These are my tips, I have concluded over the years from my experience representing non-resident and Israeli clients:
1. Languages – the lawyer’s Hebrew level is significant as the contracts, land registry and the paperwork is all in Hebrew.
English, or another language you speak, to understand each other without language barrier issues.
2. Communication – opt for a lawyer who can explain the legal procedure entailed for real estate transactions in Israel in a clear and accessible manner.
3. Location – Property Laws are the same across Israel and as opposed to common thinking the location of the lawyer’s office is not relevant to conducting the transaction.
4. Availability – the lawyer’s availability and responsiveness, accommodating convenient time slots and different time zones.
5. Expertise – the lawyers specialty and primary focus should mainly be in real estate transactions
6. International Experience – given the overseas nature of clients it is crucial for the lawyer to have experience and understanding of the unique challenges and needs of non resident clients and be well versed in handling cross border transactions .
7. Synergy – the lawyer will be interacting throughout the transaction with many related parties, such as lawyers, brokers, financial advisors etc.. to achieve the desired outcome for you, making interpersonal skills a significant element.
Just remember these for your next real estate investment when hiring Israeli legal counsel to successfully seal the deal!