FISCHER (FBC & Co.) is a destination practice for aviation work, where it is routinely engaged by major global airlines to advise on significant consumer litigation, including class actions, as well as regulatory and transactional matters. Notably, the firm recently added three new clients in this area, with Fly Dubai, Emirates and Etihad Airways turning to the firm for support. Other industry strong suits include issues in the maritime and automotive sectors. Shirly Kazir is recognised for her expertise in aviation and shipping disputes, while infrastructure expert Hagit Horowitz advises on rail and road projects.
Transport in Israel
FISCHER (FBC & Co.)
Practice head(s):
Shirly Kazir
Other key lawyers:
Gilad Winkler; Hagit Horowitz; Yoram Bonen; Liron Cohen; Lior Linhard
Testimonials
‘The FBC & Co. transportation team has vast expertise on aviation law in Israel with a valuable international perspective.’
‘FBC is extremely professional, loyal, reliable, available, with strong knowledge in aviation, transport and tourism. During Covid-19, many legal projects were included in the retainer fee, which made it a good value for money and we are really grateful for FBC support. FBC were also involved in all government committees and highlighted the airline’s needs during this challenging period of time.’
‘The team are very helpful with any queries raised. They are also very proactive and will let us know of any judgments or proposed amendments to regulations that will affect us and offer to lobby on our behalf to raise any objections necessary. Without this we would be unaware of these significant events.’
‘Very experienced at handling aviation liability matters in Israel, a highly specialised area of law. Shirly Kazir and Lior Linhard are very responsive, user friendly and consistently deliver excellent outcomes for our clients.’
‘Adv. Shirly Kazir always stands out favourably, as a lawyer who excels in providing professional and knowledgeable advice while maintaining her determination and creativity, a combination that almost always yields positive results for her clients. Ms. Kazir appears to go above and beyond in order to ensure a successful outcome for her clients.’
‘Adv. Shirly Kazir knows the aviation market and players very well, maintains constant client contact and sends advisory updates regularly. Highly professional and skilled. As a leading partner, she has built a highly trained team of lawyers, all are very pleasant to deal with.’
‘The BEST team that I ever worked with! Loyal, available, key knowledge of the local legislation and market place, proactive approach, nice people to work with – pleasant and available at all time.’
Key clients
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Fly Dubai
Transavia
Onur Air
Virgin Atlantic
DHL Express (Israel) Ltd.
Talma Travel & Tours Ltd.
Lufthansa Group (Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines)
Hyundai Motor Company
Kia Motor Company
Volvo/ Renault
British Airways PLC
Newrest Group Holding SA (ISS Group)
Delta Airlines
Iberia
Air France/KLM
Association of Car Importers in Israel
Austrian Airlines
Colmobil Ltd.
Delta Airlines
easyJet
El Al Airlines
Harel Insurance Company
Pegasus Airlines
Arkia Airlines
Iberia
Deutsche Lufthansa
Wizz Air
QAS – Quality Airport Services
Silk Way West Airlines
Air Europa
Korean Air
Egged Holding Ltd.
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd
WeTrip Ltd.
Shikun & Binui Ltd.
Aeroméxico
Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented EasyJet in an appeal submitted to the Supreme Court against the District Court’s judgment in favour of easyJet, rejecting a class action submitted against it in Israel.
- Represented Transavia the Netherlands in opposing class actions related to its global refund policy during the Covid-19 outbreak.
- Represented Hadarom Container Terminal and Til Group in the project financing of the Ashdod Seaport.
Herzog Fox & Neeman
Herzog Fox & Neeman has an emphasis on representing transport clients in financing transactions. On the aviation side, the group routinely advises major airlines on financing matters, as well as acquisitions and leasing issues — it also acts for lenders. The firm also has an active transport infrastructure practice, with its recent work spanning projects in the rail, port and road sectors. Finance specialist Alan Sacks leads the aviation practice and acted alongside Ben Kanter to advise Aviation Capital Group on the Israeli aspects of a global securitisation of a fleet of aircraft. Mark Phillips heads up the project finance and development department.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Ben Kanter
Testimonials
‘We use Herzog Fox & Neeman as local counsel on transactions involving Israeli law requirements.’
