Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: mediation and international arbitration

At Naschitz, Brandes, Amir & Co., increasingly prominent younger partner Orr Amsel is noted for his ‘good experience in international arbitration’. The firm has a growing profile for both mediation and commercial arbitration cases.

Firms in the Spotlight Dispute resolution: mediation and international arbitration

Sabari Farkash & Co. Law Firm

Sabari Farkash & Co. Law Firm logo

Sabari Farkash & Co. Law Firm is a boutique firm, specializing in varied commercial litigation, including in complex and multifaceted disputes, at large scopes. The firm is ranked in DUN’S 100 (the leading ranking for companies and business in Israel), in the field of commercial litigation, at Tier 1.

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Dispute resolution: mediation and international arbitration in Israel

Goldfarb Gross Seligman & Co.

Goldfarb Gross Seligman & Co. possesses international arbitration experience which is ‘as extensive and impressive as that of any international firm‘, according to clients. The team handles the full range of cases, with its recent work spanning commercial and investor-state disputes under all key international rules, including ICC, LCIA and ICSID, as well as ad hoc procedures. Department lead Zvi Bar-Nathan, a former head of the International Arbitration Committee of ICC Israel, is recognised as a go-to specialist for multinational arbitration and mediation. Daphna Kapeliuk, noted for her ‘true litigator’s instinct‘, is an expert in private international law and international arbitration. Maya Nusbaum Rapaport and newly promoted partner Peer David are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Zvi Bar-Nathan; Hagit Blaiberg; Aaron Michaeli; Moshe Mazor

Other key lawyers:

Daphna Kapeliuk; Maya Nusbaum Rapaport; Peer David

Testimonials

‘Goldfarb Gross Seligman’s international arbitration team is unique for its leading arbitration partners, whose international experience is as extensive and impressive as that of any international firm.’

‘Zvi Bar Nathan is an authoritative lawyer who gets the job done and is excellent at focusing on the important issues.’

Daphna Kapeliuk is an extremely bright and diligent practitioner who is able to come up with creative legal arguments.’

‘We value the great team work and highly professional lawyers.’

‘Daphna Kapeliuk is amazing. The highest intellectual power combined with a true litigator’s instinct.’

Zvi Bar Nathan is a prime international arbitration lawyer in Israel.

‘The team is super professional and on top of the details.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for an international client in a complex international arbitration involving profits from concessions in natural resources in an African state.
  • Acting for a major construction company in an ICC arbitration regarding Israel’s largest private power plant.

Gornitzky & Co.

Gornitzky & Co.‘s strength in international matters combines with robust corporate and contentious expertise to mark it as ‘one of the most experienced firms in Israel in dealing with international arbitrations‘. The group has a hand in many of the most complex cases in the Israeli market, with its deep bench evidenced by its ability to handle multiple engagements before different arbitral institutions. Its practice prowess is additionally demonstrated by its increasing involvement in cases with no connection to Israel. Arbitration head Eli Cohen is sought after for his broad expertise across commercial and investor-state cases. Other key names include Shai Sharvit (‘sharp, responsive and proactive‘) and impressive up-and-coming partners Nir Keidar and Nuna Lerner.

Practice head(s):

Ofer Tzur; Eli Cohen

Other key lawyers:

Shai Sharvit; Nir Keidar; Nuna Lerner; Or Nir

Testimonials

‘Gornitzky has Israel’s best arbitration practice. Gornitzky focused earlier than all other Israeli firms on arbitration and has remained at the top of the pack. It is extremely visible in the market and very well-connected globally.’

‘The team is one of the most experienced firms in Israel in dealing with international arbitrations possessing unique and exceptional knowledge. Eli Cohen is an enthusiastic leader and one of the most experienced lawyers in Israel in dealing with and managing international arbitrations.’

‘The team is made of very knowledgeable individuals, each one perfectly doing their job. Never too shy to ask about important technical aspects at the beginning, yet always surprisingly familiar with all technical nuances when getting to the hearing. Truly reflects risks and chances during the life cycle of the claim.’

‘The arbitration team of Gornitzky & Co stands out in the arbitration scene in the Middle East. The team has excellent command of arbitration proceedings and is very responsive.’

‘Each team member was very knowledgeable. I would specifically mention Eli Cohen & Nir Keidar, whose cross-examining was pure joy to watch; Nuna Lerner is always willing to listen, advise and explain; Or Nir, whose hard work sorting the important information and documents out of the plethora of data was crucial.’

