVE
Merritt studied at cum laude Yale University Class of 1972 BA University of Connecticut School of Law Class of 1975 JD in Yale University.
Law school and academic background
Merritt completed cum laude Yale University Class of 1972 BA University of Connecticut School of Law Class of 1975 JD in Yale University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Merritt runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Merritt A. Cole
Merritt has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Merritt's professional memberships and bar associations
Kline School of Law, where he teaches Securities Regulation
Spring 2012 – 2017 · membership
Chair of the Advisory Board of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Business Law Section
membership
Locations
Merritt A. Cole's office in Philadelphia
Merritt's primary office is at 121 South Broad Street, Suite 1720, Philadelphia, PA, 19107. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Earp Cohn P.C.
121 South Broad Street, Suite 1720
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Merritt A. Cole — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Merritt. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Philadelphia.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Merritt A. Cole claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Merritt A. Cole — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Merritt usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Merritt charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Merritt's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Merritt will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Merritt
Merritt discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Merritt confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Merritt's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Merritt A. Cole
How much does it cost to hire Merritt for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Merritt walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Merritt offer a free consultation?
Merritt charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Merritt's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Merritt's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Merritt gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Merritt take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?
Merritt is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Merritt will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Merritt?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Merritt will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Merritt accepting new business clients right now?
Merritt's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
Merritt handles business matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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