‘We have worked with Alan Sacks and Ben Kanter for many years and their team are outstanding. They are very knowledgeable, responsive and very dependable.’
Key clients
Aviation Capital Group
MG Aviation
AVIC International Leasing Co.
Falko Group
Fortress Investment Group
Engine Lease Finance Corporation (ELFC)
Boeing
Rolls Royce
Airbus Bank
Development Bank of Japan
ING Bank
Macquarie Air Finance
BNP Paribas
Bank of America Leasing Ireland Co (BALI)
PK AirFinance
UK Export Finance (UKEF)
Marsh
Standard Chartered Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Aviation Capital Group on the Israeli aspects of a global securitisation of a fleet of Aircraft.
- Advised a consortium of Israeli lenders, led by Israel Discount Bank, on the financing of the new port in Ashdod being developed by Hadarom Container terminal.
- Acted for a consortium comprised of Allied Holdings, Minrav Holdings and China Harbour Engineering, on the tender for the design, build, operation, maintenance and finance of the Tel Aviv light rail Green and Purple lines.
Naschitz, Brandes, Amir & Co.
Naschitz, Brandes, Amir & Co. houses a leading transport litigation offering, which is best known for representing clients in the shipping and aviation sectors in contentious matters, including class actions. On the shipping side, the group acts for major local and global corporates, public sector clients and insurance companies in a myriad of disputes and regulatory matters, with Noble Energy Mediterranean, RCL Cruises and Ashdod Port all representative clients. On the aviation front, it specialises in representing airlines, insurers and underwriters in contentious matters. Ilan Winder spearheads the firm’s transport activities, with an emphasis on shipping and aviation work. Senior associates Merav Nur and Omer Guy provide support.
Practice head(s):
Ilan Winder
Other key lawyers:
Merav Nur; Omer Guy
Testimonials
‘The firm stands out for its knowledge of the market.’
Key clients
Noble Energy Mediterranean
RCL Cruises
El Al Israeli Airlines
Ukraine International Airlines
Smartwings A.S.
Sea Alliance Ltd.
Private Yacht Owners
Migdal Insurance Company (Marine Department)
The Phoenix Insurance Company (Marine Department)
Harel Insurance Company (Marine Department)
Ashdod Port
Shipco Transport
Rwandair
Smartwings A.S.
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.
Sonigo International Shipping, Packing & Moving Ltd.
Uniko Shipping & Logistics Ltd.
Work highlights
- Defending Royal Caribbean in a $46.2m class action.
- Representing Noble Energy in a NIS77m claim brought against it alleging non-payment of port fees on importations.
- Representing Ukraine International Airlines (together with LOT Polish Airlines) in a complex class action regarding refunds of airport taxes for no-show passengers and cancelled flights.
S. Friedman, Abramson & Co.
S. Friedman & Co. Advocates & Notaries fields a go-to maritime practice, which is routinely engaged by local and global shipping clients, such as Zim Integrated Shipping Services, Maersk and the Chamber of Shipping of Israel. The team is also well versed in aviation and rail-related work. Amir Cohen-Dor is highlighted by sources as ‘the best maritime lawyer in Israel‘ on the back of his expertise in maritime claims, dispute resolution and commercial agreements. Michael Safran is also recognised for his specialist experience in shipbuilding matters, ship sales and purchases, shipping finance and litigation. Up-and-coming partner Roiy Cohen is ‘highly professional‘.
Practice head(s):
Amir Cohen-Dor
Other key lawyers:
Michael Safran; Roiy Cohen
Testimonials
‘The S. Friedman team is very commercial and takes a holistic view of the clients’ issues. Lawyers are highly creative and have great peripheral vision.’
