Biography

Will is a Partner in our Commercial Litigation team based in our Edinburgh office. He is an experienced commercial litigator with an exceptional range of expertise.  He specialises in helping clients develop and implement strategies for resolving complex issues, often with international aspects, across areas such as commercial contracts, real estate, competition law, corporate applications and tax through negotiation, court proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation and arbitration. 

Will has the skills to deal with sensitive, business critical matters, and has acted in many significant pieces of commercial litigation for businesses, public and third sector organisations, and individuals.  Reported cases cover areas such as real estate litigation, competition law, share purchase agreement warranties, unfair prejudice, insurance coverage, commercial contracts, and title conditions, including “the most important case on real burdens for many years”, according to Professors Gretton and Reid of the University of Edinburgh. 

Will also has a particular interest in sports law, having previously acted on secondment as the Scottish FA’s first ever independent Compliance Officer, personally prosecuting numerous football disciplinary cases before independent tribunals.  He continues to act for the Scottish FA in litigation and arbitration matters.

Clients praise Will’s ability to cut though details and clearly explain the technicalities of disputes and procedure, as well as his personable, forthcoming and pragmatic approach.  He has been recommended in the Legal 500 for his thorough preparation of cases and his analysis of evidence. 

“Will Cole communicates very well without wasting time.  He has been very quick to understand the issue, very clear thinking in his assessment of our position and totally focussed and definite in progressing the action.  He is excellent.  We are very impressed and have complete confidence in his capability.”  Legal 500 - Commercial Litigation - 2022. 

Will has a Postgraduate Diploma in EU Competition Law from King’s College London.  He is an Accredited Mediator and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Property Litigation Association and the Scottish Competition Forum.