Tel Aviv Shareholders Sponsor United Hatzalah Gala

By Greenberg Traurig on Posted in Culture, Event, General, Global, Israel, Tel Aviv

Greenberg Trarurig’s Tel Aviv office is proud to be able to support charitable causes in Israel and abroad. This past Monday, shareholders in the office attended United Hatzalah’s gala dinner, an event that brought together GT clients, business leaders and non-profit volunteers from across Israel.

United Hatzalah is a volunteer-based emergency medical services organization based in Israel. Its mission is to provide immediate medical intervention during the critical window between the onset of an emergency and the arrival of traditional ambulance assistance. Eli Beer, a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, presented a vision for how technology and emergency medicine can be leveraged for the good of society, bringing together paramedics from Israel’s Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities, and from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Attending the event on behalf of Greenberg Traurig were Managing Shareholder of the Tel Aviv office, Joey Shabot; Shareholders Adam Snukal and Lawrence Sternthal, and Business Director Sara Dahan.

 

Pictured (left to right): Shareholder Lawrence Sternthal with spouse Tamar Sternthal, Sari Shabot spouse of Tel Aviv Managing Shareholder Joey Shabot

Iran Sanctions ‘Snapback’ Finalized Nov. 5, 2018

By Kara M. Bombach, Renee A. Latour, Cyril T. Brennan and Sonali Dohale on Posted in Global, Government Law and Policy, Israel

As reported in our previous GT Alerts, on May 8, 2018, President Trump announced his decision to withdraw the United States from the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and on June 27, 2018, OFAC issued amended regulations and general licenses implementing the withdrawal.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) re-imposition of Iran sanctions pursuant to the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA was set up in two phases, with the first set of Iran sanctions “snapping back” Aug. 7, 2018, and the final set of sanctions snapping back Nov. 5, 2018. The main changes to the Iran sanctions that became effective Nov. 5 include:

  • Foreign Subsidiaries of U.S. Entities Again Subject to Iran Embargo: While the United States was a party to the JCPOA, activities in Iran by non-U.S. subsidiaries of U.S. companies were generally permissible under OFAC’s General License H. After the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, OFAC revoked General License H and required U.S. companies’ foreign subsidiaries to wind down most of their previously authorized Iran-related activities by Nov. 4. With the end of the wind-down period, U.S. companies’ foreign subsidiaries once again must comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the U.S. embargo against Iran.
  • Re-Imposition of Secondary Sanctions in Certain Sectors of the Iranian Economy: Effective Nov. 5, non-U.S. individuals and entities that do business with certain sectors of Iran’s economy will again be exposed to U.S. sanctions, including dealings with:
    • Iranian port operators, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors
    • Petroleum-related transactions (including the purchase of petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical products from Iran)
    • Certain Iranian financial institutions (including the Central Bank of Iran)
    • Iran’s energy sector

In a press statement, the State Department indicated that it will grant temporary exemptions from the petroleum-related sanctions restrictions to eight countries – China, India, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey – to allow them to continue to purchase oil from Iran.

  • Additions to the SDN List: Since May 8, 2018, OFAC has indicated it plans to relist persons and entities that were removed from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List in January 2016 pursuant to the JCPOA. On Nov. 5, OFAC added over 700 persons to the SDN list, including parties that had been removed in connection with the JCPOA.

Even when the United States was a party to the JCPOA, U.S. persons remained prohibited from engaging in almost all dealings with Iran. However, the re-imposition of these sanctions represents a significant change in the permissibility of dealings in Iran undertaken by non-U.S. parties. In light of the changing legal landscape, it is important for businesses with international operations to assess compliance with these updated sanctions and ensure that non-U.S. parties understand the ways in which U.S. sanctions law may apply to them.

The Impact Of The FY 2019 NDAA On Federal Procurement Law – Greenberg Traurig Article

By Greenberg Traurig on Posted in Global, Government Law and Policy

Michael J. Schaengold, Melissa Prusock, and Danielle K. Muenzfeld, all resident in Greenberg Traurig’s Washington D.C. office, co-authored an article titled “The Impact Of The FY 2019 NDAA On Federal Procurement Law” which was published in The Government Contractor (Thomson Reuters).

This article, comprehensively examines the significant Federal procurement law changes contained in the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”).  Many of the NDAA’s 71+ statutory provisions directed at procurement law also apply to Federal civilian agencies.

To read the full article, click here

Adam Snukal Speaks on GDPR Issues During Istanbul Privacy Conference

By Greenberg Traurig on Posted in Event, Privacy and Data Security, Technology

Adam Snukal, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig’s Tel Aviv office and GDPR expert, recently participated on keynote panel at inaugural Turkey Privacy Professionals Association Privacy Conference.  The Conference hosted attorneys, academics and regulators eager to learn about privacy issues and specifically GDPR.  Adam took part in a panel titled “Concept of ‘Consent’ and Obligation to Inform under Personal Data Protection Law and GDPR”, which focused on the various legal implications regarding data subject consent.

Adam Snukal regularly counsels clients on their global privacy and data security compliance obligations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI and more. Adam’s clients range from large multi-nationals to emerging growth companies.

Tel Aviv Shareholder Adam Snukal (second to right) with fellow panelists Prof. Dr. Erdem Özdemir- Marmara University, Dr. Hasan Oğan – Turkish Medical Association– Health Group, Dr. – Esin Çamlıbel – Turunç Law Office, and Arş. Gör. Nafiye Yücedağ – İstanbul University

 

Tel Aviv Office Kicks Off Regional Women’s Initiative With Guest Speaker U.S. Judge, Hon. Sheila Prell Sonenshine (Ret.)