‘The team is highly professional. The people are very service oriented, no matter which task they perform. The service is immediate with high attention to little details and great attention to the client’s needs. Also display patience while explaining the legal matters and their impact on the company.’
‘Amir Cohen-Dor is the best maritime lawyer in Israel. He has great knowledge and experience, often greater than the judges in Israel. Amir’s unique knowledge of the marine English law and great experience with LMAA is of great importance assisting us in handling major claims and casualties.’
‘Michael Safran is an extraordinary finance lawyer. He can deal with securitisations, high yield bonds, loan agreements, mortgages, ship financing arrangements, finance leases, and derivatives. He is always available, he is very commercial, and an excellent negotiator.’
‘Roiy Cohen handles many of our Israeli oriented cargo claims and some in the UK. Highly professional and assists us with immediate responses in complicated legal matters.’
Key clients
Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
Maersk Israel Ltd.
Portline HK
Terminal Investment Limited Sàrl (TIL)
M. Dizengoff & Co (P&I Representatives) Ltd.
Israel Shipyards Ltd.
The Israel Chamber of Shipping
COSCO Shipping Holdings Co., Ltd.
Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd.
Orient Overseas (International) Limited
Allalouf & Co. Shipping Ltd., M. Dizengoff & Co (P&I Representatives) Ltd. and other shipping agencies
Gal Marine Ltd.
Overseas Commerce Ltd.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haifa and the North
Dead Sea Works (a part of the ICL group)
The National Coal Supply Corp. Ltd.
Israel Railways Corporation Ltd.
Yang Ming
The One
HMM
Work highlights
- Advised Zim Integrated Shipping Services on all aspects of its global activities.
- Advised Maersk in Israel on maritime, labour, litigation and competition matters.
- Represented Portline HK in its activities across the globe.
Harris & Co. Maritime Law Office
Harris & Co. Maritime Law Office‘s exclusive focus on maritime law translates into a broad shipping practice, with an emphasis on contentious matters. The group is frequently involved in litigation before the Maritime Court and the Supreme Court and brings to bear an extensive track record in precedent-setting cases. The firm also advises on non-contentious matters, including ship finance transactions, ship sales and purchases and other commercial arrangements. John Harris is widely revered as an authority on shipping matters, and managing partner Yoav Harris is also highly regarded for his shipping litigation expertise.
Practice head(s):
John Harris; Yoav Harris
Ilan Orly & Co. Law Firm
Transport boutique Ilan Orly & Co. Law Firm handles all aspects of shipping law, including charter agreements, cargo recoveries, shipbuilding work, financings and salvage-related work. It stands out for its significant expertise in multi-jurisdictional issues, particularly those involving the UK, German and Russian insurance markets. Ilan Orly is a shipping specialist and is frequently sought out by shipowners, operators, P&I Clubs and underwriters to advise on contentious and non-contentious matters. Eran Shellac is noted for his increasingly prominent yacht practice.
Practice head(s):
Ilan Orly; Eran Shellac
Testimonials
‘One of the top teams in maritime law in Israel, and a leading office worldwide. Professional. Available 24/7. Deal-makers not breakers. Very fair-priced service.’
‘Fast response times. Top professionalism.’
‘A very professional team.’
Key clients
XT Holdings Ltd
Bank Hapoalim BM
Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM
The Israeli Phoenix Ltd.
Harel Insurance Ltd.
Haifa Port Ltd.
Ashdod Port Ltd.
Eilat Port Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acting for three private clients in negotiations for shipbuilding contracts for four mega yachts.
S. Horowitz & Co
S. Horowitz & Co‘s transport experience is spread across several sectors, with its aviation offering arguably standing as the strongest pillar of the practice. Among its trophy airline clients, the firm advises British Airways, Ryanair and Blue Air Aviation, among others, on matters such as passenger rights and consumer protection issues. Hugh Kowarsky is recommended for his broad aviation expertise. Litigator Eyal Doron also has an emphasis on aviation-related work.