‘Shai Sharvit is a leading individual on the Israeli arbitration scene. He is sharp, responsive and proactive. He initiated the Tel Aviv Arbitration Week, which is now a go-to annual event in the region. Nuna Lerner is also an excellent lawyer and a role model for female arbitration practitioners.’

‘One of the few truly international Israeli firms. Nir Keidar is unrelenting is his pursuit of the best possible result for his clients – a great strategist and a fine commercial brain.’

‘Shai Sharvit has developed into a global arbitration star. He is super active in the market and superbly connected with all the globe‘s key figures. He is an excellent advocate with superb oral pleading skills. He is very committed and always goes the extra mile. He is a top choice for international arbitration disputes.’

Key clients

TMDC Ltd.

Edgify AI Ltd.

Stakehound S. A.

Dead Sea Works

Major Residences Co. Ltd

Kuwayama

M+W Groups (Israel) Ltd.

Y.D. Ashush Infrastructures Ltd.

Telemenia Ltd.

Sirme Si Cabluri S.A

Harel Insurance Company Ltd.

Negev Energy

BMC Otomotiv Sanay ve Ticaret A.S. and BMC Sanay ve Ticaret A.S.

Hapoel Tel Aviv Football Club (Israel)

Work highlights

  • Acting for a European corporation in a €883.7m SCC investor-state arbitration against a European country.
  • Concluding a $121m dispute, in lieu of ICC arbitration, between stakeholders of a thermo-solar power plant in Israel.
  • Acting on the enforcement of a €62m UNCITRAL arbitration.

Erdinast Ben Nathan Toledano & Co. with Hamburger Evron

Erdinast Ben Nathan Toledano & Co. with Hamburger Evron‘s team has handled a significant volume of international commercial arbitrations of late, with an emphasis on shareholder disputes, partnership disputes and construction-related matters. The group is led jointly by Giora Erdinast, who also routinely acts as arbitrator, Ran Sprinzak, whose recent work includes arbitral proceedings under ICC and LCIA rules, and Tomer Weissman, who has a strong record in financial services-related disputes. ‘Talented younger partnerYuval Naim is also recommended by clients.

Practice head(s):

Giora Erdinast; Ran Sprinzak; Tomer Weissman

Other key lawyers:

Yuval Naim; Nir Nordan; Shai Luchtenstein

Testimonials

‘They are always available, always pleasant to speak to and extremely hard working.’

‘Tomer Weissman and Giora Erdinast are brilliant strategists, extremely hard working and all-round good guys.’

‘Yuval Naim is a very talented young partner, who has a sharp mind and writes very well.’

Ran Sprinzak is a very good cross-examiner and strategist. Other notable partners include Nir Nordan.’

Key clients

HAA Extra, and its ultimate beneficiary, Mr. Moti Ben Moshe

Leumi Partners Ltd., the Tene Investments Funds and Kibbutz Hanita

Mediterranean Car Agency

Work highlights

  • Represented HAA Extra (the former controlling shareholder of IDB Development) in a NIS2.8bn dispute over corporate control of IDB.
  • Acted for Leumi Partners, the Tene Fund and Kibbutz Hanita in a case regarding the sale of shares in the Kotlav plant to Avery Dennison.

FISCHER (FBC & Co.)

FISCHER (FBC & Co.) impresses with its first-class client list, which spans a host of prominent Israeli and global corporations across all of key industries, including Google, Harel Insurance Company and Ashtrom Group. The team handles a significant volume of commercial arbitrations and is also recognised for its thriving mediation practice. Reuven Behar and Gil Orion co-head the group and are both highly regarded mediators; they also routinely advise on arbitral proceedings, particularly in the construction and telecoms spheres. Competition specialist Tamar Turjeman-Kedem is also active in alternative dispute resolution matters.

Practice head(s):

Reuven Behar; Gil Orion

Testimonials

FISCHER is an excellent office that consists of a first-class legal team from a legal and commercial perspective. They have a broad understanding of things. They are pleasant and creative.’

Reuven Behar is an exceptional person in his excellent legal and commercial abilities. He has a broad and creative vision, he is humane and someone who is also endowed with high emotional intelligence.’

I have served as char in an international arbitration in which Reuven Behar was a co-arbitrator.  He is extremely well-prepared and has great knowledge about Israeli law and Israeli arbitration law.  He is also fair and efficient.’

Key clients

Google Ireland Limited

Air France/KLM, Iberia

The Knesset (Israel’s parliament)

Shuval EyalLeisrael Ltd.

ABB Ltd and ABB Technologies Inc.

