By Amit Acco, Partner |
Tel Aviv, May 2025 – According to Walla! Finance the Israeli Bar Association has issued a strong position paper this month, making it unequivocally clear: providing legal services in the field of immigration by anyone other than licensed lawyer constitutes unauthorized practice of law — a criminal offense under Israeli law.
Non-Law Entities Under Scrutiny
The position paper, distributed to all members of the Bar and shared with the public, directly addresses a growing phenomenon in which non-law entities — such as accounting firms, HR companies, and so-called “ground service” providers — offer legal immigration services to businesses seeking to employ foreign employees in Israel.
This development serves as a wake-up call for global accounting firms, “Ground Services” companies, and private service providers who have increasingly taken part in immigration-related services
Legal Services Must Be Provided by Lawyers
According to the paper prepared by the Bar Association, actions such as preparing visa documents, advising on the type of visa required, interpreting legal obligations, and guiding employers on compliance with immigration laws are not merely procedural services — they are legal services that must be provided by licensed lawyers only.
Criminal and Ethical Implications
The Israeli Bar’s Professional Ethics and Immigration Committees clarified that any such activity conducted by non-lawyers— or even by lawyers employed within those non-law entities — is not only unethical but constitutes a criminal breach of the Israeli Bar Law. Violators may face criminal charges, and entities involved in these practices are expected to be subject to legal action.
Legal Consequences for Companies and Executives
This paper first mentioned in hinting that the Bar may prepare legal proceedings against accounting firms and private companies suspected of illegally offering these services, including those employing in-house lawyers to represent third-party clients in immigration matters.
Real-World Consequences Already Occurring
Also, According to Walla, the paper also warned that reliance on unauthorized service providers has already led to severe consequences: denied entry for foreign workers, deportations, administrative fines, criminal indictments against company executives, and disruptions to major infrastructure and tech projects across Israel.
Call to Employers: Use Licensed Lawyers Only
Employers are now being urged to ensure that any legal aspect of hiring foreign nationals— including visa application and compliance consultation — is handled exclusively by licensed Israeli lawyer.