Practice head(s):
Hugh Kowarsky; Eyal Doron
Other key lawyers:
Benjamin Sheffer; Ron Libson
Testimonials
‘Provides a personalised approach, particularly Eyal Doron and Hugh Kowarsky.’
Key clients
Ryanair DAC
British Airways
Bank Hapoalim Ltd
Dubai Aviation Corporation (Flydubai)
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
Honda Motor Company Ltd. and Groupe PSA
China State Construction Engineering Corporation
Blue Air Aviation S.A.
Toyota Motor Corporation
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
Marsh Ltd.
Bank Leumi Ltd.
Derech Eretz Highways (1997) Ltd.
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd.
SC Western Segment’s Construction L.P.
Minrav Holdings Ltd.
Oron Group Holdings & Investments Ltd.
Shikun & Binui
Smartlynx
Laudamotion GmbH
Hahn Air
Scania AB
Work highlights
- Representing Ryanair DAC in a motion to certify a NIS102m class action concerning the booking process on its website.
- Representing China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) in the design, planning and execution of the Green Line Project, as a part of the Tel Aviv Light Railway Project.
- Representing Toyota Motor Corporation and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in a motion to certify a NIS100m class action concerning the alleged failure to perform a recall in Israel of vehicles imported to Israel by way of parallel or private import.
AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co
AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co‘s interdisciplinary transport practice recently acted on a slew of aviation and road-related mandates. The group has an emphasis on contentious matters and recently represented Shlomo Sixt in two applications for class action lawsuits filed against in connection with its car rental business. Yoav Caspi advises on transport transactions, while Yaron Reiter and Ram Jeanne are key contacts for transport-related litigation.
Practice head(s):
Yoav Caspi; Yaron Reiter; Ram Jeanne
Other key lawyers:
Gadiel Bluzstein; Assaf Lapid
Testimonials
‘I dealt with Gadiel Bluzstein. Nice communication and good advice.’
‘The team possesses very confidential and competent lawyers, particularly Gadiel Bluzstein.’
Key clients
Dan Public Transportation
Kavim Public Transportation LTD.
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Mayer’s Group (Hertz, Kavim, Merkavim).
Kesher Rent A Car Ltd- (Hertz)
Merkavim Transportation Technologies
Auto Center Limited Partnership
Shlomo Sixt Group
Aero Handling Ltd.
FSM Ground Services
Shafir Group
Operate-Lease Ltd.
Leascar
Shapir Engineering & Industries Ltd.
Danya Cebus and China Civil joint venture
Morgan Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing a joint venture between Danya Cebus and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in an arbitration concerning the light rail project in Tel Aviv.
- Representing FSM Ground Services in several matters, including an Israel Airport Authority tender for the provision of services and maintenance of luggage carts at Ben Gurion Airport.
- Representing Ahuzot Ha’Chof in a class action alleging that i overcharges Tel Aviv residents for parking services.
Erdinast Ben Nathan Toledano & Co. with Hamburger Evron
Erdinast Ben Nathan Toledano & Co. with Hamburger Evron has a focus on road and rail work, with a strong track record in acting on technology-driven transport deals, including those involving drones and AI. In a notable example, it is representing Mobileye Vision Technologies in a joint venture for the launch of a commercial self-driving ride-hailing service in Israel, with the support of the government of Israel. Corporate partner Doni Toledano, who leads the Mobileye mandate, is the key contact.
Practice head(s):
Doni Toledano
Other key lawyers:
Nadav Olgan
Testimonials
‘The team consists of lawyers with extensive and in-depth experience in the field, in-depth knowledge of the regulation and its implications for the industry, understanding of the market, familiarity with the prominent players and the business approach of each and above all of course a deep business understanding.’
‘Solid team with a profound understanding of the business landscape, legislations, international business and legal inter-relations.’
Key clients
Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd.
Carasso Motors Ltd.
Egged Ta’avura
Mediterranean Car Agency
Arbe Robotics Ltd.
Tene Investment Fund
LeddarTech Inc.
Fortellix Ltd.
Haifa Municipality
Metropoline – Public Transport Ltd.
