 In 2004, Cole and his law firm were hired as part of a 2004 agreement with the government to monitor AIG's regulatory compliance, financial reporting, whistle-blower protection and employee retention policies, submitting confidential reports to the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission.After serving as Deputy Attorney General, Cole moved to Sidley Austin, where he was made partner.On May 21, 2010, President Obama nominated Cole for the position of Deputy Attorney General to replace David W. Ogden, who returned to private law practice.