Pete Conaty formed Pete Conaty & Associates in February 1996, to provide clients with expert, knowledgeable and effective guidance in the complexities of a term-limited California Legislature. Since then, he has taken a hands-on approach to developing relationships with new members and staff, while maintaining personal contacts throughout the Capitol.Prior to 1996, Pete Conaty's wide experience includes 10 years service as a key staff member in the California Legislature.In the California Assembly, Mr. Conaty quickly rose from a staff level position dealing with member services, to policy consultant for several committees and finally as chief policy consultant in 1995. In addition to his role in shaping policy, Mr. Conaty served as chief of staff to Assembly Mickey Conroy for four years, supervising a staff of ten, advising the Assemblyman on legislation and guiding his bills through the Legislature.During legislative recesses, Mr. Conaty served as chief political adviser and fund-raiser for Mr. Conroy in his two successful reelection campaigns. He also directed numerous other successful campaigns and served as campaign manager for a Board of Equalization campaign covering 23 counties.Mr. Conaty also brings to the firm his information gathering skills developed as Military Intelligence Officer specializing in Japanese affairs. During his Army service, he rose from private to Lieutenant Colonel. He served two years in Vietnam and seven years in Japan, including an assignment to the American Embassy in Tokyo. Mr. Conaty participated in the prestigious Army Foreign Area Officer Program, including Japanese language school, and earned a Masters Degree in East Asian Studies.