Adv. & Mediator Rebecca Shwartz
Adv. and Mediator Founder and Owner
| Year of Birth: | 1981 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Fields: | Family laws and personal status, specializing in rabbinical court representation; handling complex cases in the orthodox community, divorce refusals, cases which involve mental illnesses, parental alienation, etc. |
| Position: | Adv. and Mediator Founder and Owner |
| Additional Positions: | • Vice Chair, Bar Association’s Jerusalem District Committee • Member, Bar Association’s Ethics Committee, Jerusalem District • Executive Chair, Bar Association’s Rabbinical Courts Committee, Jerusalem District • Co-Chair, Bar Association’s Women Status Committee, Jerusalem District • Founder, “Min HaMezar” organization, which helps victims of sexual crimes in the orthodox community. |
| Past positions: | Intern, State Attorney's Office; External Staff Member, Ono Academic College |
| Education: | LL.B. with honors, Ono Academic College (2007-2011); MA, Public Policy, The Freedman School for Public Policy and Administration, Hebrew University (2013-2015) |
| Community Activity: | Founding and leading “Min HaMezar” organization; activities for social and professional promotion of attorneys; Co-Manager, “Yeshnan” project for the promotion of Hasidic and religious women in the public arena |
| Certification: | Certified lawyer since 2012 |
| International Recognition: | Participated in a mission to California on behalf of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and “Gesher” to deepen the connection between Israel and North America’s Jewish community (2018) |
| Languages: | Hebrew, English |
What recent legal move did you lead?
As part of a case that I am managing in the rabbinical court and in family court simultaneously, I have led a significant, and even precedent-setting ruling (soon to be published) in the District Court, regarding the lack of authority of the rabbinical court to rule under the Law of Youth. The case unravels a horrific story of an orthodox family that have been victims of sexual abuse by the hands of their father. Through determined legal work, we have been able to keep the case under civil court despite objections and, at the same time, keep the man away for all the duration of his objection period to discuss the matter at hand. All the while, handling prejudice and attempts for financial control. This case is a significant turning point in handling cases of domestic abuse in the orthodox community.
What are the firm’s most significant strengths?
My professional strengths combine the profound understanding of Jewish laws along with high legal expertise. The ability to conduct at ease in both civil and rabbinical courts enables me to lead complex legal strategies. My authentic understanding of the orthodox ways, as a person raised inside this society, allows me to mediate cultural differences and effectively represent my clients. I excel in managing sensitive cases which require a combined strategy in the different courts, and in creating innovative solutions for complex issues, such as divorce refusals and cases involving mental illnesses.
What are the main challenges facing the firm today?
The firm’s current challenges include handling the collision between the different systems (religious and civil), effectively representing orthodox men and women before conservative systems, and handling the complexities of cases which involve sensitive topic. An additional challenge is managing cases with international factors, such as cross-border child abductions, and finding the proper legal solutions when the formal jurisdiction is limited.
1. Mediating between different legal systems (rabbinical and civil courts).
2. Handling with complexities in cross-border family cases with international aspects.
3. Providing access to quality legal services for disadvantaged populations.
4. Combining the values of the orthodox community with the promotion of basic human rights.
What will you recommend to an up-and-coming executive?
Acquire a unique expertise that involves your professional and personal backgrounds – my professional expertise are a result of the combination between my orthodox identity and legal training.
1. Don’t be afraid to breach barriers, even when you are told “no” – my mission is turning every “no” into a “yes” and remove obstacles.
2. Develop the ability to work in several systems and mediate between them – my understanding of both civil and rabbinical courts is a significant advantage in this era, finding areas of consent is the key to every field, whether from its social, business, personal, or family aspects.
What should one remember during challenging times?
1. Dealing with difficult cases is your chance to make a true difference – as we have seen is cases of domestic abuse and sexual crimes.
2. There is substantial value in work that is perceived as a mission rather than just a trade – it motivates you to face the challenges.
3. The combination between professionalism and human decency leads to the best results – even in the most complicated cases.
4. Even in cases where the system sets barriers, legal creativity can create solutions – as proved in divorce refusal cases and cases involving mental illnesses.
5. Never give up on your values, even when things get hard – the commitment to pave the way for others so they don’t have to walk on shattered glass, enables perseverance even in the most difficult of times.