Anthony Coles

Anthony Coles is a DLA Piper partner in New York whose practice focuses on commercial and business litigation. His work includes shareholder disputes, international claims, real estate litigation and the defense of class actions. He also represents businesses and senior executives in regulatory investigations involving state attorneys general, state ethics commissions and other government agencies.

His litigation matters have included serving as co-lead counsel for an international banking group pursuing an auditing firm over alleged malpractice in its audit of a bank customer. In another matter, he defended an energy company against class action claims concerning the sale and distribution of fuel oil in the New York metropolitan region. His trial experience includes representing a pharmaceutical manufacturer in product liability and market-share litigation. He has also advised both government agencies and private parties on privacy, defamation and First Amendment issues.

Coles previously held two positions in New York City government. From 1994 to 1998, he served as senior adviser and legal counsel to the mayor; from 1998 through 2001, he was deputy mayor for planning, education and cultural affairs. His responsibilities included helping merge the Transit Police and Housing Police into the New York Police Department. He oversaw aspects of the development of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the planned expansion of Lincoln Center, and advised the mayor in responding to the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. He also previously taught as an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.