ELFA Honors Robert S. Cohen with Edward A. Groobert Award for Legal Excellence

Washington, D.C., May 5, 2026 - The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), the trade association representing the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry, has awarded Robert S. Cohen, Partner, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP, the distinguished 2026 Edward A. Groobert Award for Legal Excellence. This honor is awarded in recognition of extraordinary contributions by a legal professional to the equipment leasing and finance industry.

Cohen was formally honored during ELFA's Legal Forum on May 4 in Baltimore, MD.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work in a field I love, surrounded by people I enjoy," said Cohen. "When you're passionate about your work, it allows you to do it better. Being recognized for my efforts and receiving this award is truly a special honor that I will always treasure."

With over 35 years of experience in all facets of the equipment leasing and asset-based lending industries, Cohen is a recognized leader in his field. He devotes his practice to commercial litigation, creditors' rights, corporate transactions, bankruptcy and cybersecurity related matters. He has particular expertise in the documentation of financial transactions, electronic signatures, enforcement of equipment leases and secured loans, as well as the negotiation of workouts and resolutions.

As a member of ELFA, Cohen has served on its Legal Committee, Women's Council Committee, and Credit and Collections Management Committee. He actively serves as a speaker and moderator at annual and bi-annual conferences for ELFA, and author, most recently, on commercial finance disclosure laws and electronic signatures.

"Bob Cohen exemplifies the commitment to legal excellence and leadership that the Groobert award represents," said Bradley Salyer, Associate General Counsel, U.S. Bank, and Chair of the ELFA Legal Committee. "We are proud to recognize his tireless dedication to ELFA and the equipment finance industry."

"The equipment finance industry relies on the clarity and expertise of leaders like Bob to navigate an increasingly complex economic and regulatory landscape," said Leigh Lytle, ELFA President and CEO. "His decades of service and deep technical knowledge provide the foundation our members need to operate with confidence. We are honored to recognize Bob's tireless commitment to the industry with this well-deserved award."

In addition to Cohen's professional endeavors, he dedicates his time to the Special Olympics of New York, where he serves on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Cohen holds a B.S. degree magna cum laude in finance from the University of New York at Albany, and a J.D. degree from Hofstra University.

The award was presented as part of ELFA's annual Legal Forum, an industry-leading event that brings together top legal professionals in the equipment leasing and finance community to discuss industry trends, analyze issues shaping the future of equipment financing, and network with their peers.

About the Award

The Edward A. Groobert Award for Legal Excellence is named for ELFA's long-time Secretary and General Counsel Edward A. Groobert, who was active in the legal affairs of the association from the mid-1960s until his retirement in 2010. Established in 2006, the award is sponsored by ELFA and the ELFA Legal Committee.

About ELFA

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.3 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA's over 600 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses' success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at https://www.elfaonline.org.

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Media Contact: Jane Esworthy, VP, Communications & Marketing, ELFA, [email protected].