James Lawrence Cole (c. 1814 – February 14, 1883)^[1] was a justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court from April 6, 1857, to March 12, 1860,^[2][3] and officially from 1863 to 1865, although the court did not meet during the latter period.^[4]

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cole became a District Attorney in Louisiana's Historic Fifth Judicial District, covering Lafourche Parish, around 1846, and became a judge of that district around 1856.^[2] He initially served on the Louisiana Supreme Court from April 6, 1857, to March 12, 1860.^[2] During the American Civil War, Union forces occupied New Orleans attempted to reorganize the Judiciary, appointing Cole to his former position, but the court never actually organized.^[4] Cole was also active in the Louisiana state teachers' association,^[2] and later served as a judge of the Louisiana Historic Twenty-Third Judicial District, covering Iberville Parish, from 1880 until his death in 1883.^[2] He was noted for his extensive knowledge of Louisiana history and customs, and occasionally wrote newspaper pieces recounting these.^[1]

Cole died suddenly in New Orleans,^[1] and his body was transported to Iberville Parish for burial.^[5]