Israel Group News - April 2024

Welcome to the April 2024 issue of our global newsletter, Israel Group News, aiming to keep you informed about current developments, hot topics for your consideration, and DLA Piper activities that focus on bringing the dynamic Israeli ecosystem to your doorstep.

Although Israel remains at war, we have continued to provide a wide range of legal services to Israeli companies, investors, and entrepreneurs, as well as to businesses throughout the world seeking opportunities within the country. We view ourselves as an extension of the businesses we serve, and we aim to work with them for the long term, whether their needs involve day-to-day inquiries, smaller projects, special situations, or large-scale transactions.

We are pleased to report that, during the first quarter of 2024, we have slowly resumed client and colleague events in addition to continuing our volunteering efforts. It has been wonderful to connect in person with so many of our dear friends in the Israeli ecosystem. We look forward to creating even more opportunities in the months ahead. 

For more general information about the Israel Group, click here. To gain a perspective on our trusted advisor practice, the types of day-to-day guidance we provide, and our representative client list, click here. To access our 2023 Year in Review, click here. 

In addition, to view our promotional video, click here. To view the highlight video of our most recent Israel Real Estate Summit, click here. To watch the exciting recap video of our 2023 DLA Piper Charity Basketball Tournament, click here. To view our New Year 2024 video with messages of appreciation and support from colleagues and clients, click here. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we may be helpful in any manner. For new client requests, please send an email to israelclientrequest@us.dlapiper.com. 

Chambers ranking

We are thrilled to have been recognized by Chambers and Partners (Global) as a Band 1 leading firm in Corporate/M&A: International Firms in Israel for the first time, moving up from Band 2 after only two years. In addition, Jeremy Lustman (Partner and Head of DLA Piper Israel Group) has again been recognized as a leading lawyer in Corporate/M&A: International Firms in Israel – one of only 14 lawyers ranked in this category worldwide.

DLA Piper and AI

DLA Piper’s new AI Chatroom video series explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) on today’s businesses. In six conversational episodes, our colleagues discuss the rapidly evolving AI legal landscape across industries, including digital health, cybersecurity, and intellectual property, among others. We explore best AI practices, compliance considerations, and strategies for mitigating risk. To access the full series, click here.

In addition, read here for a summary of discussions at DLA Piper’s 2023 Product Liability Diversity & Inclusion Symposium on AI and privacy issues that pose challenges across industry sectors, as well other important litigation trends and how businesses can navigate the increasingly uncertain legal environment.

Breaking legal insights from DLA Piper

Class action and collective redress litigation is being filed with increased frequency around the world. The current landscape has allowed plaintiffs to file class action litigation more easily than ever before in response to a range of emerging issues, including environment, social, and governance (ESG); privacy and data security; pharmaceutical and medical devices; and more. Addressing these progressively complex claims requires an integrated and global strategy to mitigate potential risks to your business operations. Learn more here. 

2023 brought an increased focus on corporate offenses and activities that will continue to impact corporate compliance programs into 2024, particularly in the global corruption and domestic national security spheres. Our latest issue of Practical Compliance reviews major themes from 2023 and highlights what to expect in 2024 in areas of privacy, cybersecurity, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, sanctions and anti-money laundering, and ESG.  

New SEC rules aim to enhance disclosure and investor protection in SPAC IPOs and in subsequent business combination transactions between SPACs and target companies. Here is what you need to know. 
 
While still relatively uncommon, we saw a two-percentage-point increase in the frequency of financing contingencies in real estate purchase and sale transactions last year. Find more insights in our 2023 Year-End Real Estate Trends Report.
 
The recently proposed Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act intends to tackle pricing algorithms that may lead to price fixing. Our alert outlines implications and next steps for companies.
 
US-based companies planning an international expansion face an array of concerns around managing risks while growing strategically. Download our Global Expansion and Operation to learn more.

The US Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and Justice jointly issued a Tri-Seal Compliance Note putting non-US companies on notice that US sanctions and export controls may apply to them and, if relevant, could bring severe penalties for non-compliance. This alert outlines several circumstances in which the operations of a non-US party may be subject to US sanctions, US export controls, or both.