Ashtrom Group

Assa Abloy and Mul-T-Lock

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)

Colmobil Corporation

EDF Renewables Israel Ltd.

Thought Leaders, Inc.

Harel Insurance Company

United Studios of Israel

Danya Cebus

Eilat-Ashkelon Infrastructure Services Ltd.

Huawei Tech. Investments Co. Ltd.

Internet Gold-Internet Golden Lines Ltd.

Israeli Professional Football Leagues

Hot Telecommunication Systems Ltd.

Hot Telecom LP

Hot Mobile Ltd.

Goliath B.V

Crown & Andrews Pty Ltd.

Pressman Toy Corporation

Tyrnovo, a subsidiary of Purple Biotech

J. and E. Berman Ltd

Netivei Israel – National Transport Infrastructure Company Ltd.

ORT Braude College

REIT 1 Ltd

Yahav Hamias Assets Ltd

Work highlights

  • Representing shareholders of Eilat Ashkelon Infrastructure Services in an international arbitration, valued at $180m.
  • Representing China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation  and Danya Cebus Joint Venture in an international arbitration regarding claims of disruption and delays in construction.
  • Representing Google Ireland in mediation concerning the Google Ads advertising service.

M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries

Adept at working across jurisdictions‘, M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries has handled a string of complex cross-border arbitrations of late, including several cases spanning ICC rules. Mediation is also an active area for the team, which is headed by Jacob Enoch; he additionally handles M&A, corporate finance and commercial litigation work and brings the full weight of his multidisciplinary expertise to bear in complex commercial arbitration cases.

Practice head(s):

Jacob Enoch

Other key lawyers:

Rona Zamshteigman

Testimonials

‘Jacob Enoch is a true multi-talent. Leads all our deals – M&A, PE, financing, local and international alike. Won our hopeless international arbitration against all odds. Unbelievably good. Jacob’s performance on the case was a sight to behold. Cross examinations were a masterclass.’

‘The team, headed by Jacob Enoch, was very professional and was attentive to our comments and needs.’

‘Jacob Enoch was very professional in handling our case and was attentive to our comments and needs. He was very responsive and we received his feedback very quickly. He was always available to take our calls, even when he was out of office.’

‘Jacob Enoch – everyone in the small Israel international arbitration community knows and respects him immensely. He is the most senior, most capable international arbitration practitioner in the country.’

‘There is a mixture of creativity and pragmatism in the team that is unique. They are clearly adept at working across jurisdictions and in tandem with a variety of other aligned skill sets, such as strategic communications and intelligence gatherers. The team is resilient, robust and ethical.’

‘Jacob Enoch is an excellent listener and takes time to really understand what his clients’ objectives are and creates a strategy that is wholly aligned to those objectives. He is an excellent communicator and always focuses on the application of the law for clients rather than simply rehearsing the law for clients.’

‘The team is highly professional, available for any question at any time, creative and innovative in the solutions it offers. In addition, the team members are kind and approachable.’

‘Jacob Enoch is an outstanding lawyer; sharp, always ready with a practical solution, a wise man with great knowledge and definitely the lawyer that I would choose.’

Key clients

C. Mer

Rav Bariach

Migdal Insurance Company

Zur Shamir

DHL

Diplomat

Ashtrom Group

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented C. Mer in an ICC case in Amsterdam and continues to represent it in a challenge to the award.

Meitar Law Offices

The international arbitration practice at Meitar Law Offices represents both Israeli and global companies in commercial arbitration proceedings, with experience in cases under all major rules, including ICC, LCIA and the Swiss Arbitration Centre. Among its recent work, the team handled breach-of-contract claims before tribunals seated in London and Geneva. Israel Leshem, who is dual US- and UK-qualified, is noted for his multi-jurisdictional expertise. The team also includes Eyal Rosovsky, noted for his ‘palatial legal mind‘, and Or Baron Gil, who specialises in cross-border disputes.

Practice head(s):

Israel Leshem

Other key lawyers:

Eyal Rosovsky; Or Baron-Gil; Issar Berger; Adi Fremder; Asaf Niemoj

Testimonials

‘I have worked with Eyal Rosovsky as co-arbitrator in a case. Eyal Rosovsky has a palatial legal mind and strong business sense. I have also worked with Israel Leshem as co-arbitrator. Israel Leshem is a great arbitrator. He is everything someone would want as an arbitrator.’

