Lewis R. Cohen is a shareholder in GrayRobinson's Miami office and is a member of the Banking and Finance practice group. His practice focuses on the financial services industry, with emphasis on banking. Mr. Cohen has more than 32 years of experience in commercial practice, including as general counsel for a South Florida-based community bank and as outside general counsel for a number of community and regional banks.

Mr. Cohen's practice involves advising and representing banks in a variety of matters, including deposit operations, electronic and online banking, vendor contracts, loan operations, commercial finance, loan documentation, and regulatory matters, including regulations of the FDIC, OCC and Federal Reserve Board, the Bank Secrecy Act, and USA PATRIOT Act.

With respect to commercial finance, Mr. Cohen represents lenders in real estate and asset-based lending, documentation, closing, and title insurance.

With respect to litigation, Mr. Cohen both represents and advises banks in commercial litigation matters, including negotiable instruments, contract disputes, check kiting, fraud, inter-bank payment disputes, foreclosure, and enforcement of loan and security agreements.

Mr. Cohen also regularly advises banks regarding operational matters, including garnishments, subpoenas, and legal process, negotiation of checks, drafts and other instruments, compliance with state and federal banking laws and regulations, negotiating and drafting agreements with vendors and customers, and developing bank policies and procedures.

Mr. Cohen also represents banks, individuals, and investors with respect to new loan transactions and modifications, sales of REO, and purchase, sale, and leasing of facilities, such as branch offices.

Mr. Cohen's practice additionally includes representation of corporations, business organizations, commercial enterprises, and individuals in a variety of commercial matters, including real estate purchases and sales, development, contracts, dispute resolution, and commercial litigation.

In 1990, Mr. Cohen earned the highest rating ("AV") from Martindale-Hubbell, is listed in The Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, and has been named as one of South Florida's "Top Lawyers" by the South Florida Legal Guide every year since 2005.

BACKGROUND

Mr. Cohen has been a resident of South Florida since 1955. Immediately prior to joining GrayRobinson, he was founder of Lewis R. Cohen, P.A. with offices in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

EDUCATION

• Boston University, B.A. (cum laude, 1976)
• Stetson University College of Law, St. Petersburg, Florida, J.D. (1979)

ADMISSIONS

• Florida, 1979
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1980
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, 1980
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1982

REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS

• Sabadell United Bank, N.A.
• Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust
• Bank Leumi, USA
• Professional Bank
• Marquis Bank
• Florida Community Bank, N.A.
• Broward Bank of Commerce
• Bank of America - BAL Global Leasing

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

• The Florida Bar
• Dade County Bar Association
• American Bar Association

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• "AV" Preeminent^TM Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, 2005-2012
• South Florida Legal Guide, "Top Lawyers," 2005-2013

ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS

• Author, "Bank Secrecy Act Financial institution inquiries regarding your trust account transactions," South Florida Legal Guide 2012 Financial Edition
• Author, "Bank Secrecy Act v. Confidentiality," The Florida Law Journal, September 4, 2012