Recent matters

Below are some recent publicly announced Israel-related transactions in which we were involved:

• Advised Admetricks, a Chilean-based creator of powerful ad intelligence software, on its sale to Similarweb for an undisclosed amount.
  
  
• Advised Compass Datacenters, a data center platform, on its sale from RedBird Capital Partners and Azrieli Group to a consortium led by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP and existing investor Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
  
  
• Advised global HR company Deel on the South African, Mauritian, and Brazilian aspects of its acquisition of the business and assets of Payspace.
  
  
• Advised Phoenix Insurance Company, co-lead investors in Everphone, as part of a EUR270 million Series D investment round and in its participation in a mezzanine financing as part of a refinancing of Phoenix's existing commitment.  
  
  

Global activity

We are proud to report that, in the first quarter of 2024, we commenced projects for 69 Israeli companies in the following 45 jurisdictions: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, the EU, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany,  Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, and the US.
 
Below are some new representative matters in which we assisted Israeli companies around the world:

• Commercial issues in Australia, Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the US
  
  
• Corporate and securities issues in China, Finland, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, and the US
  
  
• Employment and employee benefits guidance in Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE, the UK, and the US
  
  
• Litigation and dispute guidance in Austria, Germany, the UK, and the US
  
  
• M&A and investment guidance in Germany, the UK, and the US
  
  
• Patent, trademark, and copyright guidance in the EU and the US
  
  
• Privacy guidance and compliance in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the EU, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, the UK, and the US
  
  
• Real estate guidance in France and the US
  
  
• Regulatory issues in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ecuador, the EU, France, Germany, Hungary, Morocco, Netherlands, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the US
  
  
• Tax guidance in Argentina, Australia, Austria, France, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the US
   

Colleague in the spotlight

Helen Colquhoun
Partner
Asia Head of Employment
Hong Kong

Please tell us about your area of practice.  

I head up the Employment practice in Asia. My role involves advising companies on their employment issues in Hong Kong and throughout Asia, covering hiring to firing and everything in between. I work with multinationals on their operations in Asia and how to navigate the legal and cultural nuances across the region.

What piece of advice would you give Israeli companies looking to expand their global reach in Hong Kong? 

Now is a great time to be considering Hong Kong – there are huge opportunities as a gateway to mainland China and the Greater Bay Area, and as a hub across Asia. Take advice at an early stage to ensure that you are aware of, and can optimize, the options for structuring your business and workforce for long-term growth and success.
 
If you could travel to Israel next month, what place would be at the top of your list to visit? 

Jerusalem! I didn’t carve out the time to go on my last visit to Israel and have regretted that ever since. I spent two years living in Israel in my early childhood but have no memories of it, so it’s on my bucket list to go back.

What is your favorite movie and why? 

The Goonies – I watched it so many times when I was growing up, and it’s still such a classic! 


DLA Piper Israel Group updates

We are excited to share with you our 2023 Year in Review and 2023 recap video. Last year was certainly one of contrasts: While DLA Piper Israel had its most successful year to date, we spent the fourth quarter with our country in a state of war.  Through the upheaval, we mobilized our team and, together with various clients, prioritized volunteering and providing support to those impacted by the war. 

Along with several partners, Jeremy Lustman took an active role in the formation of a DLA Piper Jewish Resource Group (JRG), which he leads alongside Ilana Eisenstein (Litigation Practice Group Leader, Philadelphia).  JRG aims to provide a positive forum for colleagues to find connection with one another; to celebrate Jewish culture, holidays, and milestones; to promote constructive avenues for advocacy in support of the Jewish community and Israel; and to stand against the alarming rise of global antisemitism. The JRG’s March kickoff meeting was attended by over 100 DLA Piper professionals worldwide. We are grateful to the greater firm for its support as we bring our colleagues together. 

In honor of the upcoming Passover holiday, which begins on the evening of April 22, we have compiled an e-book of recipes, family traditions, and holiday-related insights from DLA Piper colleagues from around the world. To all who celebrate, we hope this adds meaning, inspiration, and enjoyment to the holiday.

