Joseph Z. Hellerstein, Principal
Joe has a diversified practice, which covers a wide range of international law. Joe’s practice is client driven in that his clients, based on personal relationships and attention, rely on Joe’s guidance through business ventures, corporate transactions, dispute resolution and to provide general corporate advice in connection with all Israeli business ventures.
Joe is an experienced transaction lawyer representing both companies and investors in a wide range of financing transactions involving debt and equity. Joe also represents both acquirers and targets in cross-border M&A transactions, with particular experience in representing US acquirers of Israeli companies.
Joe also represents US companies involved in international commercial disputes in both Israeli courts and arbitration proceedings. Because Joe started his career as a New York litigator, he has the unique ability to bridge the gap between US litigation counsel and the Israeli litigation proceeding, so US counsel can closely follow the proceeding and provide strategic input. Joe also provides legal opinions on US law in connection with Israeli litigation, regulatory and administrative matters.
Education
Joe graduated from Cornell University in 1992 (BA) and from Fordham University School of law in 1995 (JD).
Bar and Professional Admission
Joe was admitted to the New York Bar in 1996 and to the Israel Bar in 2003.
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Assaf Shaham, Counsel
Assaf represents clients in a full range of employment-related matters including, employee rights and benefits, incentive plans for management, employee rights in the context of mergers and acquisitions and employment matters related to Israeli citizens working in Israeli branches of international corporations.
Assaf is a seasoned trial attorney representing employers in a wide variety of proceedings, including discrimination, wrongful termination, sex discrimination, race discrimination, sexual harassment and wage and hour laws. Assaf advises companies on employee mobility and trade secret misappropriation issues, including the interpretation and enforceability of non-compete agreements, employee raiding and solicitation matters, and counseling clients as to preventive measures designed to minimize the risks associated with hiring competitors’ employees or having employees depart to work with competitors.
Assaf and Joe worked together at Yigal Arnon & Co., where Assaf practiced from 1980 to 2006 and continue to work together to advise Hellerstein’s clients on all employment related issues.
Education
Assaf graduated from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1987 with an LL.B. in Law.
Bar Admission
Assaf was admitted to the Israel Bar Association in 1989.
Eitan Asnafy, Counsel
Eitan provides international tax expertise to the firm with over 18 years of experience advising clients on a variety of complex, cross-border tax issues.
Eitan advises on all matters relating to Israeli and international taxation, including direct and in-direct taxes in Israel and abroad, corporate taxation, real estate taxation and tax issues arising out of complex real estate and corporate transactions. Eitan has important experience negotiating with and appearing before relevant tax authorities, and representing clients in court on tax related matters.
Eitan is a co-author of the leading tax treatise in Israel “International Taxation”, considered to be the most comprehensive treatise in Israel in the area of International tax. The book is based on comparative study conducted over three years, and on extensive experience in the field of international taxation.
In addition, Eitan has developed particular expertise in the area of Voluntary Disclosure, whereby individuals or entities that have violated tax provisions may volunteer related information to the Tax Authorities and amend previous filings in return for leniency or waiver of prosecution. Eitan represents clients going through the process, negotiating on their behalf for the most lenient treatment and guiding clients on the proper steps to take throughout the process.
Eitan and Joe worked together at APM & Co. where Eitan was a Partner until 2010 and continue to work together to advise Hellerstein’s clients on all tax issues.
Education
Eitan graduated Tel Aviv University in 1999 with an LL.B. in Law and in Accounting.
Bar and Professional Admission
Eitan was admitted to the Israel Bar Association in 2000 and to the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel in 2006.
Aviad Ofir, Counsel
Aviad has seasoned expertise on all aspects of corporate and commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Aviad practices before a wide range of courts and arbitration tribunals, in Israel and abroad. He has particular expertise in handling complex cross-border commercial and corporate litigation and crisis management cases.
In addition, Aviad serves as defense counsel in the Israel Defense forces as part of his army reserve duty. In 2014, Aviad became a qualified mediator and currently serves as an administrative judge for the Israel Bar professional ethics disciplinary court.
Aviad and Joe worked together at APM & Co. and continue to work together to aggressively represent Hellerstein’s clients in settling disputes and in litigation.
Education
Aviad graduated with honors from Bar-Ilan University in 2003 with an LL.B. in Law and went on to receive an LL.M. in Law from Bar-Ilan University in 2004.
Bar Admission
Aviad was admitted to the Israel Bar Association in 2004.