Steve Malito is a registered lobbyist, attorney, Partner, and Chair of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron’s New York State Government Relations group and a member of the Economic Development & Tax Incentives law practice in the New York City office. The practice represents a broad array of clients ranging from Fortune 500 technology companies and the film industry to not-for-profits, including universities, social services agencies, and statewide trade associations, as well as clients in the banking, insurance, and transportation industries.
Under Mr. Malito’s leadership, the group has been instrumental in the passage of several significant state laws that have benefited the firm’s clients. Steve has regularly navigated the New York State Budget process for the firm’s clients. For over 20 years, Mr. Malito has represented clients before the Governor’s Office, administrative agencies, the Senate, and the Assembly in Albany.
Mr. Malito is also the Chair of the DHC’s Cannabis group. In that role, he advises clients on a range of issues affecting the cultivation, processing, distribution, and sale of Cannabis. He provides counsel to businesses seeking licenses to operate within the industry, as well as clients seeking to do business with the cannabis industry, with a focus on regulatory compliance and the government relations that surround this emerging industry in New York. Steve’s specialization in this area was featured in the Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers Directory for 2021/2022 which identifies the very best cannabis attorneys.
In 2023, Mr. Malito was appointed to the Touro Law Center Board of Governors, a group of distinguished individuals who are dedicated to supporting the growth of the law school. The Board consists of more than 35 members who are regional and national leaders in the legal, business, philanthropic, and academic communities. He is also a member of the Long Island Chapter of the New York League of Conservation Voters. He has been a Mineola Lion for more than 15 years. He was also a founding member of Long-Island based networking group Network Long Island (NLI).
A former Assistant District Attorney in Queens County under Honorable Richard A. Brown, Mr. Malito began his legal career as a felony trial attorney. Mr. Malito graduated from the University of Albany and magna cum laude from Touro Law Center where he served as a research editor for the law review.
AWARDS & HONORS
- City & State’s Albany Power 100 (2024, 2023, 2022)
- City & State’s 50 over 50 (2021)
- Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers (2024, 2022)
- Long Island Council for the Blind Business Person Award
- Mineola Lions 15-Year Commitment to Lionism
DESIGNATIONS
Media Appearances
