Since joining Greenberg Traurig’s (“GT”) Tel Aviv office over two years ago, associate Michael Soumas has been an integral part of the firm’s corporate and securities law practice, primarily representing Israeli companies in their U.S. legal matters. With experience in capital markets transactions, regulatory compliance, and cross-border financing, he assists in executing complex transactions and supporting shareholders throughout the firm’s offices in Israel and in the U.S. He works with a diverse range of Israeli clients, providing guidance on corporate and financial matters under U.S. law. Soumas holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A.S. in Economics from Penn State.
On behalf of the Israeli legal marketing company, Robus, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael to discuss his journey to GT, his experience making Aliyah, and his insights for lawyers abroad considering the move. In the interview that follows, he shares his perspective on adapting to a new cultural environment, transitioning into a different practice area, and the professional and personal growth that came with building his career in Israel.
Tell me a bit about your story and what inspired your decision to make Aliyah?
Born into a non-observant family, Michael was raised in a small New Jersey town outside of New York City with a small Jewish population. It wasn’t until he traveled to Israel for the first time on a Birthright trip that his interest in Israel truly began to take shape.
Between completing his undergraduate studies at Penn State and starting law school at New York Law School, he saw the trip as an opportunity to travel before beginning his legal studies. He had no expectation that it would be a transformative experience. However, his time in Israel profoundly impacted him. He returned with a deep connection to the country and the Jewish people, realizing that he wanted to come back permanently when the opportunity arose.
Despite building a successful legal career in New York over the next eight years, his dream of making Aliyah never wavered. In August 2022, he knew the time had come to take the next step and fully commit to his goal of moving to Israel.
How was your experience with the transition to Israel, both personally and professionally?
Before making Aliyah, Michael Soumas worked at an investment bank in New York. Professionally, he aspired to find a similar role in Israel but quickly realized that the market for such positions was limited. During his Aliyah process, he was advised that his background would be well-suited for a capital markets role. While this was a shift from his previous experience, he credits his investment banking expertise with helping him adapt seamlessly. Describing the transition, Michael noted that moving into capital markets was “not difficult, but it was new.”
While he had to develop additional skills, his foundation in finance allowed him to navigate the learning curve effectively.
Before relocating, Michael took a proactive approach to securing employment. While still in the U.S., he registered for a webinar titled “Your Legal Career in Israel,” hosted by Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN), an organization dedicated to assisting individuals making Aliyah by providing resources, job placement support, and community-building opportunities. The webinar featured insights from top corporate lawyers in Israel and highlighted career paths available to legal professionals transitioning to the Israeli workforce.
Following the event, Michael reached out directly to panelists, contacted firms independently, and actively explored available opportunities. His persistence and strategic networking efforts ultimately led him to work with a recruiter, through whom he secured a position before officially making the move to Israel. Having a job lined up upon arrival provided a strong sense of stability, which greatly eased his transition.
On a personal level, Michael’s move to Israel was also supported by his relationship with his now-wife, whom he met during his pilot trip. Her Israeli family provided a strong support system, which was especially meaningful as he does not have immediate family in Israel. Their presence helped him navigate the cultural transition and settle into life in a new country.
Beyond his personal and professional networks, Michael also found a strong sense of community at GT, where his colleagues have served as a transplant family, offering both professional support and a welcoming environment. This sense of camaraderie has helped him integrate into both the workplace and life in Israel, reinforcing the firm’s culture of collaboration and inclusion.
What was your connection to the law firm before moving—had you worked there previously?
Michael’s path to a well-established legal career at GT was not a linear one. Before joining GT, he worked at another American law firm with an Israel presence, but he sought an environment that offered stronger local presence, a local office and a more robust Israel practice.
Michael’s transition to GT provided him with the experience he was looking for—one where he could build a meaningful career within a firm that maintains both a strong local presence and deep global integration. Since joining GT, he has been able to establish himself as a key member of the team, working closely with Israeli companies that are publicly traded in the United States and helping to bridge the gap between the two markets.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your career after making Aliyah?
Michael identified three key adjustments he had to make in his professional life after making Aliyah. While these changes presented challenges, he emphasized that they were primarily shifts in how he operates rather than obstacles.
The first adjustment was navigating the workplace without being fluent in Hebrew. While most of his work is conducted in English, there are moments when language barriers arise. However, with the help of technology, and the predominantly English-speaking nature of his field, he has been able to manage effectively.
The second adjustment was working across time zones. Given that Michael’s work focuses on U.S. stock markets, which close at 11:00 PM Israel time, his workdays often extend into late hours. Adapting to a schedule that aligns with New York’s business hours required an initial adjustment, but over time, he developed a structured routine that allows him to maintain productivity and life outside of work while balancing his workload.
The third adjustment involved expanding his role and responsibilities. While working in the U.S., Michael contributed significantly to his work at the investment bank, but in Israel, he quickly found himself in a more client-facing, leadership-driven role. Managing key relationships and playing a central role in GT’s Tel Aviv office required a shift in mindset and approach. He jokingly describes this transition with the sentiment that “the reward for doing good work is more work.”
Additionally, Michael noted the difference in work culture and communication styles between the U.S. and Israel. In Israel, legal professionals and clients often conduct their day-to-day communications through informal channels such as phone calls, whereas in the U.S., any client interactions typically follow more formal structures. This emphasis on availability and efficiency in Israel’s business culture has been an adjustment but one that Michael has embraced, recognizing the value of direct and immediate communication in building strong client relationships.
What advice would you give to lawyers considering Aliyah?
Michael offered two pieces of advice for lawyers abroad who are considering making Aliyah.
First, he emphasized the importance of networking and building connections with legal professionals in Israel before making the move. Establishing relationships early can open doors and create opportunities for incoming lawyers. He noted that many legal professionals in Israel are receptive to meeting newcomers and are often willing to share insights and guidance. He encouraged lawyers to take advantage of platforms like LinkedIn to identify and reach out to potential contacts, adding that, “You never know who you are going to meet and get connected with. Whether you end up working with them or with someone they know, there are always ways to find someone to reach out to.”
Second, Michael advised lawyers to remain open to new opportunities and career paths in the Israeli legal market. Reflecting on his own transition from investment banking to capital markets, he explained that his willingness to pivot was instrumental in securing a role in Israel. Given the structural and market differences between legal careers in the U.S. and Israel, adaptability is essential. He encouraged lawyers to approach job opportunities with a learning mindset, emphasizing that even if they do not have direct experience in a specific role, demonstrating flexibility, eagerness to learn, and the ability to adapt can make all the difference in securing a position.
Michael’s insights highlight the value of preparation, networking, and adaptability for legal professionals considering Aliyah, offering a practical and encouraging perspective for those looking to build their careers in Israel.
Thank you to Michael for taking the time to share his personal and professional journey to Israel, and to the GT Tel Aviv marketing team for their support in making this interview possible.