Afcon Electric Transportation Ltd.
Maman Cargo Terminals Ltd.
Alon Blue Square Ltd.
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acting for Haifa Municipality on the replacement of its vehicle fleet with natural gas-powered vehicles.
- Representing Traffilog in a contemplated merger with an Israeli start-up company in the field of cybersecurity solutions for connected and autonomous vehicles.
- Representing Metropoline in the replacement of its current fleet of vehicles with natural gas-powered buses.
Goldfarb Seligman & Co.
Goldfarb Seligman & Co.‘s cross-practice transport offering represents local and international transport companies on an array of transactional, project development and contentious matters. The team is particularly well known for its expertise in transport-related infrastructure projects, including advising multinational corporations on government tenders in the road and rail sectors. Managing partner Yudi Levy is noted for his aviation experience, including regulatory matters, and Rami Sofer advises corporate and public sector clients on transport infrastructure.
Practice head(s):
Yudi Levy; Rami Sofer; Dubi Zoltak; Aaron Michaeli; Hagit Blaiberg; Zvi Bar-Nathan; Sharon Gazit; Ashok Chandrasekhar; Benjamin Rotenberg; Gill Nadel
Key clients
Netivei Ayalon Ltd. (Ayalon Highways)
Israel Railways Ltd.
Cross Israel Highway Ltd.
PJSC Aeroflot – Russian Airlines
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Jaguar Land Rover Limited
Ford Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company
United Technologies Corporation (UTC)
Egged Ta’avura Ltd.
Derech Eretz Highways (1997) Ltd.
Bird Rides, Inc.
GreenRoad Insights Ltd.
Champion Motors Ltd.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd.
Lockheed Martin Israel
Piedmont Aviation Component Services,
QAS – Quality Airport Services
Paz Oil Company Ltd.
Citigroup
Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC.
Barclays
Yango
Bird Aerosystems Ltd.
Shufersal Ltd.
HopOn Mobility Ltd.
REE Automotive Ltd.
Cabiran (1991) Ltd.
Shasha Tours (95) Ltd.
Derech Eretz Tours
Mercury Aviation Israel Ltd.
TEN – Petroleum Company Ltd.
Battery Ventures L.P.
Tama Plastic Industry Ltd.
Eldan Cargo 2000 Ltd.
E & J Tire Recycling Center Ltd.
Daka Tires Ltd.
Krief Albatros Ltd.
Transworld Logistics Ltd.
International Chamber of Customs and Shipping Agents
Leschaco Ltd.
Raphael Katz & Co. Customs Clearance Ltd
Sivanit International Forwarders Ltd.
Noach Niv Customs Agents Ltd.
BeFresh Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing Ayalon Highways in numerous large-scale transport infrastructure projects, including Rapid City, Fast Lanes and Ofnidan.
- Representing auto-tech company GreenRoad in commercial agreements with transportation companies across the globe.
- Representing Aeroflot in various legal matters, including litigation proceedings and class actions.
Gornitzky & Co.
Gornitzky & Co.‘s close relationship with Dan Public Transportation Company (Dan) creates a significant volume of transport-related instructions; the group advised it on a string of matters, including the establishment of a partnership R&D company to invest in the field of smart mobility. The firm also advises on aviation matters and transport-related infrastructure projects. Managing partner Kfir Yadgar oversees the firm’s relationship with Dan, while Yiftah Farber has a focus on transport-related infrastructure.
Practice head(s):
Kfir Yadgar; Yiftah Farber; Avi Pelossof
Other key lawyers:
Sagit Ohana-Livne; Noa Schweitzer Amar
Key clients
Dan Public Transportation Company Ltd. and its subsidiaries
Eviation Aircraft Ltd.
EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd.
Nahor Netivey Tahbura Ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented Dan Public Transportation in numerous transactions, including on the financial closing of the fast lanes project by Nahor Ltd. and Nahor Transportation Routes Ltd.
- Advised Eviation Aircraft on all of its ongoing corporate and commercial matters.
