David Cole, Jr.

Of Counsel

Profile

David L. Cole, Jr. is a construction attorney in the McNees Construction & Procurement Group with over 30 years of experience. His practice focuses on construction litigation and arbitration, guiding clients through contract development, risk management, dispute resolution, and claims involving public and private construction projects.

David regularly handles complex matters such as bid protests, procurement disputes, mechanics’ liens, and construction-related litigation and arbitration in state and federal courts across the U.S. and internationally.

He advises a range of clients in the construction industry, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, and material suppliers. His experience spans a variety of project types, from commercial buildings and educational facilities to transportation infrastructure and marine construction.

A former Army officer, David brings discipline, focus, and a team-oriented mindset to every engagement. He frequently presents at construction industry and legal education forums. He has served on the board of directors for the University of Richmond School of Law, where he supports the development of future legal professionals.

EDUCATION

University of Richmond School of Law, J.D.

Washington & Lee University, B.A., cum laude

MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Bar Association- Section on Litigation, Committee on Construction Industry Forum
  • Baltimore City Bar Association
  • Maryland State Bar Association
  • University of Richmond School of Law, former member of the Board of Directors

COURT ADMISSIONS

  • Court of Appeals of Maryland
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

HONORS/AWARDS

Best Lawyers in America®, Construction Litigation, 2025

Maryland Super Lawyers

EXPERIENCE/REPRESENTATIVE CASES

  • Long-term representation of roofing manufacturer: Represented a national and international roofing materials manufacturer for over 20 years in multiple construction defect litigation cases across various states and jurisdictions.
  • International arbitration for telecommunications center: Achieved a favorable arbitral decision for an Egyptian governmental agency in an international dispute involving the construction of a national telecommunications center in Cairo, Egypt. This case addressed construction defects, schedule delays, and cost overruns, resulting in claims exceeding $100 million.
  • Infrastructure and wastewater treatment arbitration: Secured a favorable outcome for an Egyptian governmental agency in an international arbitration concerning infrastructure and wastewater treatment construction. The matter involved claims exceeding $65 million and was resolved after three weeks of intensive hearings.
  • Representation of general contractors across multiple states: Provided legal counsel to general contractors involved in diverse construction projects—including hotels, schools, universities, infrastructure, roads, railroads, marine, transportation, office buildings, and courthouses—spanning Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. These matters focused on disputes over construction defects, schedule delays, and cost overruns.
  • Dispute resolution for design engineering firm: Successfully represented an international design engineering firm in litigation related to the construction of a governmental transportation center, resolving disputes over alleged construction defects and schedule delays.
  • Billion-dollar hotel and conference center construction: Represented a general contractor in the construction of a nearly billion-dollar hotel and conference center. Managed complex claims and defenses involving construction defects, schedule delays, and cost overruns between the owner, subcontractors, and suppliers, ultimately achieving a favorable resolution.

Bar Admissions

Maryland

Contact Info

Practice Groups