BEDFORD - Jason Cole always knew he wanted to be a lawyer, but it took a bit of a longer path to get there.

"I always wanted to go to law school and be a lawyer," said Cole, "but rather than go straight to law school, I went and learned accounting in a real-life setting."

In addition his law degree, Cole also has an MBA and is a certified public accountant.

Cole said his accounting background has been an asset in his daily work as a corporate attorney at Devine Millimet.

"I learned all of the accounting in a context," he said. "It's enabled me to speak a lot of different languages."

Cole said he enjoys assisting nonprofit organizations.

"The nonprofit side has been really interesting, I've come to love that the most over the years," he said.

With nonprofits, like many businesses, having to do more with less in a still-soft economy, Cole said he enjoys finding ways to help them to be successful.

"I think there are a lot of opportunities for nonprofits now," he said.

Those who know him and work with him spoke highly of his accomplishments.

"Jason exemplifies what it means to give back to the community, and his multi-disciplinary background provides him with tools that can really make a positive impact for an organization," said Jeremy Veilleux of Baker Newman Noyes.

Jon Sparkman, president of Devine Millimet and Cole's mentor, said, "As a business and tax lawyer, Jason's background as a certified public accountant increases the value that he brings to his client engagements," and that he is able to quickly assess his clients' situations and give them a practical perspective.

A father of three, Cole said one of his current challenges is balancing work and family, but enjoys making a difference in the community.

"It's important to be involved in your community and have an impact," he said.