The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) releases an annual report every spring which provides a wealth of data about the state’s lobbying industry including a ranking of its top lobbyists by compensation and reimbursed expenses. 

In our inaugural state lobbying supplement, City & State highlights the top 10 firms of 2013 according to JCOPE’s tabulation, and asks the principals at each firm to explain their strengths, their firm’s biggest highlights from 2013 and the most significant changes to New York State lobbying industry in recent years. 

#1 Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker

• FOUNDED: 1978
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $10,383,823
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #1 

KEY PLAYERS: 

Ken Shapiro, Lisa Marrello, Cynthia Shenker, Jerry Hoffman, Sam NeJame, Vicky Contino, Darrell Jeffers, Gerald Jennings, Chris Del Giudice, Anthony Piscitelli, Jonathan Bing, Alexander Betke, Jill Sandhaas, Stacey Rowland, Doug Clark 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

When seeking assistance with issues related to government, Wilson Elser’s lobbyists are attorneys that can provide legal advice, that understand how to navigate the corridors of state and local governments, that can make sense of the “alphabet soup” of regulatory bodies and are intimately familiar with those who establish and interpret the laws and regulations impacting you and your organization daily. Wilson Elser’s government affairs practice consists of multitalented, bipartisan professionals who have the unique advantage of being able to work closely and effectively with government officials of all political persuasions to develop innovative and lasting solutions to our clients’ most complicated issues. With a combination of solid legal skills, seasoned judgment and ready access to powerful players in New York’s government centers, Wilson Elser counts among its clients a large and growing number of nationally and internationally recognized organizations, as well as nonprofits and local businesses. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

With over 140 government affairs clients, Wilson Elser enjoyed many successful outcomes for its clients in 2013 in myriad areas including healthcare and hospitals, higher education, energy, financial and banking, insurance, not-for-profits, the automobile industry, nursing homes, the cell-phone industry, theaters and museums, hospitality, racing and gaming, real estate, municipalities, government investigations and lobby law compliance, among others. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

The biggest change in the industry, which Wilson Elser has embraced and supported, has been the increased level of disclosure that is required of lobbyists as a result of the changing lobbying laws and guidelines imposed by the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. 

#2 Kasirer Consulting

• FOUNDED: 1996
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $6,450,302
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #3 

KEY PLAYERS: 

Suri Kasirer, Julie Greenberg, Omar Alvarellos, Peter Krokondelas, Cynthia Dames, Shane Myers, Robert Sanna, Tracy Fletcher, Tyesa Galloway 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

We consistently get positive results for our clients; that about sums it up. Our record of success on behalf of our clients is unmatched. Our focus is always on those we represent and the end result. Our clients do not just seek our advice, counsel and reasoned judgment—they want and expect results. That’s why we consistently rank near the very top in our profession. We deliver our services with a combination of hard work, integrity, professionalism, a deep knowledge of how government functions, a reservoir of contacts across the state and, very importantly, our superb relationship with elected and senior government officials, as well as business, community and civic leaders. Our team has real experience working both inside government and also in the political world at high levels, so we understand how things work and the confluence where government and politics meet, allowing us to be uniquely positioned to achieve our clients’ objectives. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

The most significant highlight of 2013 was securing the last piece of the puzzle needed to allow construction to begin on Cornell Tech’s future campus on Roosevelt Island. This approval and action involved a full ULURP along with a transfer of 2.6 acres from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to New York City and then to Cornell. This complex process involved negotiations between state, New York City and public authority leadership. This “game changing” project has recently begun demolition and will serve as a graduate school to hundreds of students beginning in 2017. It is anticipated that this school will produce tens of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers and, more important, fill a vacuum of needed jobs right here in New York State. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

Lobbying has become increasingly professionalized over the last several years. We are proud to hold ourselves to the highest professional standards in our industry. New Yorkers have also increasingly demanded broader and more meaningful stakeholder participation when key decisions are made that affect the public good. This is a healthy expectation overall, but one that requires skilled professionals to make certain that everyone’s views are taken into account and that consensus is developed in order to move an issue forward. It is critical to have not only a good-government affairs strategy but also one that encompasses and garners public support. The explosion of the up-to-the-minute news cycle has changed the lobbying industry as well. News across media platforms has changed not only in how people are receiving information but also how fast and the speed in which opinions now become formed.

