Banking and finance Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman has a broad banking and finance practice, which advises major clients on all forms of loan transactions, digital banking, securities financing and refinancing, among others. The firm is also at the forefront of advising clients on the implications of the Insolvency and Rehabilitation Law since it was it implemented in 2019. Alan Sacks has over considerable experience of cross-border finance, including syndicated, corporate and derivatives transactions. Roy Nachimzon specialises in acquisition finance, commercial loans and restructuring mandates. Ben Kanter brings notable expertise in aviation financing, transfers and registrations. Irit Roth, former GC at Bank Leumi, recently joined the team as head of financial regulation. Natalie Jacobs is another key name.

Capital markets Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's practice has established itself as a leading firm in the market for major corporates and clients in emerging areas, including fintech and cannabis, looking to raise capital through IPOs on the TASE. In addition, the team has a strong practice in global offerings. In a recent highlight, Ron Ben-Menachem and Nir Dash led the team that advised Bank Leumi on its 144A debt offering for $750m. Ilanit Landesman-Yogev's recent highlights include advising Jefferies as underwriters on the headline IPO of the TASE. Ehud Sol specialises in securities law, including contentious matters. Associate Zecharia Rechtschaffen is also noted.

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's 'very strong and dedicated' practice has notable expertise advising clients on matters relating to Israel's anti-concentration law and anti-takeover legislation. The firm recently advised IEC on the sale of various businesses, including the Alon Tavor power plant for approximately $550m. Ran Hai is well known for advising major corporates and PE funds on inbound and outbound transactions; he advised SBTech on its three-way merger with Draftkings Inc. and Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp. Hanan Haviv has a particularly strong reputation in the technology sector, having advised clients including Facebook and IBM on acquisitions of Israeli companies. Yair Geva has an impressive track record in multibillion-dollar M&A. Ehud Sol remains a key player in market-leading M&A.

Competition/antitrust Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's group acts for large international and Israeli corporates on all of their competition law matters, including high-value M&A transactions. In one such matter, the team successfully advised Applied and Kokusai on its $2.2bn merger approval. The 'very experienced and creative' Talya Solomon, who previously served as team leader of the ICA's legal department, is well equipped to represent clients in a wide range of disputes before the ICA, including class actions. Iris Achmon specialises in merger control, drawing on her experience as the ICA's former head of M&A. Associate Liron Tzur stands out for assisting clients in various complex class actions.

Dispute resolution: class actions (including derivative actions) Tier 1

Highly capable in all areas of class actions work, Herzog Fox & Neeman stands out for its outstanding work relating to technology and privacy. The group advises headline names including Facebook in multiple claims related to the use of user data, in addition to e-commerce companies and payment platforms on currency conversion and overcharging disputes. Yaacov Sharvit  leads the dispute resolution department, while David Zailer focuses on representing defendants in class actions relating to pharmaceuticals, food products and environmental pollution.

Employment Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's team is unique in its ability to advise clients on international employment law. Besides this, the firm has a strong reputation for acting for public sector employers in Israel regarding contentious and non-contentious matters. Orly Gerbi specialises in complex employment litigation throughout Israel's court circuit and before various tribunals. Currently, she is leading the firm's representation of Israel Railways in several different disputes relating to disruptions caused by industrial action. Chagai Vered has a varied caseload, which includes representing clients in individual and collective disputes, mediation and arbitration proceedings. Liat Shaked-Katz often advises clients on the employment aspects of M&A and other large corporate transactions. The team was bolstered by the arrival of associate Dorit Rachamim from FWMK (Furth, Wilensky, Mizrachi, Knaani) in April 2020.

Energy Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's team advises sponsors, developers and lenders on the development of power plants, solar power projects, wind farms and other renewables. It also has notable experience advising clients on the development and financing of the natural gas discoveries in Israel's territorial waters. Mark Phillips specialises in guiding clients through all stages of upstream oil and gas exploration projects, including financing, construction and operation. Adam Eytan is very active in cross-border energy transactions. Eran Wagner has a wealth of experience in project finance.

Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1

While Herzog Fox & Neeman's team has expertise across the healthcare and life sciences sectors but is especially known for its specialism in IP, including patent litigation, licensing and distribution. In addition, it is a strong practice for clients in the burgeoning medical cannabis sector looking to manage the Israeli regulatory regime and consolidate their operations in Israel. Zohar Yahalom has established himself as an expert in the regulation of Israel's healthcare system and pharmaceutical sector, having served in various national committees responsible for legislation in these areas. Neta Dorfman-Raviv is a standout name for work in the health insurance field.

Hi-tech and start-ups Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman provides 'top-notch support and advice' to its start-up clients, providing comprehensive advice on issues ranging from financing rounds and M&A to intellectual property and commercial agreements. The team also assists more established technology companies and frequently advises global businesses on the establishment of R&D centres and strategic partnerships. Yair Geva leads the hi-tech team and has a broad corporate practice with a focus on cross-border M&A and private equity and venture capital investments. The firm's technology group is led by Hanan Haviv, who has significant international experience.

Infrastructure Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's team has particular strength in seawater desalination projects, having been involved in every single one of these developments in Israel. It is also a highly regarded firm for its expertise in BOT, PFI and PPP projects, given the team's strong credentials in project finance and corporate and commercial law. Of particular note is the firm's long-running work for the concessionaire (CityPass) and the operator (Connect) of the Red Line Light Rail Project, which has involved advising on negotiations with the government regarding a settlement and buy-back agreement. Adam Eytan acts for foreign and domestic clients on development and financing matters. Mark Phillips is known for his expertise in project finance.

Insurance Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman has a very broad practice which advises large multinational and Israeli insurance companies on all facets of their operations, including corporate, regulatory and contentious matters. In a recent highlight, the firm advised Isracard on its entrance into the Israeli insurance field, helping it to obtain a corporate insurance agency licence. Neta Dorfman-Raviv's expertise in the insurance sector is significant, given her involvement in many legislative reforms in the industry over the last two decades.

Investment and venture capital funds Tier 1

Long considered one of the outstanding firms in the market, Herzog Fox & Neeman advises many of leading domestic and overseas investment funds on all aspects of their operations in Israel, and has expertise spanning both venture capital and private equity funds targeting various industries. The funds group is led by Tal Dror-Schwimmer, who advises on the formation of funds as well as on ongoing management issues, while managing partner Meir Linzen leads the tax practice and advises on the structuring of funds. At junior partner level, Michal Lavi's practice is impressively broad, spanning both the tax and funds departments.

Real estate and construction Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman specialises in advising real estate companies on sales and acquisitions and municipal tax matters. It's also well known for advising clients on construction tenders, planning issues and cross-border transactions, covering a wide spectrum of urban renewal projects and commercial developments. Presently, the team is advising Rotshtein Real Estate on all of its urban renewal projects, comprising thousands of units in various part of Jerusalem. Moshe Hardi specialises in the planning, construction and marketing of commercial developments. Ariel Flavian stands out for his role in disputes regarding planning and construction issues and large-scale urban renewal projects.

Tax Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's 'leading' team includes ten certified public accountants and five former high-ranking members of the ITA, giving it excellent insight into various areas of tax law. Its range of services includes corporate tax, outbound tax planning, trust structuring and private equity fund formation. Yuval Navot, who is qualified in Israel and New York, has over 20 years of experience in corporate tax matters. In one of his recent instructions, Navot advised a consortium of 14 purchasers (including Goldman Sachs, Citibank and BNP Paribas) in connection with a $2.1bn bond offering issued by certain subsidiaries of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Ofer Granot stands out for his strength in contentious matters, which includes representing clients in administrative tax proceedings and mutual agreement procedures. Meir Linzen, who is also an expert in corporate tax, with an emphasis on M&A transactions, and Guy Katz are other key member of the tax department.

Transport Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's team focuses predominantly on the aviation industry, where it advises clients on various transactions, including acquisition, financing and leasing agreements. In addition, the team assists shipping companies with financing and restructuring matters. Alan Sacks acts for aircraft manufacturers, banks and financial institutions in connection with aircraft acquisitions and Mark Phillips advises on the financing of large transport and infrastructure projects. Adam Eytan also has strong credentials in project finance transactions.

