Stavinsky Meital
Describe your legal career to this day
I practice as a Government Law and Policy attorney, and I find it very rewarding. Primarily, I advise Israeli companies that are either looking to establish operations in the US or expand their existing ones, with a focus on sustainable technology solutions, AgriTech, CleanTech and transportation. The trajectory of my career was quite different from what I had imagined it would be when I started out as a corporate and securities lawyer. It was a combination of my passion for sustainable technology and my desire to help Israeli companies succeed in the US that led me to where I am at today. Over a decade ago, I was very fortunate to join Greenberg Traurig, an AmLaw 100 firm, which has been extraordinarily supportive in encouraging me to pursue and develop my career. In my opinion, there is no better way to advocate for Israel than to educate members of the United States Congress and Federal Government officials about life saving and sustainable Israeli technologies that are making this world a better place to live in, and at the same time, help the companies developing those technologies expand their businesses.
Do you have any special memories from your time and TAU?
I enjoyed studying law tremendously. I also made some very dear friends. True friendships and knowledge are the two gifts that not only stay with you forever, but are also something that you can rely on when you need support and assistance.
What tools or insights did you receive at TAU Law?
There are so many, but the one I find most useful is the entrepreneurial spirit, which allowed me to be the kind of attorney who doesn’t just sit and wait for a client to call with a legal problem to solve or a business objective to accomplish. Instead, I try to take the initiative and constantly look for ways to help my clients succeed, for example by introducing different clients whose businesses offer synergies to one another. This was also a core element in what led to the development of our firm’s Israel practice. I was fortunate enough to be part of the team that led the development of the practice from its inception shortly after I joined the firm. It is very gratifying to me that this initiative has resulted in Greenberg Traurig being the only AmLaw 100 firm that has established a fully functioning office in Tel Aviv registered with the Israel Bar.
What can you tell me about your experience as an Israeli in Miami?
Right after I sat for the bar exams in Israel, and while earning my master’s degree (LLM), I was offered a position I couldn't refuse - to become a legal correspondent at Yedioth Aharonoth’s economic section, an amazing experience. I enjoyed that experience so much that I even thought I might just stay in the media space. However, when I moved to Miami a few years later, I quickly found myself back in the law practice. In recent years, Miami has experienced enormous economic growth, especially in entrepreneurship and innovation, and, obviously, in increased opportunities in Latin America. There are many similarities between Miami and Tel-Aviv, as well as tremendous opportunities for collaboration between companies and academic institutions from both Israel and Florida, and I’m excited to be right in the middle of that scene. Although I live in Miami, I get to enjoy the best of both worlds, as I frequently travel to Israel and Washington, D.C.
Tell me a little about your hobbies and interests outside the office
I am involved with non-profit organizations both in Miami and Washington, DC advocating for Israel's interest in the US, such as AIPAC. I serve as Co-Chair of the Tel Aviv University Alumni Chapter for the Southeast Region, where we recently started an Entrepreneurship on Tap program showcasing successful alumni ventures in Miami. I am also involved with local community organizations that are promoting art, education, environmental awareness and science in Miami. In my spare time, I enjoy the arts, traveling and spending time outdoors with family and good friends.
TAU Law Alumni Association would like to thank Gil Rosenblum (Class of 2012) for interviewing and editing this monthly column from New York City.
