Lipa Meir & Co > Tel Aviv, Israel > Firm Profile

Lipa Meir & Co > The Legal 500 Rankings

Israel > Energy Tier 1

Lipa Meir & Co‘s energy practice is broad and varied and is set apart by its specialism in advising Kibbutz communities on a variety of green energy projects. The team is also a go-to choice for state ministries and is engaged in projects across the natural gas and renewable energy spaces, showing a strong track record handling solar energy projects. Key contacts in the team include seasoned energy sector specialist Uzi Mor, who has some of the firm’s best-known clients on his books; Zuriel Lavie, who regularly orchestrates large-scale project financings on the part of entrepreneurs and the government; experienced infrastructure specialist Michal Schwartz; David Weinstein , who leads matters involving Kibbutzim, cooperative associations, and rural settlements, an area where Karnit Akrish is growing a strong reputation. Another noteworthy name is Lilach Hoek, a lawyer whose practice encompasses transactions, mergers, and project financing.

Israel > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1

At Lipa Meir & Co ‘the life sciences team is practical, skilled, business savvy and learned’. The firm handles everything, from big data and cybersecurity issues to litigation, judicial reviews and regulatory matters, and it is increasingly involved in significant corporate transactions in the life sciences sector. A recent example is its work for a NASDAQ-listed pharmaceutical company on its $58m merger with an Israeli company that develops treatments for Parkinson’s disease. ‘His human and professional qualities shine and guide clients in complex legal and business issues’, say clients of practice head Gary Copelovitz, who handled that transaction. Isaac Anidjer, who focuses on litigation, and commercial partner Meir Elbaum, also play pivotal roles in the practice.

Israel > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Showcasing demonstrable experience in the retail, education and aviation sectors, Lipa Meir & Co maintains a stellar track record in insolvency litigation before the Israeli Supreme Court, in addition to representing clients in creditors' arrangements, recovery proceedings, receiverships and liquidations. Founding partner Lipa Meir leads the team alongside Zuriel Lavie, who specialises in high-stakes insolvency proceedings and debt restructurings, and Shirley Ifrach-Azor, whose experience extends to receivership and liquidation mandates, corporate rehabilitation and reorganisations, creditors' arrangements, recovery proceedings and financial reconstruction cases.

Israel > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Well-regarded in the energy and healthcare sectors, Lipa Meir & Co advises a diverse roster of investment funds and institutions, including venture capital, private equity, and pension funds. Co-head Ziv Preis is the primary contact for complex M&A, investments, corporate finance, and private equity transactions, while fellow co-head Gary Copelovitz focuses on cross-border M&A. Uzi Mor is also recognised for his expertise in cooperative societies.

Israel > Competition/antitrust Tier 2

A key port of call domestic and international names in the transport, food and beverages, and insurance sectors, Lipa Meir & Co is led by Yariv Ilan, who is ‘efficient and highly professional’. Corporate partner Uzi Mor worked with Ilan to assist a leading winery with a raft of competition issues surrounding the food sector.

Dispute resolution > Dispute resolution: class actions (including derivative actions) Tier 2

Lawyers in Lipa Meir & Co’s class actions practice stay ‘ahead of the curve in anticipating potential risks’. The firm’s strong offerings in healthcare and insurance work ensure that the team is highly active in those areas, with its close links to Clalit Health Services proving particularly fruitful. Managing partner Alon Pomeranc heads the team and is highlighted for his ‘sharp legal mind’. Shay Tamar and Sylvia Gal are also noted.

Israel > Infrastructure Tier 2

Among Lipa Meir & Co’s infrastructure strong suits, it shines in the healthcare, defence, Kibbutzim and energy segments in line with the firm’s signature strengths. Enjoying particularly good relationships with public sector clients, the team also represents construction companies and lenders. Names to note include Zuriel Lavie, who specialises in representing government entities and Kibbutzim on infrastructure projects, and Michal Schwartz, who heads the infrastructure and BOT practice. David Weinstein, who brings extensive experience in the agriculture and co-operative associations areas, and corporate lead Uzi Mor are also active in infrastructure work.

