Israel

Meet the Chairs

YONIT CALMANOVICH

Head of the International Department
Israel Bar Association
Yonit is an experienced legal professional, adept at forging strategic business partnerships, establishing and managing robust legal departments, and steering cross-organizational processes.
With a proven track record in negotiating and executing high-stakes commercial transactions under tight deadlines, Yonit specializes in providing insightful legal counsel to executive leadership and board.

Yonit serves as a Member of the Judicial Nomination Committee of the State of Israel. The committee is comprised of nine members (the Minister of Justice, two Parliament Members from the Coalition, one Parliament Member from the Opposition, the President of the Suprem Court, two Supreme Court Judges and two representatives of the Israel Bar Association – one of whom is Yonit). The Committee nominates judges to all courts, including the Supreme court of Israel.

As Head of the International Department at the Israel Bar Association Yonit spearheaded the establishment of global connections with legal entities around the world, leading law firms, and NGOs, elevating the association’s international standing. Notably, Yonit orchestrated joint ventures and fundraising efforts, following October 7th attacks in Israel.

Prior to joining the Israel Bar Association, Yonit served as VP and General Counsel at Watergen Ltd. and led the establishment of the company’s legal department.

During this period of time, she orchestrated strategic alliances with international entities, assisted in steering the company throughout phases of a public offering and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Prior to this position, Yonit worked at Netzer Hasharon Ltd. (formerly Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI)) as Board Member, General Counsel, and Head of Business Development.

Yonit played a major role in the transfer of IMI’s business operation to a private company and co-founded the “new IMI”, shaping its business strategy and goals, and raising over $100M for its new operation.
From founding the company’s legal department to navigating complex business transitions, Yonit provided strategic guidance across diverse legal landscapes, including compliance, risk management, and business operation.

Her journey in the legal realm began with roles at some of Israel’s leading law firms, advising clients in commercial transactions, commercial litigation, and international law.

RONALD LEHMANN

FISCHER (FBC & Co.)
Tel Aviv, Israel
Mr. Lehmann is a partner in FBC’s Corporate Department. His practice encompasses a broad range of corporate matters, including private equity and venture capital transactions, public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as cross-border litigations and arbitrations. His practice has a strong international focus, which regularly sees him involved in a range of public and private transactions with a cross-border element.

Mr. Lehmann also works closely with FBC’s litigation practice in commercial disputes, arbitrations and settlement negotiations, involving Israeli and non-Israeli parties.

Prior to joining FBC in 1999, Mr. Lehmann served as Special Counsel in the Tax Department of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in New York City.

Mr. Lehmann served as a law clerk to the Honorable Patricia M. Wald, US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1989 until 1990.