Einat Levy

Einat is a member of the corporate finance group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (New York). Einat has a broad range of experience representing underwriters and issuers (public and private) on various corporate and securities transactions, including initial public offerings (IPO), private offerings, debt and equity financing, cross-border transactions, corporate governance, disclosure and compliance matters. We interviewed Einat in New York.

Tell me about your experiences as a student in Tel Aviv University

My time at Tel Aviv University was an incredible mix of experiences. First and foremost, I remember the strong feeling of community amongst the students. I made many life-long friends during that time, and we still form a very active network.

With respect to the classes, the intellectual property courses were especially useful for me. I was working as a teacher at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance at the time, and was able to make practical use of what I learned about intellectual property protection.

In summary, my time at Tel Aviv University provided me with an excellent theoretical and practical education that made my transition into the US and UK legal systems very seamless.

How did you find yourself in New York after your graduation from Tel Aviv University?

After my graduation from Tel-Aviv University, I was keen to take the New York bar exam, because it is the entry ticket to the US legal market. Shortly after taking the bar exam, I started working for Taro Pharmaceuticals as in-house counsel. During that time, I realized that I wanted to develop my transactional practice, and enrolled into Duke University’s LL.M Program.

Why did you choose to go to Duke University?

Given my strong interest in US securities regulations, I decided to go to Duke University due to its outstanding reputation in that field. I am very grateful to have been able to learn from some of the most highly regarded professors/individuals in the field, including James D. Cox. Professor Cox authored some of the leading texts in transactional law, market regulation and corporate governance. Similar to my time at Tel Aviv University, it was also an incredible opportunity to build a great professional network in the US and world-wide.  

Tell us about your professional experiences after graduating from Duke?

After graduating from Duke, I got a fantastic offer from the Securities Group at White & Case, London. During my time there, I worked on some very interesting transactions, including Matomy’s initial public offering. Matomy was the first Israeli company to list on the High Growth Segment of the London Stock Exchange’s main market. I was also able to do cross border work, involving jurisdictions such as Israel, France, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Sweden, Nigeria, among others. In 2014, I decided to expand my experience with US corporate and securities offerings, including public and private equity and debt offerings, and thus returned to New York and joined the Corporate Finance Group at Skadden Arps.

What do you think is the key for success in America as a lawyer?

The keys to success are the same in America as everywhere else: hard work, persistence, a positive attitude and a great education. If you combine these building blocks with a strong professional network, the US offers many great opportunities. I would encourage today’s students to talk to active practitioners about their particular experiences and recommendations, as every law firm is a bit different in its style and requirements.

Tell me a little about the experience of living in New York

For me, New York is still the most diverse and dynamic city on this planet. I have been very active in the New York performing arts scene for many years, which gives me an incredible perspective on the creative pulse of this city. I think there are very few places in the world that allow you to combine a very rewarding career at a firm like Skadden Arps with the creative stimulation I get from the artistic scene. I feel at home here.

 

TAU Law Alumni Association would like to thank Gil Rosenblum (Class of 2012) for interviewing and editing this monthly column from New York City.

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