#3 GreenbergTraurig

• FOUNDED: FIRM, 1967; ALBANY, 2002
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $6,191,755
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #4 

KEY PLAYERS IN FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE: 

Harold N. Iselin, Albany Managing Shareholder; Robert M. Harding, Founding Shareholder, Albany Government Affairs Practice 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

GT’s New York Government Law and Policy Practice has on-the-ground presence in both New York City and Albany. Our attorneys are part of a national practice named “Law Firm of the Year” in the U.S. News–Best Lawyers 2014 edition of Best Law Firms for Government Relations, and have been consistently ranked among the top five lobbying practices in New York State and in New York City. Greenberg Traurig provides a unique skill set built on real government and business experience. Our approach includes collaborating with government decision makers and understanding key players’ priorities to foster “win-win” strategies that help our clients achieve their economic goals. Our team, complemented by attorneys in our Health Care, Real Estate, Environmental and Land Development practices, provide government affairs assistance to companies in a wide range of areas, including healthcare, environmental, energy, procurement, technology, transportation, gaming, construction, education and taxation. Whether defending against executive or legislative action or working to create and implement an initiative, solution or opportunity, our lawyers and lobbyists craft strategies tailored to the specific needs of our individual clients. In addition, our Albany office maintains one of the pre-eminent political law compliance practices in the state. We provide counsel regarding lobbying, ethics and campaign finance laws in New York State and New York City, as well as other states, local governments and the federal government. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

GT regularly handles matters that, although they pertain to New York legislative or regulatory issues, have significant national importance. The work we were involved in during 2013 was no different. For example, on behalf of an international auto manufacturer, we moved New York to the forefront of the battle to stop the sale and distribution of counterfeit airbags. Just recently, manufacturers in several Asian nations began to manufacture and distribute airbags that look just like original replacement bags, but which universally do not deploy as intended by the vehicle manufacturer or expected by the operator. We identified the problem and drafted legislation aimed at providing law enforcement, including the attorney general, with the tools to crack down on the importation and distribution in New York. Within months of introduction, New York had the model state law for addressing counterfeit airbags at the state level. Similarly, GT provides government affairs representation to one of the 10 top pharmaceutical companies in the world. This company manufactures, among other things, an intrauterine contraceptive. For years New York State held that GT’s client’s largest competitor’s product was exempt from sales tax, but required that sales tax be assessed on our client’s product. This created an unfair disadvantage for our client. In 2009 and again in 2010 applications were made to the New York State Department of Tax and Finance (DTF), urging the state to find that our client’s product qualified for the sales tax exemption provided for drugs and medicines under New York tax law. DTF repeatedly held that the drug should be taxed, despite its similarities to the competitor’s product. However, last year our client asked GT Albany to get involved, and after just a year of work our efforts resulted in DTF overturning the two prior opinions, holding that our client’s product is not subject to sales and use tax. Again, these efforts now are serving as a model for other states that struggle with the same tax issue. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

There have been changes to the state and New York City lobbying laws and increased compliance obligations. In addition, the “hot” issues and public officials have changed. Still, at the end of the day, lobbying remains the hard work of learning the issues, understanding how to present your client’s issues to the key policy makers and working with the decision makers to ensure a fair result for your client. 

#4 Park Strategies L.L.C.  

• FOUNDED: 1999
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $5,996,250
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #8 

KEY PLAYERS: 

Alfonse D’Amato, Founder and Managing Director; Armand D’Amato, Partner and Managing Director; Christopher D’Amato, Executive Vice President, Partner and Managing Director; Gregory Serio, Partner and Managing Director; David Poleto, Partner and Managing Director 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

According to the firm’s website, Park Strategies has an acute knowledge of markets, investors and numerous multinational corporations, allowing clients to achieve prosperity and expansion. The firm’s experience spans a diversity of fields and opens new doors that can save clients valuable time and resources. Over 100 years of combined experience in public and private sectors make it possible to identify key opportunities for clients’ business. Creating a clear direction through business, policy and regulatory constraints with expert precision provides clients with key opportunities for maximized growth and performance. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

Among the firm’s clients in 2013 were Microsoft, Verizon and Altria Client Services, which spent more on lobbying last year than any other entity. The firm also represented a number of healthcare systems and gambling entities, including two regional off-track betting corporations and at least one potential casino bidder. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

Although total lobbying spending in New York has dropped off a bit in recent years, Park Strategies has experienced remarkable growth. The firm, which declined to respond to questions from City & State, saw its total lobbying income rise to from $3.7 million to nearly $6 million, or a 61.9 percent jump, between 2012 and 2013. D’Amato, a former Republican U.S. senator, has also become less tied to his party affiliation. 

