Wilson Elser, New York’s top-ranked lobbying firm, announced today that government affairs veteran Edmond Valente has joined the firm as a partner.

Valente has spent 30 years working in the insurance regulatory and legislative arenas for notable Am Law 100 firms, and has established a formidable reputation for providing effective strategic counsel related to lobbying activities.

An experienced lobbyist and litigator, Valente represents a diverse client base that includes corporations and trade associations on matters that range from analysis and drafting of legislation to advising on insurance product development. He also counsels clients on licensing matters and sophisticated compliance issues, which involve representing clients before the New York State Department of Financial Services.

“Ed’s broad experience in the insurance sector bolsters the firm’s already deep bench of skilled lobbyist and attorneys in this practice.” said Kenneth Shapiro, regional managing partner of Wilson Elser’s Albany office and chair of the firm’s Government Affairs practice. “Our clients will benefit from Ed’s keen acumen and understanding of the legislative process, and his relationships with key individuals in Albany and throughout the state of New York.

Over the last two months, the firm announced the addition of new partners Bradley Pryba and John Jay Bove and Government Affairs Specialist Kevin Bronner Jr.

Wilson Elser has been New York’s top-ranked lobbying firm for the last 18 years.

Valente earned his J.D. degree from New York Law School (1985), where he was a member of the New York Law School Law Review and graduated cum laude with a B.A. from the State University of New York, Albany (1976).