Asserson Law Offices

From its platforms in Tel Aviv and London, Asserson Law Offices offers English-law advice to a diverse international clientele. The group, which is ‘driven by solutions and pragmatism’, has recently handled several LCIA and ICC arbitrations involving Israeli-connected parties. Names to note include international arbitration and disputes head, Baruch Baigel, who is on the panel of several global arbitral institutions, including VIAC and SIAC. The team also includes public law specialist Shimon Goldwater, who is singled out for his ability to ‘problem solve and analyse the issues‘.

Practice head(s):

Trevor Asserson; Baruch Baigel

Other key lawyers:

Yisrael Hiller; Shimon Goldwater

Testimonials

‘Energetic, imaginative, efficient and no-nonsense. Driven by solutions and pragmatism.’

‘Baruch Baigel is an excellent lawyer, a sound adviser and a stand-out tactician. He runs a highly efficient and motivated team.’

‘Shimon Goldwater is a very bright up-and-coming partner, with an ability to problem-solve and analyse the issues and manage them. A very good team.’

‘An excellent team who work seamlessly and are always available as required, explaining any point simply and clearly.’

‘We value lawyers for their quality, clarity and availability. Shout out to Baruch Baigel.’

‘Easy to work with Israeli desk. Local team but able to represent in the UK, which is a great advantage.’

‘The team is great. Diverse and very dedicated to solving problems.’

Key clients

Benjamin Steinmetz

Semën Anufriev

Infinidat Limited

JBR Capital Limited

Tenova Advanced Technologies Ltd.

Willful Group

Huawei Tech

Samuel Copley

Genie Energy Limited and Shoreditch Limited

David Hamon and other university students

Trau Bros NV and Trau Bros Israel 5764 Limited

AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co

AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co houses a growing ADR practice, which counts leading domestic and global corporations, as well as sovereign states, among its representative clients. Frequently acting alongside international firms in cross-border arbitral cases, the team is particularly well versed in proceedings under ICC rules, and is also active in mediation. Gidon Even-Or, noted for his ‘practical, business-like approach‘, heads the cross-border litigation and international arbitration practice.

Practice head(s):

Gidon Even-Or

Other key lawyers:

Ram Jeanne

Testimonials

‘In my opinion this one of the top three firms in Israel. It provides quality, professional and excellent service. Lawyers’ knowledge  and legal abilities are exceptional.’

‘The team is a strong group of individuals who bring a variety of tools in order to solve difficult situations in the best way possible. The team knows how to deal with difficult disputes with a firm hand and yet be able to resolve the dispute outside of the court.’

‘Gideon Even-Or is one of the best and smartest litigators I have worked with. He understands clients’ (and judges’) needs, he an expert in his field and provides insightful and clever perspective, while being hands-on and helping the other lawyers on his team to showcase their skills and develop.’

‘AYR provides the benefits of a small firm in regard to attention to clients’ need and responsiveness, while having the scale and ability of a big-law style resources and quality. It is great at handling complex international litigation and are skilled on all manners and forms of mediation and arbitration.’

‘I mainly work with Ram Jeanne, who is the best litigator in Israel. He goes into every detail, he understands the situation deeply, and his ability in court is outstanding.’

‘Gideon Even-Or, one of the leading figures in the AYR team, is a sophisticated and experienced litigator whom is highly valued for his practical, business-like approach and his responsiveness and professional coverage of all aspects of any case he deals with.’

Work highlights

  • Represented R-Cure in a cross-border dispute against four entities of the 3M group, which included an international arbitration under ICC arbitration rules.
  • Represented Jaber Media in an international arbitration before the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre in Geneva.
  • Represented UK-based Edge Medical in litigation and mediation proceedings against an Israeli company and its shareholders.

Epstein Rosenblum Maoz (ERM)

A significant volume of Epstein Rosenblum Maoz (ERM)‘s international arbitration cases relate to construction disputes, though it is also well versed in energy-related matters and corporate litigation. Gideon Weinbaum fronts the practice and has recently acted as first chair on proceedings seated in Israel and abroad. Finance and projects specialist, Amnon Epstein, is also noted for international arbitration, with his recent track record spanning cases under ICC rules.

Practice head(s):

Gideon Weinbaum

Other key lawyers:

Amnon Epstein

Key clients

Apple Inc

Brix Software Ltd.

Abengoa S.A

Fresenius Medical Care Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH

ADM International Sarl

Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG (Germany)

Daflog SRL

Schneider GmbH & Co. KG

Iskoor Metals and Steels Ltd.

Monarch Master Funding 2 (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l.

