Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Cole, Esq.
Hi Erika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I knew as early as sixth grade that I wanted to become an attorney. But it was during my clerkship with Chief Judge Bell of the Maryland Court of Appeals that my path truly became clear.
A case came before the court involving a national denomination suing a local church, and that experience allowed me to deeply explore the legal issues surrounding churches and tax-exempt organizations. It was through that case that I realized this was more than just an area of law for me—it was a calling. That experience is what ultimately sparked my passion and heart for serving as The Church Attorney®.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was the first person in my family to attend law school, so I didn’t really have anyone close to me who had walked that path before. There was a lot I had to figure out on my own.
Many of my peers could lean on parents, grandparents, or family connections who understood the process, but for me, it meant learning how to find the right resources, build relationships, and navigate unfamiliar spaces independently.
While there were definitely challenges along the way, I stayed focused, persevered, and remained committed to the goal in front of me because I felt strongly—and still do—about serving churches and faith-based organizations through the law.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cole Law Offices, LLC/The Church Attorney®?
The Church Attorney® is more than just a brand to me—it’s truly a calling. It reflects the work I feel deeply committed to and the purpose behind why I do what I do.
I’m passionate about serving churches and denominations, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support so many ministry leaders and organizations over the years. I also value being a trusted resource for other professionals who serve the faith-based community. That impact and ability to help strengthen churches is what continues to drive my work every day.
With more than 30,000 hours dedicated to serving churches, denominations, and faith-based organizations, I created The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary process designed to help churches identify legal vulnerabilities before they become major challenges. Through this four-tiered system, I help ministries assess their operations, strengthen governance, minimize risk, and position themselves to grow and serve with greater confidence.
I also provide Fractional General Counsel Services for churches, denominations, and faith-based organizations seeking ongoing, trusted legal support tailored to their unique needs. My goal is to serve with competence, character, and compassion while helping ministry leaders navigate complex legal matters so they can remain focused on their mission and calling.
Over the years, I have advised churches on a wide range of matters, including church planting, tax-exempt applications and 501(c)(3) status, governance and bylaw revisions, policies and procedures, legal audits, crisis response, contracts, church property transactions, construction and facility matters, loans, media-related concerns, and structuring church-operated schools, daycares, and senior centers. I also help churches stay informed about emerging legal trends impacting today’s ministry landscape.
Beyond my legal practice, I founded the Faithful Foundations Membership, a community created to equip church leaders with ongoing legal education, practical tools, and support drawn from my years of experience serving the faith-based community.
I am also the host of the Church Law Podcast, ranked among the top 5% of podcasts globally, where I provide church leaders with practical, need-to-know insights related to the everyday operations and legal realities of ministry.
In 2008, I launched what is now known as the Church Law & Leadership Summit, bringing together pastors, ministry leaders, and professionals from across the country to engage in important conversations about how churches can wisely respond and adapt to today’s rapidly changing legal environment.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say some of the qualities that have contributed to my success are diligence, faith, and the ability to genuinely connect with the community I serve. I also believe being reliable and responsive has been incredibly important, especially in serving churches and faith-based organizations where trust matters deeply.
In addition, I’ve learned the importance of being agile. Industries, laws, and the needs of organizations are constantly evolving, so the ability to adapt, shift when necessary, and remain solution-oriented has been essential throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erikacole.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchattorney
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/churchattorney/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorney
