About Former Superior Court Judge David R. "Dave" Cole

David R. Cole was born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Tucson, Arizona, where he attended Palo Verde High School and the University of Arizona. In 1973, he graduated magna cum laude and "with Honors" in Speech Arts, with a focus on Rhetoric, Oratory, Persuasion, and Argumentation/Debate.

 

He was the top male graduate of the College of Fine Arts. In addition, he was selected as the student speaker for the university-wide graduation ceremony, where he shared the dais with renowned political journalist and author Norman Cousins.

 

Later that year, Dave embarked on his legal education at the University of Arizona College of Law. During law school, he served as an editor for the Arizona Advocate and was a key member of the team that competed in the 1975 National Moot Court Final Competition in New York City. The team placed sixth nationally, and Dave was honored with the Lewis F. Powell Medal for Excellence in Advocacy.

 

Dave began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Pima County Attorney's Office, where he balanced a demanding trial caseload with responsibilities in appellate advocacy and post-conviction relief matters.

 

From 1979 to 1982, Dave served as an Assistant Arizona Attorney General, briefing and arguing cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, and the Arizona Court of Appeals. His growing expertise led him to academia, where he taught Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Trial Advocacy at the Pepperdine School of Law. Following his time in academia, he served as the Clerk of Court for the Arizona Supreme Court before being appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court in 1989.

 

During his nearly two decades on the bench, Dave Cole built a distinguished reputation as a fair, knowledgeable, and dedicated jurist. Appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court in 1989, Dave presided over a wide array of cases, developing a particular expertise in criminal law. His tenure was marked by his meticulous attention to detail, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a deep respect for the rights of all parties involved.

 

Dave's courtroom was known for its rigorous adherence to the rule of law, and he became a respected figure among both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Over the years, he presided over hundreds of criminal trials, including numerous high-profile cases that garnered significant public attention. Among these were several capital murder trials, where the stakes could not have been higher. In these cases, Dave demonstrated a profound understanding of the legal complexities involved and a compassionate approach to the human elements at play.

 

In recognition of his contributions to the judiciary and the legal community, the Maricopa County Bar Association awarded Dave the Henry S. Stevens Award in 1997. This prestigious honor is given annually to a judge who has made significant strides in improving the legal system, advancing the professionalism of the bench and bar, and fostering a culture of integrity and ethical practice within the legal profession.

 

Beyond his role in the courtroom, Dave also made a lasting impact on the broader legal community. He served as a mentor to younger judges and attorneys, offering guidance and sharing the wealth of knowledge he accumulated over his career.

 

His influence extended into legal education as well, where he took on the role of adjunct professor at the Arizona State University College of Law. There, he taught Legal Theory and Practice, instilling in his students the same values of rigor, fairness, and ethical practice that defined his own judicial career.

 

Dave's legacy as a judge is one of integrity, dedication, and an enduring commitment to the pursuit of justice. His work on the bench continues to influence the practice of law in Arizona, and his contributions have left a lasting mark on the state's legal landscape.

 

Dave is a proud father of four adult children, all of whom work in the legal system in various capacities, and a grandfather to three granddaughters.