Israel > Insurance Tier 2

Lipa Meir & Co has a diverse insurance offering that is highly regarded in various market niches, a prime example being its work for cooperative societies, notably the Kibbutzim-owned Bituach Haklai Insurance Agency. The firm also has a strong client roster in the healthcare insurance sector, as it acts for the world’s second largest HMO. Recent work for this client includes a major acquisition and guidance on travel insurance policies. Corporate partner Gad Azor co-leads the practice with real estate and finance specialist Yariv Shalom. Corporate and technology partner Gary Copelovitz also plays a significant role in the practice.

Israel > Banking and finance Tier 3

Lipa Meir & Co’s banking and finance practice is distinguished by its strong expertise in credit facilities, project financing, and real estate finance. The firm advises a broad spectrum of clients, including major banks, insurance groups, and credit card companies, on complex transactions. The team is led by real estate finance expert Yariv Shalom and includes Yoni Shtinmatz, whose wide-ranging practice encompasses finance transactions, investments, syndications, and banking regulations.

Israel > Capital markets Tier 3

Lipa Meir & Co. is a trusted advisor to start-ups, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals on debt and equity transactions, securities matters, and capital raising initiatives. The firm’s capital markets & securities department is led by Eitan Shmueli, a specialist in securities litigation who represents both public and private companies. The team also includes regulatory obligations expert Gregory Irgo, adding depth to the firm’s capabilities in navigating complex securities regulations.

Dispute resolution > Dispute resolution: local litigation and arbitration Tier 3

A prominent team for administrative law disputes, Lipa Meir & Co excels in healthcare litigation, where it acts for Clalit Health Services (the largest health maintenance organisation in Israel). The team additionally stands out for its record in representing public sector clients, including major government ministries. On the commercial litigation front, the team is primarily active in real estate-related cases and shareholder disputes. Alon Pomeranc is ‘very creative in finding solutions’ and heads a department that also includes  Erez Dar Lulu and Omer Meiri.

Israel > Employment Tier 3

Specialised in collective labour relations and insolvency labour issues, Lipa Meir & Co’s employment law team is well-versed in collective bargaining negotiations, senior employee disputes and sensitive terminations, the employment of foreign employees, and post-deal M&A support, as well as supporting large employers with day-to-day matters and in dealing with discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. Disputes specialist Shabtai (Shabi) Michaeli leads the practice and routinely aides international and high-tech employers. Working under his headship are Ayelet Ram, whose broad practice encompasses advisory and litigious work, and union-focused Tal Asulin Menahemov.

Israel > Hi-tech and start-ups Tier 3

Lipa Meir & Co’s dominant healthcare and life sciences offering is reflected in its hi-tech and start-ups practice, which acts for a broad roster of food-tech, pharma and biotech clients. Other sector strong suits include agri-tech, cybersecurity and defence. A ‘real professional’, Ziv Preis advises entrepreneurs, start-ups, emerging companies and investors on day-to-day matters and transactions. Preis co-heads the department together with Gary Copelovitz, Amir Zolty and Eyal Khayat.

Israel > Investment and venture capital funds Tier 3

Lipa Meir & Co’s investment funds department handles the formation, structuring, and management of various types of funds, including private equity, venture capital, and debt funds. The team regularly represents entrepreneurs, pension and provident funds, universities, and private investors. Practice co-head Ziv Preis is a key contact, known for his expertise in fund formation, mergers and acquisitions, high-tech, and corporate matters. Fellow co-head Gary Copelovitz advises Israeli and foreign venture capital and private equity funds on fund formation and the execution of investment strategies.

Israel > Real estate and construction Tier 3

Lipa Meir & Co’s real estate team garners praise for its understanding of ‘the nuances of real estate negotiations’. The group acts for a broad roster of clients — with an orientation towards construction companies — in a range of development projects, sale and purchase transactions, and real estate financings. The ‘precise and efficient’ Erez Tik co-heads the department together with Roy Aiz and Yariv Shalom. Dor Avinery is also recommended.