Exploring ways to shift legal careers to Israel

In January, the DLA Piper Israel Group hosted forums at the firm’s New York and London offices for legal professionals looking to shift their careers to Israel. Representatives from a number of top Israeli law firms, foreign law firms with Israel practices, and Israel-connected companies shared their perspectives on what a legal career can look like in Israel; how those looking to transfer their career to Israel can acquire the necessary skills and experiences; the importance of Hebrew language skills; working in an Israeli environment; and other relevant issues. The overwhelming consensus was that there are many opportunities for lawyers in Israel, and that successful shifting of a career requires both thinking outside the box and being open to new, unexpected career paths. The events were attended by a diverse crowd of over 120 law students, junior associates, senior lawyers, partners at both small firms and big law firms, and in-house counsel. 

From February 18 to 20, we organized a mission to Israel for lawyers and law students from the US, UK, and France who came to learn more directly about the Israeli legal ecosystem and support individuals impacted by the war. Over the course of three days, the group met with nine law firms, the in-house legal teams at a number of our unicorn tech clients, Nefesh B’Nefesh, and a legal recruiter. We also made sandwiches for soldiers and set up a joint bar mitzvah party for boys from displaced families. Watch a short, exciting recap video of the mission.

Professional events

On January 9, we hosted clients and friends for an uplifting and meaningful evening to show our appreciation for local individuals who, in light of the October 7 events, spearheaded charitable initiatives for soldiers, their families, and displaced communities. We also were privileged to hear from Yonah Jeremy Bob, Intelligence, Terrorism, and Legal Analyst at the Jerusalem Post, who shared with us geopolitical insights and his perspectives on Israel’s broader outlook following the war. We distributed copies of Yonah’s latest book, Target Tehran, about the Mossad’s secret war against Iran’s nuclear program and its role in the Abraham Accords. It was a beautiful evening of friendship, unity, and support. 

On January 17, DLA Piper proudly participated in and helped host Gateway to Growth, a three-day roadshow in New York City spotlighting Israeli growth-stage startups. The event featured talks by industry experts and pitches from standout Israeli startups – including Aiola, Octopai, Staircase, Mitiga, Trustmi, Easysend, Reveal Security, and Classiq – and fostered numerous 1:1 meetings. Imri Eisner (Partner, New York), served as one of the hosts and session moderators.

On January 22, we marked the Tu B’Shvat holiday with a client dinner at the Old Jaffa home of Chef Nir Zook. Chef Nir sourced his holiday-inspired menu from farms near the Gaza border that have suffered in the wake of October 7 and served wine from a northern Israel winery similarly impacted by the war. During dinner, we heard from Stuart Katz, CEO of a travel tour company, mental health advocate, and recent author of Travel Therapy, who has been working tirelessly to support the disadvantaged residents of the Gaza Envelope city of Sderot for many years, and especially since the war. We gifted dinner attendees with autographed copies of Stuart’s book. 

On February 14, we were honored to co-sponsor Joint Perspectives: A German-Israeli Summit in Berlin, attended by Jeremy Lustman. Hosted by The Jerusalem Post and leading German newspaper Welt, the conference featured discussions by members of the governments of Israel and Germany, as well as various other business and community leaders, regarding the challenges and opportunities brought by the war in Israel. Topics included the current situation in Israel, the global surge in antisemitism, political responses, the role of the media, humanitarian impact, the cross-border business environment, and building bridges.

On February 28, we co-sponsored a special joint dinner for two tech missions to Israel, each of which brought a tremendous amount of strength to the local business community. During dinner, Jeremy Lustman led a fireside chat with Doron Gurevitz, Managing Director and Head of Israel at Rothschild & Co. The conversation covered topics such as the resilience of Israel’s economy, the spread of Israel’s business influence across the world, and investment in Israel during and after the war.  

On March 5, we hosted an intimate networking dinner for a group of partners and senior associates from Israeli law firms with whom we closely collaborate. This first-of-its-kind event brought together firms that are normally competitors in the market for an evening marked by camaraderie and enthusiasm. 

