Dr. Ayal Shenhav is one of Israel’s leading attorneys with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Shenhav’s practice includes representation of investment funds and investors, start-ups, multinational corporations and high net worth individuals. Dr. Shenhav is consistently ranked as a leading (Tier 1) practitioner by Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500 and other legal directories.
Dr. Shenhav represents many of Israel’s leading venture capital and private equity funds, advising them on their formation, tax efficient structuring, investments and operations.
Dr. Shenhav has been involved in dozens of complex financing transactions, representing the investors, companies and founders. He has also been involved in numerous M&A transactions, representing target companies, acquiring companies, investors and more.
Dr. Shenhav advises high net worth individuals on tax matters, asset protection and transfer of assets to next generation.
Dr. Shenhav is a well-known international tax expert with significant expertise in the interaction of the Israeli and US tax systems.
Dr. Shenhav practiced law for several years at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York, and has served as Vice Dean of the Radzyner School of Law at the Reichman University. Dr. Shenhav founded Shenhav & Co. Law Offices, a leading Israeli law firm which merged with Gross & Co, in 2018. He was Managing Partner of Gross & Co. prior to the formation of Goldfarb Gross Seligman.
Dr. Shenhav is an Adjunct Professor at the Tel Aviv University and the Reichman University (teaching the course Start Up Law). Dr. Shenhav was the head of the Law Firm and Accounting Firm Committee of IATI (Israel’s leading Hi-Tech Organization). He is also a frequent lecturer at seminars and conferences relating to innovation, venture capital and tax in Israel and abroad. Dr. Shenhav was a board member of the Alliance High School in Tel Aviv.
J.S.D, New York University School of Law, 1995
LL.M., New York University School of Law, 1992
LL.B. (Magna Cum Laude), Tel Aviv University, 1990
New York State Bar Association, 1992
Israel Bar Association, 1991
“He is a highly sophisticated and strategic legal counsel, offering smart and out-of-the-box solutions.”
Chambers Global Guide, 2026
“Ayal brings a sophisticated and pragmatic approach to legal counsel.”
Chambers Global Guide, 2026
“Ayal Shenhav is one of the best in the business.”
Chambers Global Guide, 2026
“Ayal Shenhav, as a lawyer and a firm leader, exemplifies sophistication and practicality in his counsel. He brings extensive experience and insight, especially when it comes to deal structuring.”
The Legal 500, 2026
“Ayal Shenhav is a well-reputed lawyer with a deep experience in advising private equity and venture capital clients on the formation and structuring of their funds. He demonstrates notable strength in advising on the regulatory aspects of deals.”
Chambers Global Guide, 2025
“Ayal is super experienced, creative and helpful.”
Chambers Global Guide, 2025
“Ayal is an experienced lawyer with creative problem-solving skills.”
Chambers Global Guide, 2025
“He is one of the best legal counsels for venture capital funds in Israel.”
Chambers Global Guide, 2025
“Ayal Shenhav is the key contact, routinely representing many of Israel’s leading venture capital and private equity funds in their formation, tax-efficient structuring, and operations.”
The Legal 500, 2025
“Dr. Ayal Shenhav, who manages the firm, is another standout. He’s a sophisticated and pragmatic lawyer, particularly expert in taxes and structuring. His expertise has been invaluable in navigating the more complex aspects of deals.”
The Legal 500, 2025
Dr. Shenhav is ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers Global as one of the leading lawyers in Israel in High Tech and Taxation.
The Legal 500 2022 – “Ayal Shenhav is very creative and has a vast understanding of corporate law, but is also a business person with creative thinking”
Chambers and Partners 2022 – “He is an excellent lawyer and is a great competitor, He is a very capable and smart ”
“Peers and clients have high praise for Ayal Shenhav, who is singled out as “a highly recommended tax lawyer who knows what is important for his client.” He advises on the tax aspects of numerous international M&A deals.” – Chambers Global
“The highly esteemed Ayal Shenhav has significant experience in the hi-tech arena, as well as specialist knowledge of tax law in Israel and abroad. He is a highly recommended and experienced lawyer, who knows what’s important for his client.” – Chambers Global
“Peers say Ayal Shenhav is “very practical,” as well as “really co-operative and helpful.” He represents both investors and hi-tech companies.” – Chambers Global
