Women are indeed cracking the glass ceiling and demonstrating impressive advancements in both initiating and governing prosperous legal professions. The antiquated ideas of forfeiting a career following marriage and casting doubt on women's capabilities in leadership positions are progressively becoming relics of the past. Among these trailblazers is Eti Avnery, a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on the legal field.

Throughout her distinguished career, Eti often found herself as the lone woman among male managers, providing her with a unique perspective to critically analyze organizational dynamics. This experience fuelled her determination to advocate for change and create a more inclusive environment for women. Eti's unwavering commitment to her multiple roles as a dedicated professional, influential leader, nurturing mother, and supportive partner has allowed her to navigate the immense challenges of juggling diverse commitments.

Eti's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring women, assuring them that achieving excellence while balancing various roles is indeed attainable. She encourages women to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, promising that success in the legal profession brings an unparalleled sense of fulfilment. As a leading light in the legal fraternity, Eti Avnery exemplifies the potential and possibilities for women to thrive, lead, and leave an enduring legacy in the legal industry. Eti Avnery, Founder & Owner, engages in an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights Asia and elucidates more about her professional trait and her unique play in the legal field.

Take us through your educational background and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) in Law and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from the University of Haifa, graduating Magna Cum Laude. I further pursued a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Commercial Law from Tel Aviv University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. In addition to my legal education, I have a deep-rooted passion for dance, starting at the young age of 5. My dance journey began with Ballet and Flamenco, and it continued even as I entered the legal profession. I also taught Ballet for several years, which helped me develop discipline, creativity, and resilience, skills that have proven invaluable in my legal career. Furthermore, serving as an officer of senior staff in the Israeli army was a transformative experience that instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, teamwork, and strategic thinking. These qualities have been instrumental in my legal career and managing teams & complex cases.

Over the course of my legal career, I have worked for several reputable organizations. After gaining just five years of legal experience, I was given the opportunity to found and build an employment law department at a major high-tech law firm in Israel. This was a testament to my dedication, leadership abilities, and employment law expertise. Three years later, I founded, led, and became a partner in another employment department at a well-known Israeli law firm. These experiences and accomplishments have significantly shaped who I am today—a dedicated legal professional and entrepreneur driven by a passion for excellence, a commitment to my clients, and a desire to make a positive impact in the field of employment law.

How does your vast industry experience empower you to be a better legal professional and entrepreneur today?

My extensive industry experience has been instrumental in honing my skills as a legal professional and entrepreneur. Working across different law firms and sectors has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of legal and commercial matters, enabling me to provide well-rounded advice and solutions to my clients. Through my involvement in complex negotiations, I have developed sharp negotiation skills that help secure the best possible outcomes for my clients. This expertise is crucial in my current practice. I have learned the importance of building strong relationships with clients. This skill is vital for an entrepreneur in maintaining client trust and loyalty. My work with technology companies has given me a deep understanding of the commercial, business, and managerial aspects related to employers' engagement. This commercial insight is a key in providing tailored advice to clients in the tech sector.

What motivated you to establish Eti Avnery Law? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of specialization.

The motivation behind establishing my own boutique law firm, Eti Avnery - Employment Law Office, was twofold. Firstly, I was driven to create a space open to change and innovation. Despite recognizing the legal profession's conservatism, I was determined to foster a positive shift that would integrate the discipline with our increasingly technological and fast-paced world. This entailed setting up a firm that upheld the best aspects of traditional legal practice while also being unafraid to incorporate modern approaches when dealing with legal matters and disputes.

"My success mantra is quite straightforward: 'Always strive for excellence & maintain integrity in all you do"

Secondly, my motivation stemmed from an urge to provide tailored, all-inclusive legal services in employment law. By leveraging my extensive experience and distinctive legal-commercial approach, the intent was to build a boutique firm that truly comprehends the nuances of employment relationships, regardless of how complex they might be.

The underlying idea behind Eti Avnery - Employment Law Office is to combine high professionalism, commercial insight, and emotional intelligence with modern technology approaches to offer tailored solutions to our clients. We aim not only to provide legal solutions but also to understand the individuals involved and consider their future relationships, ensuring minimal damage to our clients' businesses and livelihoods.

Our key areas of specialization include providing ongoing advice on all aspects of employment law, employment consultation within private and public M&A and IPOs, representation in litigation procedures, drafting and negotiating agreements, and providing legal opinions to all types of employers. Our practice also includes a particular focus on technology companies and the unique challenges they face in relation to employment law.

In your opinion, what factors or personal traits make you a strong and efficient business leader? What is your success mantra as a business leader?

As a business leader, I believe that several factors and personal traits contribute to my effectiveness. Firstly, my legal training has honed my ability to dissect complex issues and find practical solutions. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether in law or in business, allows me to keep the firm agile and responsive. My genuine passion for the industry fuels my commitment to providing the best service possible and inspires my team to strive for excellence. Strong negotiation skills are essential in my field, and they have been instrumental in obtaining favorable outcomes for clients. Through years of experience, I have developed a thorough understanding of both legal and commercial issues, which helps me make sound business decisions.

My success mantra is quite straightforward: ‘Always strive for excellence and maintain integrity in all you do’. I am adamant that the road to long-term business success involves upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics while relentlessly seeking better outcomes.

How do you foresee women's participation growing and evolving in the Israel business landscape going forward? How can we promote more women to reach top leadership and decision-making positions?

Women's participation in Israeli business has been growing steadily, and I expect this trend to continue and intensify. Women are increasingly entering tra­ditionally male-dominated fields, which is critical for diversifying the business ecosystem and stimulating innovation.

However, several steps can be taken to further promote women's ascension to top positions. It is essential to establish mentorship programs where aspiring female leaders can learn from those who have already succeeded. Organizations should ensure that men and women have equal opportunities at all levels. Providing flexible working conditions can help women balance their professional and personal commitments, which is often a major hurdle in reaching top positions.

Encouraging girls to pursue education in, for instance, STEM fields can pave the way for increased representation of women in leadership positions in the future. The number of businesses owned by women can be increased through programs that support them financially and with resources. Organizations can invest in leadership training programs for women to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to ascend to top positions.

By taking these steps, we can move closer to gender equality in the business world in Israel and beyond.

Eti Avnery, Founder & Owner,  Eti Avnery Law Office

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs - Remember that being an entrepreneur isn't about being perfect or knowing everything - it's about believing in your ability to learn, grow, and adapt regardless of what comes your way. Also, believe in yourself and your potential. Take risks, be brave, and don't be afraid to fail. And always remember, you are stronger and more capable than you think