New York, NY - Jewish Lobbyist Biggest In City

New York, NY - There’s a new top lobbyist in town. It’s Suri Kasirer, whose firm doubled its revenues in just two years. ”I suppose it’s good,” said Kasirer, sounding hesitant about the added scrutiny that comes with the No. 1 spot.
In business just 11 years, Kasirer’s small company raked in $2.4 million last year and beat out such powerhouses as Greenberg Traurig LLP and Bolton St. Johns to lead the lobbying pack, according to the annual lobbying report released. Kasirer’s clients include Elad Properties, which is converting The Plaza hotel into condos and which paid her $215,900 in 2005.

Kasirer, who used to work for former Gov. Mario Cuomo, also represents Cemusa Inc., which just won a fiercely fought 20-year city franchise to build bus shelters and other “street furniture.” Kasirer collected $96,000 from the Spanish-based company.

Because she’s married to Bruce Teitelbaum, who served as chief of staff to former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, critics had whispered that Kasirer was cashing in on her ties to the former administration. But her business really took off after Giuliani left office. In 2003, Kasirer reported revenues of $1.1 million, jumping to $1.9 million in 2004 and $2.4 million last year.

“She’s good at what she does and charges for it,” conceded one rival.