Firm Profile > Herzog Fox & Neeman > Tel Aviv, Israel

Banking and finance Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman’s banking and finance practice houses distinct offerings in corporate lending, where it primarily acts for banks, market regulation and payment methods. Alan Sacks is a high-profile name and specialises in cross-border transactions, including recent work for Credit Suisse, Singapore Branch and Fortress Investment Group. Natalie Jacobs is highly regarded for her expertise in structured finance and derivatives — for both Israeli and international banks — as well as institutional investors. Roy Nachimzon’s broad practice spans both banking and finance and corporate law, and he is routinely engaged by foreign and domestic banks, institutional investors and private equity funds to advise on finance deals, with a particular focus on acquisition finance. Ben Kanter is also noted.

Capital markets Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's practice is involved in leading IPOs and bond offerings in Israel and on foreign stock exchanges (Nasdaq, the LSE and Singapore exchange, to name a few), including those relating to the country's anti-concentration law, where it acts for issuers and underwriters. It also handles regulatory matters, from the first-ever registration of global funds in Israel to the registration of a foreign company as an underwriter and a remote member of the Tase. The group also acts for clients in the cannabis and blockchain industries seeking to gain the necessary regulatory approvals to operate in Israel and attract investment through public offerings. Ehud Sol and Ilanit Landesman-Yogev advised Israel Electric Corporation on its NIS1.7bn public offering of bonds, which was three-times oversubscribed by investors. Associate Zecharia Rechtschaffen, who specialises in securities, fintech and investment management, is notable for his involvement in numerous significant mandates, including the IPO of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in July 2019. Yehuda Aharoni was promoted to the partnership in 2020.

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman’s sizeable and experienced team is ‘perfect for big-scale and complex M&A’, according to one client. This was evidenced through its involvement in several recent headline deals, including its advice to Israel-based Mellanox Technologies on its $6.9bn acquisition by US-headquartered Nvidia Corporation through a reverse triangular merger. The deal represented the second-largest acquisition of an Israeli company by value and was led by corporate and securities head Ehud Sol together with Yuval Meidar. Other key names among the group’s deep bench include high-profile international M&A head Alan Sacks, ‘consummate professional’ Janet Levy Pahima, securities specialist Ilanit Landesman-Yogev, ‘very good negotiator’ Ran Hai, Aviram Hazak and Yair Geva. Erez Abu, who is ‘one of the most impressive rising stars in the firm', was promoted to the partnership in 2020.

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

Herzog Fox & Neeman is routinely involved in significant class actions across a range of industry sectors, though the team is noted in particular for its roster of multinational technology and online-business companies, international investment banks, and household name retailers. The firm's technology-sector work is especially impressive, with department head Yaacov Sharvit and David Zailer representing giants such as Facebook, eBay, Alibaba, Paypal, Netflix, and Yahoo! in a slew of high-stakes class actions ranging from data and privacy concerns to issues involving payments and customer fees. The team also handles follow-on antitrust class actions and large-scale product liability claims, particularly in the auto industry. Joseph Ashkenazi is highly rated by clients and peers alike, and Itzhak Shragay is noted for providing 'timely, practical and reliable advice'.

Employment Tier 1

Corporate heavyweight Herzog Fox & Neeman is a popular choice for resource-heavy transactional support matters, as demonstrated by its advice to PepsiCo on the employment aspects of its $3.2bn acquisition of SodaStream. The full-service employment and labour practice is notably strong in collective negotiations and contentious matters for both Israeli and multinational clients, including some of the country’s most prominent public-sector employers such as The Israel Electric Corporation, The Ashdod Port and Israel Railways. Orly Gerbi heads the group and is well versed across the full range of employment law and labour relations, including pensions and immigration. The group also includes Chagai Vered, who focuses on contentious matters, Haya Ehrman and Moria Tam-Harshoshanim.