Suunto Oy

Timon Limited

Lehavot Advanced Fire Protection Systems

A prominent US-Palestinian family

Boldwin Ltd.

H.R. Agencies Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Representing Fresenius Medical Care in an international arbitration regarding a shareholder dispute.
  • Representing Daflog SRL in an international arbitration relating to an oil drilling project in Israel.
  • Representing Abengoa in an international arbitration seated in Switzerland, including advising on the enforcement of interim awards in Israel.

Herzog Fox & Neeman

On the alternative dispute resolution front, Herzog Fox & Neeman has been particularly busy of late in the mediation sphere, where it has handled a significant volume of proceedings stemming from class actions. On the arbitration side, the group has experience in representing corporate clients before major tribunals, including the ICC. Class actions specialist Joseph Ashkenazi led on a slew of mediation cases over the past year; he co-heads the litigation and dispute resolution department alongside Gilad Wekselman.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Ashkenazi; Gilad Wekselman

Other key lawyers:

David Zailer; Saar Pauker; Isaac Shragay; Orr Diskin

Testimonials

‘Herzog Fox has delivered excellent services to our company through a combination of deep legal expertise and an in-depth knowledge of our business.’

‘Joseph Ashkenazi has provided us with excellent legal services for a number of years. His extensive legal knowledge and experience, combined with his in-depth knowledge of our business, is highly valued by our company.’

A diverse team of lawyers that complete each other perfectly. First and foremost, dispute resolution is about being familiar with the facts and details, which this team does excellently. Then, the level of sophistication and creativity allows it to solve complicated cases.’

Key clients

Meta

Israel Electric Company Ltd.

PayPal

CityPass Ltd.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporations

LG Electronics Inc.

Citibank, N.A.

Mark Scheinberg

Subaru

Wolt

Tatra Export Ltd. & Tatra Trucks A.S

Adler Real Estate Aktiengesellschaft

Amnon Schwartz – shareholder of Aminach

Work highlights

  • Representing Israel Electric Company in mediation proceedings in a consumer class action filed on behalf of Israeli electricity consumers.
  • Acting for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in mediation proceedings concerning class actions filed against it.
  • Representing Meta in mediation proceedings filed against it concerning class actions seeking damages for breach of privacy laws.

Weiss, Porat & Co

Weiss, Porat & Co‘s niche expertise in representing Asia-based companies pays dividends on the ADR front, with the team frequently engaged to act on mediation and arbitration cases on behalf of an array of clients from the Far East. Equipped to advise on international arbitration cases under all major rules, the team is particularly experienced in ICC proceedings. Department head Zeev Weiss has recently handled international arbitrations involving Korea, China and Japan.

Practice head(s):

Zeev Weiss

Other key lawyers:

Arie Reich; Eylam Weiss

Testimonials

‘Weiss Porat are the leading law firm in the field of legislation regarding Assisted Living Residencies. They have created many precedents in this sector and have become the Experts with a capital E .’

‘Every member of this law firm has always responded promptly and efficiently to our necessities.’

Key clients

ST Engineering Telematics Wireless (Israel)

NTT Electronics (Japan)

Junjin Heavy Industry (Korea)

National organization of residents of continuing care retirement communities (Israel)

Institute of Internal Auditors (USA)

Shiba International Law Offices (Japan)

KIM & CHANG law offices (Korea)

WEBSTER, CHAMBERLAIN & BEAN law offices (USA)

Chly law offices (Taiwan)

Ceragem Co., Ltd. (Korea)

Opticana (Israel)

Dover Medical Equipment

Fangda Partners law firm (China)

Shinhan Diamonds (Korea)

Karl Weiss Ltd.

Cellmark

Lymar&Lymar Legal Consulting

Association for green transportation in Israel

Kviscal

Anderson Mori & Tomotsune Law firm (Japan)

Juran (Israel)

Ofil (Israel)

W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (USA)

Conyers Dill & Pearman Limited (Bermuda)

Seum Law Firm (Korea)

Toyota

Charm Engineering (Korea)

Yair Duchovny Cables (Israel)

Hashmal Yashir (Israel)

Prysmian Kablo (Turkey)

Surtel Kablo Sanayii A.S. (Turkey)

Hartuv Cement (Israel)

MAJ Co., Ltd. (Japan)

S. Schnitzer Diamonds Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Representing an Israeli company in a $22m ICC arbitration against a China-based client.
  • Representing Junjin in an arbitration against an Israeli distributor, alleging breach of contract.
  • Representing MAJ Co (Japan) in mediation proceedings in Israel.