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We have all watched courtroom dramas on television: a dramatic closing argument, a witness breaking down on the stand, and a final judgment delivered that very evening. In Israel’s legal and economic reality, however, things are far more complex. Behind every case lies an entire strategic process involving meticulous numerical analysis, complex regulatory frameworks, and an in-depth understanding of a company’s business operations.
In a special episode of Closing the Loop, Abadi & Co.’s legal radio program on Radio North, Adv. Tal Kaufman hosts Adv. Hilit Aral-Shechter, a Partner in the Litigation Department at Abadi & Co., with over 20 years of experience handling complex civil and commercial disputes. Joined by a distinguished panel of experts spanning the economic litigation landscape, from financial experts and state prosecutors to the in-house legal counsel of a high-tech company, the episode reveals what really happens behind the scenes of the legal world.
About Closing the Loop
Closing the Loop is a weekly radio program that brings together law, business, and society, aiming to clarify our everyday legal rights and obligations. Each episode features Adv. Tal Kaufman, Partner and Head of the Wealth Management and Intergenerational Wealth Transfer Department at Abadi & Co., in conversation with leading experts and key figures. Together, they explore the legal, financial, and economic issues shaping Israeli society, offering practical tools to help listeners protect their rights, assets, and interests.
What Does a Litigator Do? Curiosity, Strategy, and Cases That Seem Lost
Adv. Hilit Aral-Shechter, who also serves as a mediator, arbitrator, and member of the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Israel Bar Association’s Tel Aviv District, explains that litigation is about far more than appearing in court. That is merely the tip of the iceberg. Managing a case means planning for its conclusion from day one: understanding what must be proven, anticipating the opposing party’s arguments, and staying one step ahead.
According to Adv. Aral-Shechter, litigation attracts curious professionals who enjoy learning about unfamiliar industries from scratch, ranging from amusement equipment manufacturers to cellular antennas in India, banking, hospitality, and international trade.
The real power of litigation, however, lies in creativity. An in-depth understanding of a client’s business can reveal legal solutions others might overlook. These may include transferring complex international disputes involving parties from the Americas, Europe, and Asia to Tel Aviv’s Economic Department, known for its efficiency, or using injunctions as a powerful tool to create leverage and bring about swift settlements worth millions of shekels.
The Role of the Financial Expert
In complex commercial disputes, including shareholder conflicts, property division, and suspected financial fraud involving millions of shekels, lawyers must work alongside professionals with financial and accounting expertise.
Mr. Moshe Green, an economist and financial expert who has worked with courts for approximately 40 years, emphasizes the critical importance of involving an expert at the earliest stages of proceedings. Financial analysis can uncover what is not immediately apparent, establish the value of businesses, and help substantiate or refute complex claims under rigorous cross-examination in court.
Inside the Courtroom: Pressure, Strategy, and the Truth That Emerges
Courtroom proceedings require considerable emotional resilience. Adv. Aral-Shechter shares defining moments from her career, ranging from an intense cross-examination in which she had to maintain a firm and unwavering line of questioning to standing her ground under pressure from judges early in her career. These experiences demonstrated that what happens in the courtroom is not necessarily the end of the story.
She also emphasizes the importance of absolute professional integrity: “We do not lie or make things up. The truth always comes out. You must tell the truth, but frame it in a way that serves your client’s interests.”
The State’s Perspective and the In-House Counsel’s Role
The episode broadens the discussion by presenting two additional perspectives:
- The State’s economic-crime perspective: Adv. Moshe Yehezkel, a prosecutor in the Economic Crimes Unit of the Central District Attorney’s Office, discusses the fine line between civil transactions that have gone wrong and criminal offenses, as well as the challenges of proving financial crimes involving complex Excel spreadsheets and intricate corporate structures.
- The corporate perspective: Adv. Hila Piltzer, General Counsel of mobile game developer CrazyLabs, explains how in-house counsel navigates the delicate balance between the legal objective of winning a case and the company’s ongoing need to operate effectively with customers, suppliers, and regulators without disrupting its business activities.
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Conclusion: Four Essential Tips for Navigating Legal Proceedings
Toward the end of the discussion, Adv. Aral-Shechter shares practical insights and guidance for anyone considering legal proceedings:
- Consider the emotional and time commitments: Assess the strength of your case and determine whether you are prepared for the emotional toll and the time involved in litigation.
- Take a broader business perspective: Choose a lawyer who is willing to develop an in-depth understanding of your business and consider the broader organizational picture, rather than focusing solely on the specific claims set out in the statement of claim.
- Manage the litigation strategy: Deciding where and how to pursue a case is a strategic decision that can have a significant impact on its outcome.
- Believe in your case: A case that initially appears lost is not necessarily over. If the facts support your position and you believe in the merits of your case, pursue it with determination and sound professional judgment.
Listen to the full episode here → Click here
One Team. Committed. All the Way.