Energy Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's project finance practice is consistently involved in the development of the country's largest energy infrastructure projects, acting both for lenders and sponsors. In addition, the firm is a key adviser to the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), and as such Mark Phillips has been heavily involved in the privatisation of Israel's electricity market, which will see the IEC sell five large-scale power plants. Another key contact is Adam Eytan, who specialises in energy infrastructure projects in Israel and abroad, and has recently acted in the development of several major renewable power projects. Also recommended are Zara Gold and Eran Wagner, two slightly more junior partners in the project finance and energy practice.

Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman’s full-service healthcare and life sciences offering is particularly valued for its ‘vast experience of the regulations of the life sciences market’. Aside from its dominant regulatory practice, the team also excels in IP and technology licensing, corporate and finance transactions and litigation. Department co-head Zohar Yahalom provides ‘innovative strategic solutions’ and is distinguished by his dedicated sector focus; he specialises in advising a broad array of pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies on commercial and compliance matters. Neta Dorfman Raviv, who heads the healthcare and insurance teams, and hi-tech specialist Dan Sharot are also noted.

Hi-tech and start-ups Tier 1

According to the CFO of one of its start-up clients, working with Herzog Fox & Neeman's hi-tech team is 'almost like having an in-house counsel'. The practice group advises a variety of investors, international tech companies, and Israeli start-ups on the full range of legal and business issues faced by clients in the tech sector. Jointly headed by Hanan Haviv and Yair Geva, the practice group routinely acts for Israeli growth companies in financing deals and M&A involving multinational tech giants. In addition, the team benefits from an on-the-ground presence in Silicon Valley, by which it has developed working relationships with US technology companies and international investors. Other names to note include Dan Sharot, who specialises in tech transactions, and Dana Zur-Neumann, who heads the firm's representative office in Palo Alto.

Infrastructure Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman has a strong reputation in the infrastructure and project finance space, where it acts for multinational project consortiums, public and private project tenderers, lending bodies and financiers, and project operators. The practice group is jointly headed by Mark Phillips and Adam Eytan ('one of the brightest lawyers in this field'). Phillips is acting for one of the bidding consortiums for two new segments of the Tel Aviv LRT, and Eytan is advising the private-sector project companies on the development of multiple large-scale defence projects. The team is also involved in a number of major road projects, and utilities and water desalination projects, as well as a significant port development.

Investment and venture capital funds Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman is a clear leader in the Israeli investment funds market. The team acts for a huge variety of clients and provides comprehensive formation and management advice to clients in every category of investment funds, including private equity and venture capital funds, real estate and infrastructure funds, hedge funds, debt funds, and a variety of other fund types. Moreover, the team has an impressive roster of domestic and internationally focused funds, asset managers, and investors. Tal Dror Schwimmer leads the fund formation practice, Meir Linzen provides specialist tax advice to fund managers and investors, and next generation partner Michal Lavi has experience advising on the tax treatment and formation of an impressive variety of private investment funds.

Real estate and construction Tier 1

The real estate and construction department at Herzog Fox & Neeman acts for developers, builders, private landowners and property owners. It has expertise in all forms of municipal taxation, which is supplemented by its strength in urban renewal projects, construction tenders and projects, international real estate investments and the sale and purchase of commercial and residential properties. Moshe Hardi, who specialises in advising Israeli entrepreneurs on all aspects of planning, construction and promoting commercial projects, jointly heads the team with Ariel Flavian. Hardi and Aviv Parienty are advising Wix on a lease agreement for the construction of the company's 50,000m2 campus in Tel Aviv, valued at NIS2bn.

Real estate: urban renewal Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's dedicated urban renewal team is particularly active in demolition-reconstruction projects in Israel, where it predominantly acts for property owners. It advises on planning, negotiations and contractual agreements and regulatory matters before planning committees regarding approvals of zoning plans and building permits. Ariel Flavian is frequently instructed in urban renewal projects, due to his broad expertise in construction, real estate and planning disputes and his knowledge of the regulatory process informing Tama 38 projects. Moshe Hardi, noted for his 'impressive analytical skills', advises entrepreneurs on the development and marketing of projects, displaying particular expertise in evacuation-construction initiatives.