 #5 Bolton-St. Johns

• FOUNDED: 1992
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $5,861,375
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #5 

KEY PLAYERS: 

Five partners lead Bolton-St. Johns’ statewide practice: Emily Giske, Giorgio DeRosa, Tom Connolly, Bill McCarthy and Ed Draves. New York City-based partner Michael Keogh also has a background in shaping and navigating the state’s legislative process. Together, the partners of Bolton-St. Johns cover all areas and aspects of New York State government, each with decades of experience working in Albany. Senior Vice President Jack O’Donnell, the firm’s Buffalo and Western New York representative, also plays a key role in our Albany practice, as well as transportation policy expert Pat Reilly, and BSJ’s newest addition, Michelle Cummings, a veteran in tax policy. 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

Bolton-St. Johns’ roots are in Albany, and our lobbyists have worked for years with the different members and leaders of the state Legislature, executive branch and state agencies. We employ lobbyists who hail from all parts of the state, including Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Long Island and the New York City area. The diversity of political and geographic alignments of our partners and employees means that we can identify and connect with the wide variety of legislators in the makeup of the Senate and Assembly. Since our lobbyists have worked in all facets of government and labor, including the state Department of Health and the Department of Taxation and Finance, we have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of the legislative and budgetary processes, as well as the state’s regulatory procedure and procurement practices. We provide our clients with unparalleled insight, comprehensive strategy and extensive research services. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

Bolton-St. Johns serves over 100 clients from dozens of different industries, and since the success of our historic effort for marriage equality in 2011, we have looked to expand in several industries. One area of focus that continues to gain prominence is Bolton-St. Johns’ healthcare practice, which is led by Tom Connolly, a renowned expert on healthcare policy and regulation in New York. For years he has represented a wide range of healthcare institutions, associations and unions. The industry is growing at a rapid pace and, along with the ongoing implementation of the Affordable Care Act, is creating significant demand for government relations services. Bolton-St. Johns has been building relationships and expertise to meet this demand and stay ahead of the curve. 2013 was an extremely productive year, because we worked on one of the top issues to survive end-of-session legislative negotiations—the speed camera pilot program for school safety zones. Traffic safety is a huge concern statewide, and has proven to be a bipartisan issue that many people can relate to. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

Four consecutive on-time budgets are certainly a positive change for the state, as well as the legislative sessions closing on time, by the end of June. Consistent legislative timelines benefit everyone involved and allow for the efficient allocation of resources. When Andrew Cuomo started his term as governor, he put forth an objective to restore and revitalize Albany’s State Capitol building. The renovated Capitol encourages productiveness and gives an increase in confidence of the services and opportunity that our state provides. Now legislators, state employees and lobbyists alike get to spend time in a capitol building that fully expresses the beauty and quality of New York State. 

  #6 Patricia Lynch Associates Inc.

• FOUNDED: 2001
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $5,540,251
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #2 

KEY PLAYERS: 

Patricia Lynch, President and Founder; Christopher Grimaldi, Partner and General Counsel; Paul Tokasz, Partner; Darren Dopp, Partner; Patricia Tinto; Chantel Burnash 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

Patricia Lynch Associates is one of the top government relations firms in Albany, according to the company’s website, with a diverse client base encompassing multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller local groups and nonprofit entities. 

“No other firm can offer what PLA does—a mix of political acumen, media savvy and government expertise that works in unison to enhance your standing and achieve your objectives. Because of our unparalleled knowledge of the workings of state and local government and our extensive media relations expertise, PLA is uniquely positioned to develop and implement the most effective strategies to advance your issue or cause.” 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

Among the clients PLA had in 2013 were Cablevision, Coca-Cola, The Related Companies, the Greater New York Hospital Association and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. The firm touted a number of developments on its website during 2013, including the launch of a new speed-camera system outside New York City schools in crash-prone areas; Niagara University’s Global Tourism Institute, which is expected to be up and running in downtown Niagara Falls this year; a $750,000 increase in state funding for an elder abuse program at Lifespan, which includes intervention, education and training for victim assistants; and the construction of a Niskayuna Walmart Neighborhood Market. In late 2012 another client, Tappan Zee Constructors, won the bid to rebuild the Tappan Zee Bridge. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

PLA, which declined to respond to questions from City & State, has seen its revenues decline in recent years, with a 17.5 percent drop between 2012 and 2013. Total lobbying in the state, which hit a peak of $220 million in 2011, has dropped off in recent years as well, to $205 million in 2012 and $210 million in 2013. 

 #7 Brown & Weinraub, PLLC

• FOUNDED: 2001
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $5,059,868
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #7 

KEY PLAYERS: 

Patrick Brown and David Weinraub, former senior advisors to Gov. Mario Cuomo, provide the vision and management for the government relations practice; Neil Benjamin and Carolyn Kerr, along with Dennis Norton, anchor the firm’s healthcare practice; Ron Rock and Ron Greenberg lead the procurement, IT, start-up and infrastructure practice; Jeff Buley, venerable legislative and election-law specialist; John Harris handles energy, environment and project development; and Sabrina Shulman leads the New York City government relations practice.  

