Introduction
I am originally from Tel Aviv, Israel. I have always been interested in law, even as a young child. I enjoyed debating and thinking of different arguments for and against a specific claim. Alongside my interest in law, I have always had a strong curiosity for technology. After high school, I worked for a few years in technological roles before enrolling at Tel Aviv University to study law and computer science. I later switched to law and business management due to scheduling conflicts. In Israel, unlike in the U.S., law can be studied as a bachelor’s degree.
After graduating from university, I was certain that I would pursue a career in consulting or business management, leveraging my business degree. However, in Israel, there is a mandatory legal internship one must complete before sitting for the bar exam. I decided to complete this internship, intending to shift into consulting afterward. Initially, I was supposed to intern with a partner focused on international transactions, but a last-minute change placed me in the litigation department. Despite this unexpected turn, I found I enjoyed litigation and built a strong relationship with the partner I interned with.
When I completed my internship, I was offered a position as an associate, and I decided to stay on for what I thought would be just a few years. However, I enjoyed the work so much that I stayed in law and progressed in my career. Over the years, I focused on working with entrepreneurs and in international arbitration. Eventually, I decided it was time to study law in the U.S. and pursue my career here.
Most recently, I worked as a partner in the litigation department of a prominent law firm in Tel Aviv. After completing my LLM in the U.S., I am now actively seeking opportunities to further my career in New York.
Law Fellow
career options
Legal training leads people to a broad range of career paths. However, most lawyers start their careers in one of the following ways.
Law Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
This involves researching legal precedents, statutes, and case law to support client cases or prepare contracts. Whether for dispute resolution or transactional work, staying up-to-date with evolving regulations is key. This skill was developed through academic studies and further honed through hands-on experience during internships and years of practice.
Drafting clear, concise contracts and other legal documents is essential in both litigation and transactional law. This includes everything from employment contracts to investment agreements. It was learned primarily during law school and through work as an associate in the transactional law department.
The ability to represent clients in court, argue cases, and prepare persuasive legal arguments is crucial in litigation. This skill was developed during my internship in the litigation department and through years of experience handling complex disputes.
Whether in dispute resolution or corporate deals, negotiating favorable terms for clients is a key skill. This includes negotiating settlements or closing investment deals. My negotiation skills were developed through practical experience and coursework, including workshops focused on dealmaking.
In corporate or transactional law, advising clients on compliance with various regulations (such as securities law, tax law, or employment law) is critical. This skill was developed through both academic training and experience advising corporations on legal matters.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Clear and effective communication is essential in the legal field, whether it's explaining complex legal concepts to clients or presenting arguments in court. This skill was developed through years of client interaction, courtroom appearances, and collaborating with colleagues, ensuring that I can convey legal strategies clearly and concisely.
Legal work often involves finding creative solutions to complex issues, whether resolving a legal dispute or structuring a business deal. This skill was refined by working on various cases where unconventional thinking and a strong analytical approach were required to meet client objectives.
Managing multiple cases or transactions simultaneously requires excellent time management. This includes prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and balancing client needs with firm requirements. I developed this skill through both personal experience as an associate and later as a partner responsible for managing my team’s workload.
Understanding clients' needs and maintaining strong, empathetic relationships are crucial for successful legal representation. Whether handling sensitive litigation or advising entrepreneurs on business decisions, this skill ensures clients feel understood and supported. It was developed through years of working closely with individuals and startups in challenging situations.
The legal landscape, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship, is constantly evolving. Being able to quickly adapt to new laws, client needs, and business environments is critical. This skill was developed through diverse experiences in both litigation and transactional law, especially when transitioning between roles and industries.
Nir
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Law Fellow
:
I initially pursued law and business management at Tel Aviv University, combining my interests in both fields. After university, my plan was to work in consulting or business management, but I completed a mandatory legal internship before deciding. An unexpected reassignment to the litigation department during my internship shifted my career focus toward law, and I never looked back. Over time, I specialized in litigation and international arbitration, working closely with entrepreneurs.
Now, as I seek to establish my legal career in the U.S., the job search presents unique challenges. The U.S. legal job market is structured in a way that heavily favors students who complete summer internships as part of their JD programs. As an LLM graduate, I did not have the chance to participate in these programs, making it more difficult to secure a position through traditional channels.
Another challenge is the fact that I come from a different legal system, making it harder for firms in the U.S. to evaluate and fully appreciate my background and skills. However, I am navigating the process with perseverance, leveraging my international experience and connections.
Like many others, I’ve learned that the job search can be a long and unpredictable journey, often filled with setbacks and unexpected opportunities. While challenging, the process has helped me refine my skills and expand my network.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to take more risks and not always follow the "path of least resistance." While it’s easy to choose the most straightforward or comfortable option, the best opportunities often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Embrace challenges, because they’re what lead to growth, both personally and professionally.
Final thoughts & tips
Entering the legal field can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s important to stay resilient and be open to unexpected opportunities. The career path may not always be linear, and you’ll face obstacles, but each experience is an opportunity to grow. My advice to aspiring legal professionals is to focus on building strong relationships, both with your clients and within the legal community. Always be adaptable and ready to learn, as the legal industry constantly evolves—especially in areas like technology and entrepreneurship.
Resources to dig in more
Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance
This forum offers insightful articles on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and other key topics related to entrepreneurship and the legal aspects of running a business.
Law Insider Blog
A blog filled with practical advice for contract drafting and negotiation, particularly useful for aspiring entrepreneurs or those in transactional law.
TechCrunch
A popular platform offering news on technology and startups. It's a great resource for staying up-to-date with the latest trends in entrepreneurship and venture investments.
Y Combinator’s Startup Library - Legal & IP
Y Combinator provides a comprehensive library of resources for startups, including legal aspects like intellectual property, equity splits, and contract negotiations. This is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs seeking practical legal advice.
American Bar Association (ABA) Business Law Section
This section of the ABA provides a wealth of resources for legal professionals in business law, including updates on regulatory changes, articles, and professional development opportunities.
Associate's Mind
A blog written by a young lawyer, sharing experiences, challenges, and tips for navigating the early years of legal practice. This is particularly useful for law students and young professionals starting their legal careers.
