Derek P. Cole
Firmwide Managing Partner, Roseville
Practice Summary
A founding partner of Cole Huber LLP, Derek is the firm’s Managing Partner. His practice focuses on local government law. He serves as a contract city attorney and has served as a contract county counsel and general counsel for special districts.
In addition to his advisory practice, Derek handles a diverse caseload of litigation matters before state and federal courts. He has handled bench and jury trials and a broad range of writ of mandate and related proceedings.
Although Derek is familiar with all aspects of local government, he has particular expertise in the areas of land use, CEQA, municipal finance, and emergency medical services.
Derek was selected to the Northern California “Super Lawyers” list from 2015 to 2025; was included as a “Top Lawyer” in Sacramento Magazine from 2015 to 2023; and, was a recipient of the “Best of the Bar” award by the Sacramento Business Journal in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Education & Admissions
Derek graduated with distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1999. At McGeorge, He was admitted to the Order of the Coif, Order of Barristers, and Traynor Honor Society. He was also a member of the Editorial Board of the McGeorge Law Review and published two student comments in that journal.
Prior to attending law school, Derek graduated from the University of California-Santa Barbara in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Society.
Derek is admitted to practice in California, all federal district courts in California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Professional Activities
Derek is a frequent writer on a wide range of legal subjects. He is the author of California Surface Mining Law (Solano Press Books, 2009), a number of articles in various legal publications including the Daily Journal, and several blog articles in the California Municipal Law Blog.
Derek regularly authors “friend of the court,” or “amicus,” briefs for organizations including the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California Special Districts Association, and International Municipal Lawyers Association.
Derek has been active in Legue of California Cities departments. He has chaired and served on the City Attorneys Department’s Municipal Law Handbook Committee. He has also served on the Department’s Attorney Succession and Development Committee, Nominating Committee, and Legal Advocacy Committees.
Derek previously served as a legal writing and research instructor at his alma mater, McGeorge School of Law.
Up Close
Derek is the proud father of two amazing children. He is a history buff and enjoys outdoor photography and backpacking.