History

Stem & Cole is Hunterdon County’s second oldest law firm.  L.D. Hageman, who had also been mayor of Frenchtown, opened the firm in 1892.  Subsequently, Harry Able and William Stem, both of whom had also served as Hunterdon County Prosecutor, became members. In 1976, Frederick Stem joined his father in private practice. The firm moved from Frenchtown to its present location on Route 519 in 1987.  After William Stem’s death that same year, Frederick Stem continued the practice and was joined by  Douglas A. Cole in 1998.

Douglas A. Cole

Licensed to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 1993, he is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey;  Eastern District of Pennsylvania and U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.  Mr. Cole received his B.A. from the University of Southern Maine in 1990 and J.D. from Temple University School of Law in 1993.  His practice concentrates in family law, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, estates and estate planning.  In addition, Mr. Cole’s practice includes commercial and residential real estate, criminal and municipal court law, immigration services, Social Security disability appeals, personal injury and Worker’s Compensation.

His experienced legal team consists of a paralegal and legal assistant.