Greenberg Traurig, the global law firm whose Long Island presence includes Garden City and Bridgehampton, is expanding its New York Government Law & Policy Practice.
Joining the practice are Steve Malito as a shareholder and Nicole Weingartner as a director. They will be based on Long Island and in Albany. They join from Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, whose New York offices include Manhattan and Albany, and where Malito served as chair of the firm’s New York State Government Relations Group.
Malito is a lobbyist and attorney representing Fortune 500 technology companies, major film studios, universities, social service agencies, trade associations and clients in banking, insurance and transportation. He has helped to guide the passage of state laws benefiting clients and regularly navigates the New York state budget process on clients’ behalf, according to Greenberg Traurig. His practice focuses on regulatory compliance and legislative advocacy, advising businesses on licensing, regulations and interactions with state agencies.
Weingartner advises nonprofits, trade associations and government entities on state government relations on Long Island. She develops legislative advocacy campaigns, assesses state and local law implications and assists with political action committee operations. She draws on experience in the New York State Senate and Assembly to guide clients through legislative and budget processes.
“Steve and Nicole bring exceptional depth to our Long Island operations and represent exactly the kind of strategic growth we’re pursuing in the downstate market,” John McEntee, co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Long Island office, said in a news release about the firm’s expansion.
“Their established credibility and proven track record both on Long Island and in Albany will provide tremendous value to our clients across multiple sectors,” McEntee added.
Malito and Weingartner’s “proven ability to guide clients dealing with challenging issues enhances our capacity to serve clients navigating New York’s increasingly complex regulatory landscape,” Samir NeJame, chair of the firm’s New York State Government Law & Policy Practice, said in the news release. “We are excited to welcome them to the firm.”
The additions are part of Greenberg Traurig’s expansion of government relations practice in New York. Malito and Weingartner join recent hires including Anthony Bagnuola, a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Gerald “Jerry” Jennings, a former Citi managing director and head of state and local government affairs; and Robert Rosenthal, former general counsel for the New York Public Service Commission and Department of Public Service.
“Greenberg Traurig’s extensive platform and commitment to continuing to expand its Government Law & Policy Practice made this move compelling for our team,” Malito and Weingartner said in a joint statement.
“The firm’s presence across key markets and its strategic focus on government relations that span specialties and geographies provide an ideal environment for us to serve our clients and grow our practice,” they added.