By Greenberg Traurig on Posted in Event, General, Global, Israel, Tel Aviv

Earlier this month, in conjunction with Pro-Bono Week in the U.S., Greenberg Traurig’s Tel Aviv office was proud to host the first of a series of events titled “Learning From Her”. 

Our first speaker was U.S. Judge, Hon. Sheila Prell Sonenshine (Ret.), who met with a group of Associates from leading Israeli law firms, to speak on the business development benefits associated with engaging in pro-bono early on in their careers. The Associates also had a chance to meet with several charitable organizations, learn of their activities and discuss potential collaboration.

This event and future ones in the series series are part of the office’s Women’s Initiative, and are led by Devora Snyder, attorney in the Tel Aviv office.

 

Judge Sonenshine with Israeli Associates, Devora Snyder and and Bosmat Chelouche, GC of the Jewish Agency in Israel.

 

 

Judge Sonenshine with Devora Snyder

 

Arizona Technology Alliance Visits Greenberg Traurig’s Tel Aviv Office

By Greenberg Traurig on Posted in Event, Technology, Tel Aviv

Greenberg Traurig’s Tel Aviv office was pleased to welcome Arizona Israel Technology Alliance’s mission to Israel, bringing in industry leaders from Arizona, together with Hank Marshall, Executive Officer of the City of Phoenix , and Steve Zylstra, President & CEO of the Arizona Tech Council.

Leading the mission on Greenberg Traurig’s side was Quinn Williams, a Shareholder at the firm’s Phoenix office. Joey Shabot, Managing Shareholder of the Tel Aviv office welcomed the delegation with an overview of the booming local tech community, followed by Quinn’s vision of increasing business collaborations between Israel and Arizona. Greenberg Traurig’s CEO Brian Duffy, who has been visiting Israel this week, met with the delegation shared his impressions of the dynamic Israeli tech industry, and wished the guests a successful trip.

To read more about the Arizona Israel Technology Alliance experience in Israel and Greenberg Traurig, click here

Tel Aviv Managing Shareholder, Joey Shabot

 

Greenberg Traurig CEO, Brian Duffy

 

Greenberg Traurig Phoenix Office Shareholder, Quinn Williams

Greenberg Traurig FCPA and Anti-Corruption Seminar Brings Together Israeli Industry Professionals

By Greenberg Traurig on Posted in Anti-Money Laundering, Event, Global, Government Law and Policy, Israel, Tel Aviv

Greenberg Traurig’s Tel Aviv office recently held a joint seminar with Deloitte, titled “Foreign Corrupt Practice Act and anti-corruption – Present Trends and Future Solutions”.

The seminar’s aim was sharing recent and future trends in this field, with professionals from leading Israeli companies of different sectors such as water-tech, military and defense, cyber security, online technology and more.

The evening was opened with Joey Shabot’s introduction of the firm, followed by a keynote address by Brian Duffy, CEO of Greenberg Traurig. Sharing lessons from his vast FCPA experience,  Brian offered practical advice for companies as well as thoughts on future developments in the area.

Deloitte then gave a presentation about upcoming trends and new technology relating to anti-corruption.

The evening was concluded by an engaging discussion between guests and speakers.

 
Left to right: Greenberg Traurig CEO, Brian Duffy  and Greenberg Traurig’s Tel Aviv office Managing Shareholder Joey Shabot

 

Post PASPA: An Examination of Sports Betting in America

By Laurie McKay, Mark Clayton and Edward R. Winkofsky on Posted in Chicago, Gaming, Government Law and Policy, Las Vegas, Washington D.C.

Background

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations held a hearing yesterday titled, “Post PASPA: An Examination of Sports Betting in America.” Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) heard testimony from the following witnesses: 1) Jocelyn Moore, executive vice president for communications and public affairs, National Football League; 2) Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling; Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs at the American Gaming Association; 3) Jon Bruning, counselor for the Coalition to Stop Online Gambling; and 4) Becky Harris, chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Members of Congress attending the hearing included: Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner, full Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA); full Committee Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (D-NY); Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA); Rep. Val Demmings (D-FL); Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); and Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL).

Read Full Alert

Israel’s Economy Continues to Outperform

By Jonathan Orlinsky on Posted in credit rating, Tel Aviv

Earlier this summer, S&P Global gave the Israeli economy a vote of confidence by upgrading Israel’s credit rating for the first time in seven years. As reported in a Calcalist article, the new AA- rating is Israel’s highest to date. The change by S&P was made on the heels of Moody’s Investors Service also upgrading Israel’s rating, from “stable” to “positive.” 

Several factors contributed to the credit rating bump, such as Israel’s diverse economy, strong external balance sheet, historically low unemployment rate, and declining general government debt. The report mentioned Israel’s “strong economic performance” and even predicted a growth rate of 3.3 percent of gross domestic product over the next four years. The upgraded credit rating will save Israel billions of shekels, which will be leveraged for the social ministries – health, education, and social welfare.

Greenberg Traurig is the only major international law firm with a multidisciplinary, registered office in Tel Aviv and serves as a gateway for Israeli businesses and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities around the world, as well as for companies exploring opportunities within Israel. The Tel Aviv location offers clients the global reach of Greenberg Traurig’s international network, connecting Israel to major commercial centers across the globe. GT Tel Aviv is deeply involved in the hi-tech world and assists Israeli companies in raising money and increasing operations abroad as well as in connecting U.S., Chinese, and European investors with Israeli companies.

LexBlog