Associate

Commercial real estate attorney Cole A Middleton was first introduced to the firm as a law clerk in the summer of 2020, and officially joined the firm after graduating from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2021. Prior to law school, Cole earned his undergraduate degree at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he was awarded the Sherrill-Smith Accounting Award for the highest GPA in Accounting and was a founding member of the school's Student Managed Investment Fund.

With his background in finance and accounting, Cole enjoys using these skills to navigate a client’s various business and financial needs. Cole claims he was hired because he is a lawyer who can prepare and understand a spreadsheet. Cole practices primarily in the firm’s Commercial Real Estate and Business Law practice groups.

Cole began his legal career with the firm as a family law attorney where he gained a unique perspective on the marital rights of spouses and the associated impact on real property and lending laws. While at Wake Forest, he served as a research assistant to Dean Emerita Suzanne Reynolds on her family law treatise, Reynolds on North Carolina Family Law. Cole uses this unique skillset to offer clients a comprehensive approach to negotiating, reviewing, and drafting commercial real estate documents.

Outside of work, Cole enjoys playing tennis and spending time with family and his dog. Cole’s view is that animals are an integral part of the family. Through the years Cole regularly volunteered at the Rowan County Animal Shelter where he has assisted with adoption events and special fundraisers.

Practice Areas

• Commercial Real Estate
• Business Transactions

Bar Admissions

• North Carolina, 2021
• U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina, 2021
• South Carolina, 2024
• Tennessee, 2024

Education

• Wake Forest University School of Law, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, J.D., 2021
• Catawba College, Salisbury, North Carolina, B.A. Double Major in Economics and Accounting, Summa Cum Laude, 2017

Professional Associations and Memberships for Cole A Middleton

• North Carolina Bar Association
• North Carolina Bar Association, Real Property Section
• North Carolina State Bar
• Forsyth County Bar Association
• South Carolina State Bar
• Tennessee State Bar

Honors and Awards

• WFU Journal of Business and Intellectual Property, Staff Member, 2019 – 21
• Expungements Clinic
• Research Assistant to Dean Emerita Suzanne Reynolds, Wake Forest University School of Law
• Academic Engagement Program Leader for Contracts