- Represented EL AL Israel Airlines in obtaining NIS300m worth of finance, and other matters.
Meitar law offices
Meitar Law Offices is particularly active in the aviation and automotive sectors, where it represents both local and international transport clients. The firm’s top corporate practice ensures that it is a popular choice to advise on sophisticated M&A deals, such as its recent advice to Global Kenafayim on its bid to purchase Israir Airlines. However, it is also well versed in advising on regulatory and contentious matters. Regulation head Alon Gellert is the key contact. Project finance specialist Jonathan Finklestone is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Alon Gellert
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Finklestone; Yankie Feffer; Tani Zahavi; Assaf Naveh
Key clients
Korean Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Israeli Drone Alliance
AerCap
CAL Cargo
Sightec
Air Canada
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming)
Innoviz
Mobileye
Via
Fiat
Ranault
Volkswagen
Sichuan Airlines
Shapir Civil & Marine Engineering Ltd.
Port of Ashdod
Energean
The Cyprus corporations of Metea Maritime Company Ltd.
Vanora Maritime Company Ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in its merger with the PSA Group for a 50-50 combination of both businesses to create the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the world.
- Represented Innoviz Technologies in all its investment rounds and in its SPAC merger to go public at a valuation of $1.4bn.
- Represented Global Knafaim Leasing in a bid to acquire Israir Airlines & Tourism.
Salomon, Lipschütz & Co.
Salomon, Lipschütz & Co. is noted for its representation of public transport companies in the full range of government tenders, commercial arrangements, regulatory matters and litigation. The firm’s strength in this area is evidenced by its ongoing advice to the Forum of Private Public Transport Companies in Israel on various issues, including on its negotiations with the government regarding operating agreements. Administrative law specialist Amit Gur has strong experience in acting for public transport companies and Haifa Port Company on contentious and non-contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Amit Gur
Other key lawyers:
Merav Arad-Salomon
Key clients
Haifa Port
Public transportation private companies’ forum
Nateev Express – Public Transportation Ltd.
Kavim Public Transport Ltd.
Electra Afikim – Public Transportation Ltd.
Metropoline Public Transport Ltd.
7 different Public transportation operators in East Jerusalem area
Egged Taavura
Nazareth Transport & Tourism Ltd.
UNBS – unites Nazareth Bus Services
Dan South Transportation (2015) Ltd
Extra Public Transport Ltd
Narkis Gal Transportion Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing Haifa Port Company in several matters, including in a dispute with Ashdod Port regarding damages caused by the latter’s abuse of its status as a declared monopoly.
- Advising the Forum of Private Public Transport Companies in Israel on all of its activities, including on the approval of joint ventures between forum members.
- Advising seven public transportation operators in East Jerusalem on all aspects of their interfaces with the Ministry of Transport, including on the negotiation of public transportation operation contracts.
Gad Elbaz Law Office
Gad Elbaz Law Office specialises in aviation law matters, including aircraft acquisitions, licensing matters and litigation. Since its establishment in 2018, the boutique firm continues to raise its market profile and its growing client base range from private aircraft owners through to industry leaders such as Elbit Systems. Gad Elbaz ‘thinks from the customer’s point of view‘.
Practice head(s):
Gad Elbaz
Testimonials
‘Gad Elbaz Law Offices is a truly innovative team, and provided me with legal tools and solutions that were “outside the box”. The diverse activity of my company requires unique and flexible thinking. I deal with customers and providers from all over the world, and the tools and solutions I had to use required some originality and ability to adopt to what my company needs.’
‘The first thing I noticed is the straightforward, honest approach that distinguishes this office from others. Asking the right questions, clarifying any “grey” area that might exist is extremely important for us to know where we stand. Availability was also remarkable. I believe that not only did they offer us a quality service, but the service level and approach made the entire difference.’
‘Gad Elbaz Law Offices is an expert in aviation matters and has a network of attorneys to resource when additional expertise in an area is required. Gad Elbaz is always accessible and has an extremely courteous and professional staff.’