Tax Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman's 'preeminent' tax practice is involved in a high volume of tax structuring concerning M&A transactions for well-known international corporations. The firm's wider services include representing clients in various industries, including major NGOs, in tax audits before the ITA and advising high-net-worth individuals and trusts on tax planning and mitigation in terms of estate administration and trust settlements. 'Industry leaders' Meir Linzen and Guy Katz are notable for their involvement in legislative developments, most recently regarding the ITA's committee looking into a major reform of the country's international taxation regime. Linzen specialises in international M&A taxation and corporate structuring, whereas Katz is known for regularly representing high-net-worth individuals, trusts and families in major disputes before the ITA. Yuval Navot leads on corporate tax. Ofer Granot specialises in multi-jurisdictional tax litigation, tax audits and administrative tax proceedings. Eitan Ella and Michal Lavi were made up to partner in 2019.

Telecoms and media Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman predominantly advises well-known international telecoms and media companies, as well as social media giants, satellite companies and airlines. Its workload spans corporate transactions and commercial agreements and the regulatory authorisations that they entail. The group also assists companies investing in over-the-top and internet of things services with respect to their global activities and the regulatory challenges arising. Practice head Esther Sternbach acted for Walt Disney and Fox on a merger between the two companies valued at $71bn, spanning numerous jurisdictions.

Transport Tier 1

Herzog Fox & Neeman’s ‘excellent knowledge of the industry’ translates into a broad transport practice, which has strong skill sets in aviation, public transport and road projects. Arguably, the team is best known for its strength in finance-related matters, particularly in the aviation sector for clients such as Aviation Capital Group, BNP Paribas and MG Aviation. It also has supplementary expertise in transport technology, with recent experience in satellite navigation and driverless cars. Aviation head Alan Sacks and project finance specialist Mark Phillips are the key contacts.

Competition/antitrust Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman's 'pragmatic and reliable' team is regularly engaged in merger approvals, cases involving administrative fines imposed by the ICA, cartel class actions and excessive pricing class actions. The 'extremely knowledgeable' Talya Solomon, who previously served as a team leader in the ICA's legal department, recently acted alongside Iris Achmon, another ICA alumnus, in advising Walt Disney and Twenty First Century Fox on a $71bn merger. In another significant mandate, Talya is defending Deutsche Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines in a class action concerning alleged global price fixing. Highly active associate Liron Tzur represents client before the Competition Tribunal and across the country's civil courts in various disputes, including class actions.

Dispute resolution: local litigation and arbitration Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman is one of Israel's best known firms internationally and has thus handled litigation and ADR for large multinational corporates including PayPal, Monsanto, Luxottica Optics, BNP Paribas, Heinz and LG Electronics. Department head Yaacov Sharvit has an impressive roster of domestic and international clients; he represents Facebook in Israeli defamation, privacy and freedom of speech claims, and is also handling multiple NIS1bn+ disputes for Israel Electric Company. Joseph Ashkenazi has experience of high-value securities and mass tort litigation, and was also recently retained to advise Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is his highly publicised corruption case. David Zailer is another key figure in the team.

Dispute resolution: mediation and international arbitration Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman has a particularly strong reputation internationally, and with a number of lawyers who have been schooled or have practiced abroad, the team has extensive experience representing clients in international proceedings. The practice group is headed by Yaacov Sharvit, and has experience in a several international forums including the ICC and LCIA. In addition, the team represents major international clients such as Facebook and LG Electronics in high-value mediation. Joseph Ashkenazi is also recommended, as is David Zailer, who has experience in ICC proceedings and also represents international clients in the Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration.

