Yossi Abadi

Yossi Abadi's practice encompasses a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues, including extensive work with and opposite various governmental agencies. He also advises on telecommunications infrastructure and content opportunities and ventures. Yossi is co-Chairperson of the Telecommunications Committee of the Israeli Bar Association.

Yossi's  past experience includes an active role in shaping government regulation, wide experience in commercial law and senior positions in the media. Until May 2011 he was a partner in the law firm Caspi & Co., where he managed the communications practice of the firm for over 11 years. His practice combined mergers and acquisitions, creditors' arrangements, litigation, regulatory matters and commercial counseling.

Between 1997 and 1999, Yossi was the Executive Director of the Israel Broadcasting Regulatory Administration, where he initiated sweeping reforms in the Israeli broadcasting market.  These reforms included the launch of competition in multi-channel television platforms. 

Between 1996 and 1997, he served as Counsel to the Israeli Ministry of Communications, where he negotiated a landmark agreement between the Ministry of Communications and the British firm, Cable & Wireless, regarding its holdings in Bezeq, Israel’s privatized telecom monopoly. He also served as a member of the Peled Committee on Reform in the Electronic Media.

From 1994 to 1996, Yossi served as General Counsel of the Government Companies (Privatization) Authority, overseeing over US$500,000,000 in privatization deals completed during his tenure.

Yossi's association with media preceded his qualification as a lawyer - he was Deputy Editor and director of the news departments at both the Israel Army Radio and the newspaper Hadashot.

Representative experience:

• Representation of Altice in its purchase of a controlling interest in Hot Telecommunications, Israel’s cable television company.
• Advising Haim Saban in matters related to the purchase of control in Bezeq, Israel’s incumbent telephone carrier.
• Representing the Second Authority for Television and Radio (the Israeli Government’s broadcasting regulator) in appeals to the Supreme Court and the Administrative Court, and in precedent-setting litigation for damages and compensation.
• Conducting tender procedures for the Second Authority for Television and Radio in licensing and franchising of regional radio stations.
• Representation of Merhav Group in its purchase of control in Ampal.
• Copyright litigation: Representation of the author of a biography on Nobel prize-winning writer, S.Y. Agnon; representation of a former senior employee of Ha'Zera agricultural company in Labor Court against allegations of theft of trade secrets.