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM?  

The firm has been built on the principle of hiring a diverse staff of senior professionals with extensive policy expertise, including counsels to Democratic and Republican executive and legislative leaders; first deputy budget directors to Govs. Pataki, Spitzer, Paterson and Andrew Cuomo; deputy secretary for transportation; director of shared services; Department of Health director & liaison to the Berger Commission; vice president for government affairs at the United Health Group; chair, New York Federal Reserve Board; and counsel to clients on energy, environmental, transportation, regulatory, gaming, development, labor and housing issues. Clients include Fortune 500 companies in financial services, healthcare and information technology; not-for-profit entities, public institutions and closely held corporations. The firm deploys a team approach to clearly define the policy challenge, works strategically with our clients to evaluate the issues, and design the most appropriate outcome to meet the client’s objectives. At Brown & Weinraub, our experiences drive innovative solutions. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

(1) In 2013, the firm successfully assisted an array of healthcare clients in identifying strategies to survive and thrive in a reform environment. Included among our healthcare clients is the New York e-Health Collaborative, which we worked with to advocate for funding to build the nation’s first interoperable State Health Information Network (the SHIN-NY), which was included in the SFY 14–15 budget.  

(2) We provided key strategic advice to a team that closed a five-year-long negotiation culminating in the most significant state tax reform of the banking industry in decades. This reform modernized the taxation of banks to reflect historical changes in the financial services sector. 

3) We developed and executed on a strategy for Tesla to preserve the opportunity for consumers to directly purchase their vehicles from the manufacturer. Our strategy included partnering with environmental groups and consumer advocates to effectively deliver the innovative and environmentally friendly vision of Tesla. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

When theoretical policy meets operational execution, our clients face challenges that we are privileged to assist them with—whether better defining their internal strategies, advocating for policy changes or facilitating transactional matters. The state’s executive operations, regulatory review process, and legislative environment are increasingly being driven by data, public discourse and community engagement. As a result, we invest more time and effort in helping our clients build substantive, data-supported proposals, tailoring messaging of the reforms our clients seek, and developing innovative strategies for delivering that message to key policymakers and affected communities. In this new era, we work with clients to develop multifaceted plans that target all of the stakeholders—from elected officials to the press, local community leaders and beyond—who are key to the success of their goals. 

#8 Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

• FOUNDED: LOS ANGELES OFFICE: 1965; ALBANY OFFICE:
• 2003 TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $5,057,373 
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: NOT IN TOP 10 

KEY PLAYERS IN FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE: 

James W. Lytle, Managing Partner of Albany Office; Marcia Alazraki, Patricia Boozang, Julia Donnaruma, Melinda Dutton, Anthony Fiori, Robert Hussar, Jay Martin, Erin McGrath, David Oakley, JoAnn Smith, Mark Ustin, James Walsh 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

(1) Bipartisan, experienced and credible team, many of whom have served as gubernatorial advisors, state legislative staff or in senior positions throughout New York State government; 

(2) Reputation for knowing our issues, thanks to deep subject-matter expertise, both within the team and the firm, especially in the areas of healthcare, environmental and energy issues, insurance, transportation, not-for-profit law, housing, labor and human services; 

(3) Close collaboration with our robust and diverse governmental practices in New York City (headed by Claudia Wagner and Steve Polan) and Washington, D.C., providing one-stop shopping for clients with interests at multiple levels of government; 

(4) Thoughtful and practical political insights and a growing communications capacity—recently enhanced through addition of (nonlobbying) senior advisor Bruce Gyory; 

(5) Responsive, committed and persistent advocacy on behalf of clients, with a track record of achieving clients’ goals in highly contested and complex legislative, regulatory and procurement matters. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM? 

• Obtained necessary state and city approvals to expand the U.S. Open tennis venue; 

• Successfully defended the award of the state’s contract for coverage of behavioral health services for state employees; 

• Secured eligibility for START-UP NY for business incubator and economic development entities associated with universities; 

• After getting insurance coverage of autism enacted in 2012, obtained necessary legislative and regulatory changes to make it work; 

• Obtained authorization of Rural and Urban Community Investment Fund and secured funding for affordable housing;• Advanced legislation to permit the state’s low-performing organ donor registry to be operated by not-for-profit, subsequently incorporated in 2014–15 state budget; 

• Obtained passage of legislation to provide coverage for hemophilia medication in Child Health Plus program; 