On March 27, we had the pleasure of co-hosting along with law firms BCLP and Gornitzky & Co. an exclusive networking event for women lawyers from Israeli and foreign law firms and companies in celebration of International Women’s Month. This event provided an opportunity to collectively celebrate our achievements and support and strengthen one other during these challenging times. 

Upcoming events

• Axis Tel Aviv: May 21
  
  
• Global employment event with Herzog law firm: Q2
  
  
• Forum for Israeli public companies traded in the US with Gornitzky & Co. law firm: Q2
  
  
• General Counsel retreat: Q2
  
  
• Third DLA Piper Charity Basketball Tournament: Q3
  
  

Giving back to the community

We were privileged to co-host two markets with Herzog law firm. On January 10, the market featured small businesses and farms from the north and south of the country. On March 4, we co-hosted a pre-Purim Wine Market. We were pleased to support those who have been financially impacted by the war and help them stay afloat during these difficult times.

On January 20, we co-sponsored Standup in Solidarity, a wartime comedy show in support of The Koby Mandell Foundation. In addition to working with its existing group of over 1,000 bereaved families, the Foundation has expanded its programming to the hundreds of new children, siblings, and parents who have been painfully added to the community of “survivors of terror and tragedy” during the ongoing war. We also co-sponsored a second show in February, featuring comedian Elon Gold. Some of our team members were able to attend these shows, which took place in a number of cities across the country. 

On January 26, we co-sponsored the purchase and delivery of food for soldiers at a nearby army base to enhance their Shabbat meals. This initiative was spearheaded by our dear friend Ira Stern, who helped organize our 2022 and 2023 charity basketball tournaments to benefit United Hatzalah of Israel. In a wonderful turn of events, after Shabbat we discovered that the food had coincidentally gone to feed our own colleague Maya Biasi-Gelb’s husband and his platoon! 

On March 8, we once again co-sponsored a number of teams from charities as they ran in the Jerusalem Marathon. We supported our friends at Kav L’Noar, a mental health organization that motivates at-risk youth to become productive and responsible young adults, and Koach Eitan, which educates and raises awareness about stroke and aphasia.

On March 10, we sponsored a dinner for Israeli beneficiaries of Daily Giving’s charity. Daily Giving enables individuals and companies to give charity on a daily basis, with funds distributed to deserving Jewish nonprofit organizations. The dinner provided an opportunity for US-based Dr. Jonathan Donath, founder and president of Daily Giving, to meet with nearly 35 Israeli beneficiary organizations, express his appreciation for all of their important work, and create an opportunity for these wonderful leaders among the Jewish people to spend time with one another. 

On March 11, we sponsored a Purim party for children at Assaf Harofeh/Shamir Medical Center with Simcha Layeled, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled and seriously ill children in hospitals and rehab centers across Israel. The party celebrated the holiday with music, dancing, arts and crafts, fun treats, and gifts for all the children. 

On March 25, we had the pleasure of hosting a Shushan Purim party along with Smiles for the Kids for the children of Kibbutz Gevim whose families recently returned home after being evacuated on October 7. Smiles for the Kids – launched in response to October 7 – aims to bring joy to soldiers, their families, and displaced families across Israel. The children enjoyed fun music, classic carnival food, blow-up games and bouncy houses, delicious mishloach manot, and lots of cool prizes. We were especially delighted to have Marion Abecassis, our colleague from DLA Paris, join our volunteer efforts. 

Recent press

• "DLA Piper Hosts NYC Event For Legal Professionals," Jewish Link, January 11, 2024
  
  
•  “Israel Mobilizes,” Globes, February 8, 2024  
  
  
• "The International Commercial Arbitration Law was passed in Israel: this is how it will affect the business sector," Globes, February 13, 2024
  
  
• "Israel enacts International Commercial Arbitration Law," Globes, February 18, 2024
  
  
• "We want your expertise: New initiative introduces foreign lawyers to potential employers in Israel," Jerusalem Post, February 20, 2024
  
  
• “Recruited to help,” Globes, March 31, 2024