Ken Shapiro is regional managing partner of the firm's Albany, NY office and practices out of both Albany and New York City. As the founder and chair of Wilson Elser's Government Relations practice, ranked as the state's top lobbying firm over the last decade, Ken is one of the most well-respected and sought-after lobbyists in New York. A 30-year veteran of government, Ken's career highlights include serving as Chief Counsel to three Speakers of the New York State Assembly: Stanley Steingut, Stanley Fink and Melvin Miller. Ken concentrates his current legal practice on state government and regulatory affairs. Ken and his team represent state and national associations and Fortune 500 corporations with concerns in areas as diverse as health care, energy and environment, telecommunications, taxation, insurance, transportation, financial services, accounting, education, construction, tourism and entertainment. Ken and his team have continued to attract and retain high-profile clients because of their credibility with key policymakers in Albany and New York City and their extensive backgrounds in government service. The team provides an exceptional level of service and accessibility that includes 24/7 monitoring of legislative and regulatory developments tailored to each client's particular challenges and goals. As testament to Ken's reputation and experience, he recently was invited to participate as a panelist in a roundtable discussion of Governor Cuomo's first legislative session, his next three years in office and the new dynamics in Albany.