Steven E Cole

Education

Practice Areas

High‑Stakes Commercial & Business Litigation

Trade Secret & Intellectual Property Litigation

Restrictive Covenant & Executive Mobility Litigation

Financial Services Litigation & FINRA/SEC Matters

Partnership, Shareholder & LLC Member Disputes

Professional Memberships

Monroe County Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Worker Justice Center of New York, Board of Directors (Emeritus); Board Chair (2011–2021)

Enlace Services, Board of Directors; Board Treasurer

Publications

Does the Hernandez Technology Decision Alter the Landscape for Restrictive Covenant Enforcement in New York? (2025)

Planning for Business Succession and Avoiding Disputes (2021)

Predicting Success in Protecting Trade Secrets – An Analysis of Four Factors (2018)

Experience

Steven E. Cole serves as the Managing Partner of Adams Leclair and is recognized for his experience in high‑stakes commercial litigation, trade secret and restrictive covenant disputes, partnership and shareholder conflicts, and financial‑services litigation and arbitration. Steve represents businesses, executives, and professionals in complex, high‑value disputes in federal and state courts, arbitration proceedings, and governmental investigations.

Clients seek Steve’s guidance and advocacy when confidential information, business continuity, ownership control are at stake.

With decades of trial experience—including numerous first‑chair trials, arbitration hearings, emergency injunction matters, and dispositive motion victories—Steve brings strategic clarity and disciplined execution to every stage of litigation.

Expert in these Jurisdictions

New York State; State and Federal court

Awards