• Supported enactment of Nonprofit Revitalization Act for nonprofit advocacy organization; and 

• Represented nonprofit provider-sponsored health plans relating to the launch of the state’s exchange and the expansion of managed care for Medicaid beneficiaries. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

Since 2008, Albany has experienced three different governors, at least seven changes in Senate leadership and the scandal-related departures of a host of legislators, all of which required lobbyists to be nimble in an unsettled political environment—and to rely more on substance and their relationships with the professional legislative and executive staffs. Concern over ethics has resulted in heightened regulatory scrutiny of the lobbying industry and greater transparency in the roles played by lobbyists and their clients. The Cuomo administration has asserted greater influence over spending and policy direction, requiring lobbyists to focus on influencing complex regulatory policies by executive agencies. And lobbyists have increasingly been called upon to coordinate representation at multiple levels of government, often in collaboration with coalitions and other lobbyists, and to provide strategic, political and media guidance, as well as traditional lobbying services, to their clients. In a word: It’s complicated. 

#9 Hinman Straub

• FOUNDED: 1932
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $4,957,329
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #6 

KEY PLAYERS: 

John Black, Jim Carr, B.J. Costello, Terri Crowley, Caron Crummey, Sean Doolan, Heather Evans, Mike Fallon, Jon Federman, Mara Ginsberg, Tracy Lloyd, Matt O’Connor, Don Robbins, Kelly Ryan and Janet Silver 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

Our biggest strength is the unique combination of substantive depth, political acumen and relentless advocacy. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

The highlight of 2013 was the continued expression of appreciation, trust and commitment conveyed by our clients. With many specific “victories” as well our share of “losses,” the fact that our most highly valued clients continued to have faith and confidence in our performance was both gratifying and humbling. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? 

The introduction of social media and the evolution of technology over the last five years have dramatically changed both the “retail” nature of lobbying and the arsenal of tools utilized to influence the process.

#10 OSTROFF ASSOCIATES, INC. 

• FOUNDED: 1995
• TOTAL COMPENSATION IN 2013: $6,450,302
• 2012 RANK BY COMPENSATION: #9 

KEY PLAYERS: 

Rick Ostroff, Scott Wexler, Barbara Lee Steigerwald, Diana Ehrlich, Chris Bombardier, Kate Corkery, David Wehner, Vanessa Bongiorno and Hal Rosenthal 

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTHS AS A FIRM? 

Over the years we’ve learned that with the right strategy and the right talent, there’s almost no issue in New York that can’t be successfully navigated. Our team at Ostroff Associates fully understands the executive, legislative, budgetary, regulatory and political processes of government. The backgrounds of our team are broad and diverse. We enjoy significant public policy and subject matter expertise across a wide range of issues and have tremendous experience representing clients before decision makers in and around government. Over the years our firm has been trusted for its integrity and credibility, which has been established through our hard work, problem solving, and the results we achieve for our clients. Ostroff Associates represents large corporations and major trade associations with broad agendas. We also assist smaller companies and nonprofits with very specific and target objectives. Our clients are not served by a single lobbyist but rather by a team of professionals who can best help them achieve their objectives. Our ability to diversify has allowed us to accomplish results for our clients at every level of New York State government. 

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF 2013 FOR YOUR FIRM’S STATE PRACTICE? 

We don’t generally discuss our client successes. In our view, our clients achieved success because people in government—key decision makers and elected officials—partnered with them in making the best policy decisions in the interest of the state and our client’s business. One example of our work is our success in representing Steiner Studios, the largest movie and television studio complex on the East Coast, located in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. We spearheaded the creation of the New York State Film Production Tax Credit on behalf of Steiner Studios, which was signed into law at their ribbon cutting nine years ago. We’ve been successful renewing and expanding what started out essentially as an experiment. In the years since, film and TV production in New York has exploded, and we have the numbers to prove our case. Most recently, we worked with the executive branch and the state Legislature and other stakeholders to secure a five-year extension of the $420 million Film Production Tax Credit, which greatly helps to fuel the growth of Steiner Studios and the entire film production industry in New York. Anticipating continued growth, we further secured significant capital funding that will be used to expand Steiner Studios with a 50-acre media campus and add over 2,000 jobs. We were also very proud of our clients who generously helped the state and city with recovery efforts following Superstorm Sandy. Their support, which came in many forms, provided humanitarian relief to many hurricane victims. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE LOBBYING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS? 

As issues become more complicated, it is necessary to know more than the key players. The substance of an issue is a critical component to any successful strategy. We know our clients’ issues, their business and the industry in which they operate. This allows us to provide decision makers with our clients’ most effective argument based on substance and fact.