Robert Patrick Cooper

Robert Patrick Cooper is the chief legal strategist for OneUnited Bank, the largest and fastest growing Black-owned bank in the nation. As Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Mr. Cooper directs the bank’s legal, regulatory, and external affairs. Under his tenure, OneUnited Bank has transformed from a local community bank to a financial technology company, offering cutting-edge financial products and services to low-to-moderate income and historically underrepresented minority populations nationwide.

Mr. Cooper is a seasoned corporate attorney with over 35 years of experience and is a leading expert on minority banking affairs. He began his career overseas at a multi-national corporation and then honed his legal skills at a major law firm in Boston, MA and also in private practice. He serves in a leadership capacity in a number of outside organizations, including: Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., Past Chairman and a current board member of the National Bankers Association, the nation’s oldest and largest trade association representing minority and women-owned banks, secretary and board member of the Community Development Bankers Association, the premier trade association representing CDFI banks and current director of Minbanc Foundation, Inc., an organization that provides increased opportunities for key employees in the minority banking community. Mr. Cooper is committed to empowering inner city and minority communities by expanding the availability of critical resources including technology, education, and financial products and services.

Mr. Cooper received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.