‘I worked closely with Gad to negotiate and complete a difficult deal, involving Israel and another foreign country. He presented our objectives very well. Gad clearly thinks from the customer’s point of view and always has an open, business mind to resolve the customer needs, during and after the deal.’
Key clients
Elbit Systems
Iscar
Durstwell Limited
JM 1539 Inc.
GTE Airways Israel Ltd.
Yandex & its founder
Aviation Bridge
Avoringa Technologies
Deputy Mayor of the Ramat Hasharon Municipality
Aviation Comp. & Maintenance Union
Aero Club of Israel
Life Sport Aviation
FN Aviation
Sky Aviation Services Israel Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Elbit Systems on numerous matters, including on all aspects of its successful tender for the purchase, lease and maintenance of six helicopters for the Israeli police.
- Advised Yandex, and its founder and CEO, on licensing matters related to a private aeroplane.
- Represented GTE Airways Israel in applying for a licence to operate as a commercial airline, including a licence to operate large aircraft.
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries‘ transport offering is closely aligned with its infrastructure practice. The firm has an emphasis on large transport-related infrastructure projects, including light rail transit systems and road development projects. Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky is routinely involved in transport-related project development, and Ilan Kremer is noted for his recent work for SuperBus, including advising on its winning tender to operate public transport lines in central and southern Jerusalem.
Practice head(s):
Tamar Firon Smorodinsky; Ron Genat
Other key lawyers:
Ilan Kremer; Timor Pesso
Testimonials
‘M. Firon understands Transport! The team excels in delivering excellent work on time, which is crucial in our line of business. They have very strong commercial attitude and their international skills are also much appreciated. They are masters in infrastructure tenders, including for very large transportation projects.’
‘M. Firon is one of the best teams in mass transportation tenders and know how to process them from A to Z. In this kind of work you need a team which is very meticulous and comprehensive. Firon’s team is exactly that – they read every word very carefully and leverage their in-depth understanding and experience in the negotiations.’
‘The infrastructure team headed by Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky is highly motivated and is the best you could find for legal support in infrastructure projects and tenders. They are confident, their advice is spot on and they are ever so helpful.’
‘We have worked with international law firms and I must point that Firon stands out in every possible way. They know the industry, know the market and most of all – they have comprehensive knowledge on a broad scale and additional teams to support them when necessary.’
‘Partner Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky is very involved with everything. She presents a rare and coveted combination of skill, resourcefulness and finesse. Partner Timor Pesso is very pragmatic, always looking for practical solutions and employs a can-do attitude.’
‘My star partner is Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky. She is a life saver, ready whenever you need her with the best solution and advice. She is brilliant, with tons of experience in various fields, and in various stages and aspects: tenders; finance; construction; commercial, you name it. She sees the whole picture right from the start.’
‘Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky is one of a few lawyers who always renders excellent, balanced, and reasoned legal advice. She understands transport tenders in the most profound way. Timor Pesso adds forward-looking attitude, exceptional technical understanding which we are not used to see among lawyers, organizational skills, and accuracy. They both make the perfect team for an uphill battle.’
‘Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky is my main contact in the firm. I enjoy working with her since she is an excellent lawyer with a good practical attitude. She will never leave anything unattended and will think of everything in advance. I have also worked with Timor Pesso who is also excellent and knows how to make things happen.’
Key clients
CREC (China railway group limited)
Bombardier
CRTG China railway tunnel group limited)
EEB (China Railway Electrification Bureau (Group) Co., Ltd)
Ashdod Port Company Ltd.
Skoda
Israel Shipyards
Noy Fund
SuperBus
DHL
Carmelton Group Ltd.
Ashtrom Group Ltd.
Shapir Civil and Marine
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Swissport Israel
Israel Railways Company
Israel Air Line Pilots Association
Maya Tours
Shlomo Transportation Group
Work highlights
- Represented SuperBus in its successful tenders for two mass transportation projects in Haifa and in Jerusalem.
