A Major Shift in Annapolis: Tom Coale Launches Independent Government Affairs Practice
In a major move within Maryland’s legislative and regulatory circles, land use attorney and public policy expert Tom Coale has announced the launch of The Coale Firm, an independent government relations and public affairs practice set to officially open its doors in Annapolis on October 1, 2026.
The announcement, marked by a company press release and a personal reflection shared on social media on his 45th birthday, signals a significant transition for one of Maryland’s most prominent policy advocates.
A Milestone Transition
Coale launches the new venture following three and a half years as a partner at Perry Jacobson (formerly Perry, White, Ross & Jacobson), where he rapidly expanded his government affairs portfolio. During his tenure at the firm, Coale’s practice propelled him into the top 15 ranked lobbyists in Maryland by compensation.
Rather than a sharp break, the transition comes with the full endorsement of his former partners. Both Tim Perry and Jonas Jacobson highlighted Coale's policy leadership and track record, expressing support for ongoing collaboration and referral partnerships moving forward.
"My practice has grown well beyond any one issue area—housing, energy, biotech, procurement, economic development—and launching my own firm felt like the natural next step to give all of that room to grow," Coale noted regarding the launch.
18 Years of Policy, Advocacy, and Housing Leadership
Coale’s career spans 18 years across public policy, municipal government relations, and complex land use legal practice. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Coale previously served as Department Counsel for the U.S. Department of Defense and practiced land use, zoning, and renewable energy litigation in Howard County prior to joining Perry Jacobson in 2023.
Over his career, Coale built a reputation as a trusted voice in Annapolis policy debates, particularly around housing reform:
Housing & Land Use: Coale was a key figure supporting Governor Wes Moore’s Housing Expansion and Affordability Act, working to facilitate property up-zoning statewide to address Maryland's housing shortage.
Legislative Victories: In 2024, Coale successfully advocated on behalf of the East Coast’s largest independent music venue to reform secondary ticket sales in Maryland, including passing bans on speculative ticketing.
Clean Energy & Infrastructure: He has represented leading clean energy providers, government technology clients, and major construction entities navigating complex regulatory hurdles.
Beyond advocacy, Coale has maintained deep civic roots in Maryland, serving on the Board of Directors for the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership, the Board of Trustees for the Maryland Science Center, and co-hosting policy-focused media projects including the Elevate Maryland podcast and WBAL NewsRadio commentary.
At a Glance: The Coale Firm
DetailSpecifics Launch DateOctober 1, 2026 LocationAnnapolis, Maryland Core Practice AreasHousing & Land Use, Clean Energy, Biotech, Government Tech & Procurement, Economic Development Contactnicole@thecoalefirm.com | 301.836.1856
The Holistic Approach to Advocacy
In his personal statement marking the transition, Coale reflected on the underlying philosophy of his practice, emphasizing that successful advocacy goes beyond simple transactional lobbying:
"Real credibility comes from solving problems for everyone at the table, not just your clients... This work is expressly not transactional—it's holistic."
With a robust day-one client list making the transition alongside him and steady relationships across the General Assembly, state agencies, and regional executive suites, The Coale Firm enters the Annapolis lobbying ecosystem as an immediate powerhouse in Maryland statehouse politics.
What little I've read about Tom is all I need to know: a stand-up guy got what he deserves. More Holistic Advocacy please!