Dispute resolution: white-collar crime, investigation and fraud Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman is known for high-profile legal work firm-wide, and indeed, it's white-collar crime, investigations and compliance team has earned leading roles more than one of Israel's largest corruption cases. Joseph Ashkenazi recently argued one of the country's most significant political corruption cases, and Daniel Reisner is representing key clients in major cross-border bribery and corruption investigations in the construction and defence sectors. Another name to note is Ra’anan Sagi, whose practice focuses on matters of homeland security and public international law.

Insurance Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman is prominent in the insurance industry in terms of advising health maintenance organisations on healthcare coverage for health fund members and tender processes. It also represents clients in regulatory proceedings before the Capital Market, Insurance and Savings Authority and assists clients with corporate and commercial deals. Neta Dorfman Raviv, noted for her 'deep knowledge of how the regulator thinks', frequently represents insurance companies and financial institutions before governing authorities. She successfully defended Clal Insurance Company, Migdal Insurance Company and Phoenix Insurance Company in a $1.9bn class action regarding the companies' long-term care group insurance policies.

Intellectual property: commercial/transactions Tier 2

The IP team at Herzog Fox & Neeman acts for domestic and international clients in IP-driven corporate transactions and commercial agreements. In particular, the practice group has developed specific expertise in the areas of online gaming, fintech and e-commerce, and ag-tech and breeders' rights. The IP department is headed by Karen Elburg, who specialises in commercial IP transactions and the protection trade mark and domain name rights. Other key figures include Dan Sharot, who focuses on tech transactions in the e-commerce and life sciences sectors, and hi-tech partners Gal Eschet and Ronen Hausirer, both of whom have experience of cross-border commercial transactions and hi-tech M&A.

Intellectual property: disputes Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman is among Israel's best known firms in the international business and legal community, and has particular expertise in representing Israeli companies in multi-jurisdictional IP disputes alongside foreign counsel. Indeed, the team is involved in multiple patent cases (infringement and opposition) with parallel proceedings in the US, and is also advising a Dutch company on the enforcement of a foreign court award in Israel. In addition to patent cases in the agriculture, engineering and online technology sectors, the practice group is also active in multi-jurisdictional trade mark disputes. Karen Elburg heads the IP department, Jenia Melkhior was recently promoted to partner, and Adar Bengom is another active member of the practice group.

Planning and zoning Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman acts for clients ranging from government-owned companies to industrial corporations throughout the planning and zoning process. It specialises in representing clients before planning authorities, handling cases arising from infringement of real estate rights and municipal taxation proceedings. Sharon Petel, whose expertise resides in all forms of municipal taxation and zoning and planning authorisations and objections, is advising Nahalat Asher on its planning application to develop and sell 3,000 residential units, 13,000sqm of commercial space and 20,000m2 of office buildings. Associate Talia Blazer provides support in municipal taxation and litigation proceedings in all judicial for concerning planning and zoning disputes, including appeal proceedings.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Herzog Fox & Neeman's 'extremely strong team' regularly represents creditors and debtors, including NGOs and venture capital funds, involved in voluntary and involuntary liquidations and involuntary insolvencies and restructurings, frequently with a cross-border component. Seffy Zinger is able to draw on previous experience with the Ministry of Justice, where he was responsible for drafting the new insolvency and bankruptcy legislation, giving the firm leading expertise in this area. Yaniv Dinovitch stands out for his 'litigation skills, sound advice and analytical thinking'.

Intellectual property: filing/prosecution

Herzog Fox & Neeman provides comprehensive advice on strategic trade mark management, acting both for international clients with IP rights in Israel and for Israeli corporates in their global trade mark strategies. The team handles trade mark strategy and prosecution in a variety of industry sectors including agriculture, cyber security, and aviation, though the practice group had particular expertise in online gaming. Practice head Karen Elburg has extensive experience of all matters related to the development and protection of trade mark, design and domain-name rights. Recently promoted partner Jenia Melkhior is also recommended.