- Represented a consortium (including CREC, Alstom, Noy Fund and Phoenix Insurance) in a PFI tender for the planning, construction and maintenance of the green and purple lines of the light rail project in Tel Aviv.
- Advised Israel Airline Pilots Association on aviation law and regulation.
Shibolet & Co.
Shibolet & Co.‘s transport practice brings to bear extensive experience in the automotive sector, where it advises global corporates such as General Motors on an array of contentious and regulatory matters. The firm also houses a growing aviation department, with David Sprecher noted for his expertise in this area. David Magriso advises on transport-related infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
David Sprecher; David Magriso
Other key lawyers:
Gadi Ouzan; Limor Peled
Key clients
Royal Air Maroc
General Motors
Kanfei Nesharim Aviation Ltd.
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Israel Railways Ltd.
Orbit Technologies
Fly Dubai (Dubai Aviation Corporation)
Air Seychelles
S7 Airlines (JSC Siberia Airlines)
Israel Ports Development & Assets Company Ltd
Arkia Israeli Airlines Ltd
ASL Airlines France
Aeroflot (Russian Airlines)
Volkswagen AG (VW Group)
ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab Israel Ltd.
Albar Leasing (R.Z) Ltd.
NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd.
Netivei Israel – National Transport Infrastructure Company Ltd.
ISR (Israel Railways)
LeaseCar Group
China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC)
Tactile Mobility Ltd. (formerly known as MobiWize)
Gasngo
TransJerusalem J-Net ltd.
RailVision ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented Kanfei Nesharim Aviation in the successful hostile takeover of El Al Israel Airlines through the NIS364m acquisition of a controlling stake in the company.
- Represented General Motors in seven different class actions.
- Represented China State Construction Engineering Corporation in its winning bid for the development of the Tel Aviv light rail Green Line design and build project.
Zemah Schneider & Partners
Zemah Schneider & Partners has a marked focus on the automotive industry, where it is recognised for its expertise in regulatory, commercial and contentious matters. The firm advises both local and international companies, including major global names such as Nissan. Ehood Schneider is praised by clients as ‘one of the best experts on land transport in Israel‘.
Practice head(s):
Ehood Schneider
Other key lawyers:
Sigalit Ben Sasson; Anat Dittman
Testimonials
‘The firm’s staff is professional and has extensive experience in the field of transportation, including in the field of import, marketing and vehicle service.’
‘We appreciate their combination of experience and professionalism.’
‘They are an excellent team. Top professionals. Customer-minded and service-oriented.’
‘The team is full of knowledge, expertise and top professionals.’
‘I work in the field of transportation with attorney Ehood Schneider, attorney Anat Dittman and attorney Sigalit Ben Sasson. All have many years of experience in the field of transportation. I receive an efficient, professional and fast service from each of them.’
‘Ehood Schneider is one of the best experts on land transport in Israel, he is knowledgeable, has been involved in all of the major (and most minor) legislation changes, has excellent relationships with regulators and is most dedicated to making things work for his clients.’
Key clients
Automotive Equipment (AEV) group
Union Motors Limited
Orion Mobility Ltd
Union Industrial Vehicle Ltd
EVEDGE Ltd
Lex Motors Ltd.
Champion Motors Ltd
The Israeli Vehicle Importers Association
The Two-wheel Association at the Israeli Chambers of Commerce
Metro Motor Marketing (1981) Ltd
Carasso Motors Ltd
Colmobil Ltd.
Emcol Ltd
Zoko Enterprises Ltd
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd
REE Automotive Ltd.
Auto Chen Ltd.
Geo Mobility Ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented Geo Mobility on the negotiation and drafting of a distribution agreement with a new vehicle manufacturer.
- Advised Automotive Equipment & Vehicles (2004) on the NIS110m sale of its entire shareholdings in Metropolitan Public Transport to Bon Tor.
- Advised Carasso Motors on the negotiation and drafting of two distribution agreements with new vehicle manufacturers.