Dispute resolution: local litigation and arbitration Tier 2

One of Israel's biggest firms, Herzog Fox & Neeman's 'truly exceptional' litigation practice acts for many of the world's largest multinationals, as well as substantial domestic companies, in a broad range of complex, high-value disputes. The group is also active in insurance disputes, assisting insurers and reinsurers in large damages claims. Practice head Yaacov Sharvit leads the team and handles many of the most significant client relationships; he has recently represented Facebook in precedential disputes regarding freedom of speech and defamation on social media. David Zailer focuses on commercial matters including misrepresentation and fraud. Joseph Ashkenazi is another key name.

Dispute resolution: mediation and international arbitration Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman has one of the most active mediation practices in Israel, advising on a range of disputes from M&A to class actions and defamation. On the arbitration side, the firm acts as Israeli counsel in large-scale international disputes; in a recent highlight, the team worked alongside Linklaters in an LCIA arbitration following the acquisition of the PokerStars Group by Amaya Inc. Yaacov Sharvit leads the dispute resolution department and represents some of Israel's largest companies as well as international companies in the energy, telecoms and technology sectors.

Intellectual property: disputes Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman assists domestic and multinational clients with the protection of trade marks and patents, and is particularly involved in the online space, having advised on domain name recovery proceedings. The firm's international reputation means it is frequently asked to act as Israeli counsel in cross-border disputes, and it has particular experience of representing clients before the UKIPO and EUIPO. Karen Elburg, who is described by one client as 'a doyenne of the Israeli IP world', leads the team. She advises on commercial transactions and the IP aspects of M&A, in addition to contentious work.

Planning and zoning Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman specialises in various types of litigation and regulatory proceedings in the field of planning and zoning, including statutory proceedings, municipal tax disputes and cases involving the infringement of real estate rights. In a notable ongoing matter, the team is advising Mobileye on the planning and zoning aspects of the construction of its new headquarters in Jerusalem, which involves dealing with objections to the planning proposal. Talia Blazer handles various zoning and planning disputes, showing particular expertise in municipal tax matters. Sharon Petel is extremely active in a wide range of mandates, showing notable expertise regarding expropriation and municipal tax issues. He leads the team jointly with Moshe Hardi.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman advises clients on the full range of corporate insolvencies, rehabilitation and restructuring issues. In addition, the team regularly assists with the implications of the new Insolvency and Rehabilitation Law, and has recently picked up a lot of work regarding the impact of Covid-19 on creditors' agreements with borrowers. Yaniv Dinovitch is highly experienced in insolvency litigation, having advised and represented numerous creditors and distressed companies throughout his career. Alan Sacks predominantly advises large financial institutions in connection with insolvency and restructuring issues. Seffy Zinger, Ehud Sol and Asher Dovev are also key contacts.

Telecoms and media Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman has a substantial telecoms offering, as is evidenced by its work for new media companies, broadcasters and cellular companies. As part of one of the largest full service firms in Israel, the practice is often selected by international clients such as Disney and AT&T for advice on all aspects of their operations in Israel. Esther Sternbach specialises in licensing and competition issues, and often assists multinational cellular and telecoms companies with obtaining clearance for corporate and M&A deals.

Dispute resolution: white-collar crime, investigation and fraud Tier 3

Herzog Fox & Neeman primarily advises private businesses accused of tax evasion, money laundering and securities offences. Joseph Ashkenazi leads the white collar department, which was recently instructed by PM Benjamin Netanyahu to advise on highly-publicized investigations into fraud and breach of trust claims. The firm also has a dedicated anti-corruption group, which works with clients to provide regulatory advice and establish compliance programmes.

Intellectual property: commercial/transactions Tier 3

Herzog Fox & Neeman advises clients from numerous sectors on the commercialisation of their IP rights, and it is particularly strong in the areas of gaming and e-commerce. Team head Karen Elburg is experienced in handling the IP aspects of M&A transactions; in a recent highlight, she advised Microsoft on its acquisition of CyberX. Adar Bengom's practice focuses on  IP in the seed industry and plant breeder's rights.

Intellectual property: filing/prosecution

Herzog Fox & Neeman, which is one of Israel's premier full service firms, is well-equipped to assist global clients with the protection of their designs and brands. The team is capable of managing both domestic and international trade mark portfolios, while the firm expertise in the hi-tech sector enables it to work with start-ups and companies from emerging industries such as fintech and blockchain to develop IP strategies. Practice head Karen Elburg is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. Jenia Melkhior is recommended for trade mark and domain name portfolio management.