Tel Aviv, Israel (December 6, 2011) — The international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP announced today that it will open a new office in Tel Aviv, in early 2012. The firm’s 34th office will provide legal services to clients in Israel who need U.S. and U.K. counsel, as well as legal services from other international jurisdictions. Attorneys in the new office will not practice Israeli law. The office is the first international full-time legal office of its kind in Israel.
Gary M. Epstein, Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s global Corporate & Securities Practice and Co-Chair of its Israel Practice, was named initial Managing Shareholder for the Tel Aviv location. The firm’s Israeli clients have consistently sought support for their work in the U.S., the U.K., Holland, Mexico, China and Italy and clients from these and other global markets regularly work with Epstein and the Greenberg Traurig team regarding opportunities in Israel.
“Our focus on delivering quality service and value across a broad market and practice platform with deep penetration in regions and industries is increasingly providing our clients with a unique edge,” said Richard A. Rosenbaum, Greenberg Traurig’s Chief Executive Officer. “The opening of an Israeli presence continues that focus and is a logical progression born from the dedication and commitment of our Israel Practice Group over the past decade.”
“We expect to begin with up to five attorneys working in Israel,” Epstein said. “We hope to grow as American and U.K. attorneys with Israeli clients learn about the opportunity we offer. To the best of our knowledge, we expect this office to be the first-ever international law firm practicing exclusively non-Israeli law through a full-time, full-service office in Israel that is not focused primarily on business development. Our arrival builds on 10 years of goodwill and client development conducted through the firm's existing Israel Practice. Our many Israeli clients have benefited from Greenberg Traurig's international platform and will now have an even fuller presence on our part."
Greenberg Traurig’s office, to be based in Tel Aviv's Azrieli Tower complex, will house and support a multidisciplinary team, supported by 1,800 attorneys throughout the global firm’s locations in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The office expands the global resources available to clients and follows the opening of a location in Mexico City this year. Of the firm's 33 current offices, 29 are located in the United States, making Israel the fifth international market in which it will operate through a full, dedicated office.
“Greenberg Traurig has an enduring commitment to Israel's business community,” said Bob Grossman, Co-Chair of the Greenberg Traurig Israel Practice. “We are proud of what we have achieved for our clients and friends. I am especially proud of our work in life sciences and intellectual property, on which I have focused specific attention in recent years.”
The firm’s experience with Israeli clients includes representing companies in numerous industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clean energy and manufacturing, in matters ranging from financing and intellectual property to mergers, acquisitions and employment issues.
"Additionally we work with companies from around the world seeking opportunities within Israel," said Meital Stavinsky, the firm’s Israel Practice coordinator, who is admitted to the Israel Bar and is of counsel to the firm. "We have a proven track record of matching Israeli companies with strategic partners, potential joint ventures and other business-to-business connections."
The new office will be located at One Azrieli Center, Round Tower, 30th floor, 132 Menachem Begin Rd., Tel Aviv 67021 Israel.