Bio

Assaf Harel is a partner at Gornitzky & Co. who leads the firm’s Cyber and Privacy practice. Assaf advises various clients, from international financial institutions to tech companies and cyber-security companies, on the practical implications of privacy and cyber-security laws and regulations. Such advice includes, among others, assisting companies in crafting organizational data protection policies, negotiating data protection agreements, tailoring practical solutions to cyber-security and privacy-related matters in cross-border M&A transactions and minimizing the legal exposure from cyber-attacks. Assaf is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E). In February 2022, the Minister of Justice appointed Assaf to serve as a member of Israel’s National Privacy Protection Council. Assaf is also a member of the Israel Bar Association’s Internet Committee. He previously served as a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals’ Research Advisory Board. Additionally, Assaf advises clients on various regulatory and compliance matters, including anti-corruption, homeland security, international sanctions, export control, and regulatory requirements applicable to medical devices, clinical trials, and medical cannabis. In that context, he is also experienced in conducting internal corporate investigations and in representing clients before governmental authorities in Israel and abroad. In addition to his regulatory and compliance practice, Assaf also represents local and foreign clients, including publicly traded companies, private equity funds, entrepreneurs, and strategic investors, in cross-border investments, and M&A. Assaf also represents local and global companies in commercial transactions, especially those involving intellectual property, information technology or regulatory issues. Prior to joining the firm, Assaf held several key positions as a legal advisor to the Israel Defense Forces. As part of his service as a government lawyer, Assaf advised decision-makers in the highest levels of Israel’s security administration on issues involving international law, administrative law, and national security law. Assaf had a key role in crafting the Israeli government’s legal positions on various national security matters. He also took part in representing the government before the Israeli Supreme Court.