Thomas J. Cole, Jr.

Recognized for his steady leadership and market focus, Tom works with firm leaders across practices and administrative areas to create and advance the firm’s goals. Over the span of five years, he has played a leading role in two major firm combinations. As managing partner and then chair of Troutman Pepper, he oversaw the firm’s combination with Locke Lord, resulting in the formation of Troutman Pepper Locke, a firm with approximately 1,600 attorneys and more than 30 offices. In 2020, as managing partner of Pepper Hamilton, Tom helped lead the firm’s merger with Troutman Sanders, resulting in the formation of Troutman Pepper.

During Tom’s tenure as Troutman Pepper’s managing partner, the firm recognized material revenue gains, attracted top talent in areas crucial to clients’ needs, delivered and then executed on the firm’s first strategic plan, grew brand recognition, and helped launch a market-leading client value program. He is also focused on the impact of emerging technologies on the firm and the profession, having directed the formation of the firm’s Generative AI task force and strongly supported the development of the firm’s proprietary GenAI tool, Athena.

Recognized for his business acumen and pragmatic approach, Tom is a source of guidance for the firm’s clients on issues of significance. He is an accomplished labor and employment attorney who provides strategic advice and counseling to help clients achieve immediate and long-term objectives.

Tom co-leads the firm’s Executive Committee and serves as chair of the Policy Committee.

• Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a large employer in a multi-plaintiff ERISA action.
• Successfully settled significant DOL wage and hour audits on behalf of clients in the retail, technology, and manufacturing industries.
• Negotiated and drafted executive employment and separation agreements.
• Drafted and advised on the enforcement of restrictive covenant agreements across various industries.
• Advised on large-scale reductions in force, including WARN Act issues.
• Advised large organizations in the marketing and professional services industries on wage and hour issues associated with an overhaul of their compensation systems.
• Successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements in multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Obtained a broad order, including an award of penalties, against an electrical union on behalf of area contractors.
• Successfully represented retailers, manufacturers, and transportation companies in defeating attempts by certain unions to organize employees.
• Conducted nationwide harassment training for a manufacturer of pharmaceutical devices.

• The Legal Intelligencer and Law.com Pennsylvania Legal Awards: Finalist, Managing Partner of the Year (2026)
• Super Lawyers®: Pennsylvania (2009-2021)
• Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer (2019-2021) – independently rated lawyers
• Best Lawyers in America®: Philadelphia “Lawyer of the Year” for Labor Law – Management (2020, 2025)
• Best Lawyers in America®: Employment Law – Management (2011-2026); Labor Law – Management (2011-2026)