Insurance Claims: A Battle for the Rightful

Insurance claims have always been a pain for insured individuals. While insurance companies exist to offer us security when our valuables are damaged, the actual process of receiving compensation often becomes a challenge, even when the damage falls under the scope of coverage.

Despite being contractually obligated, many insurance companies hesitate to release the promised amount. In these moments, some rare professionals emerge as guiding angels, lawyers who work relentlessly on behalf of the insured. This unique and often overlooked role is crucial in helping individuals and entities receive the compensation they deserve.

We are more than elated to introduce Adv. Erez Schneorson, Founder of the Israeli law firm E. Schneorson Zamir.

From Representing Insurance Companies to Defending the Insured

Erez’s legal journey began on the other side of the aisle, representing insurance companies. In the early stages of his career, he handled a steady flow of cases from major firms, routinely working on behalf of insurers.

What started as a stable and routine legal practice gradually turned into a moral and professional turning point. Time and again, Erez found himself questioning the ethics behind the refusal to honor valid insurance claims.

“In many cases, I believed the insured was unjustly denied coverage. But my recommendations to resolve these cases were often ignored,”
says Erez.

Frustrated with the system and driven by a sense of justice, he made the bold decision to switch sides, becoming a passionate advocate for the insured, and founding his own law firm with the mission of holding insurance companies accountable.

From representing insurance companies to being an Advocate for the Insured

Erez’s journey began on the other side of the aisle, representing insurance companies. His early career offered him a steady stream of cases, as claims routinely landed on his desk from insurance firms. Yet, what began as a stable legal practice soon evolved into a moral and professional crossroads. Repeatedly, he found himself disillusioned by the refusal of insurance companies to fairly compensate genuine claims.

Erez adds,” In many cases, I believed the insured was unjustly denied coverage. But my recommendations to resolve these cases were often ignored.”

That ethical tension marked a pivotal moment in his career. He made the bold decision to relinquish the safety net of guaranteed income and instead built a firm dedicated solely to representing policyholders. In doing so, he not only disrupted the prevailing legal model in Israel but also cemented his firm’s status as one of the very few in the country that openly refuses to represent insurance companies, eliminating conflicts of interest and positioning client advocacy at the core of its mission.

A Defining Legal Victory

The firm’s credibility took a quantum leap following a landmark case that still reverberates in legal circles. One of his clients, an entrepreneur who owned a popular restaurant, suffered devastating fire damage to his business. The insurance company’s sluggish response and partial payout forced the restaurant to close. Erez, unwavering in his commitment, sued the insurance company not just for insured damages but for breach of agreement, demanding compensation for years of lost profits through the lease period.

The case reached the Supreme Court of Israel, which ruled in favor of Erez’s client, awarding millions of shekels in compensation. This judgement became a cornerstone in Israeli insurance jurisprudence and catapulted his firm into national prominence. More importantly, it validated the firm’s philosophy that insurers must be held accountable not just to policy documents, but to the broader principles of fairness and contractual obligation.

Sustaining Success Through Relentless Professionalism

Behind the firm’s enduring success lies a relentless commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and thought leadership. Erez’s approach is deeply rooted in staying ahead of industry trends and legal innovation.

Erez adds, “We make it a point to stay at the forefront of our field through constant education.”

The firm holds regular training workshops and in-house lectures, often led by industry experts. He serves as a senior lecturer at multiple prestigious institutions, including the Bar Association, the College of Insurance and Finance, and Adif College. He is also the academic manager for Israel’s Property Insurance Claims Management and Appraisers Courses. These roles not only enhance the firm’s intellectual capital but also serve as a conduit for shaping the next generation of legal professionals.

Additionally, Erez has authored numerous books and professional guides on insurance law, many of which are distributed free of charge. This dedication to thought leadership strengthens the firm’s authority while fostering a culture of generosity and knowledge-sharing within the industry.

Leading Through Transformation

Erez is acutely aware of the seismic shifts reshaping the legal profession. From post-pandemic work habits to technological adoption, his firm has not merely adapted but embraced transformation. As per his observation, the pace of change today requires flexibility.

Erez adds, “Professions once considered traditional, like litigation, must now incorporate AI, digital tools, and virtual collaboration.”

The firm has digitized client communication, implemented systems for seamless data transfer, and embraced Zoom meetings as a norm. These moves are not just about modernization—they’re strategic decisions to enhance service delivery while reducing environmental impact. In a world where clients demand responsiveness and efficiency, Erez’s ability to blend tradition with technology offers a model for sustainable legal operations.

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation

Innovation is not confined to the courtroom or client interface. Erez has cultivated a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, inquiry, and shared growth. Weekly team meetings include knowledge-sharing sessions where attorneys present legal insights, post-hearing takeaways, or emerging issues in the field. The office kitchen is an unconventional hub that serves as an incubator of ideas, fostering spontaneous conversations that often spark strategic breakthroughs.

This culture of innovation also extends outward. The firm hosts an annual industry conference attended by hundreds of professionals and thought leaders. These gatherings serve as knowledge-exchange platforms, reflecting his belief that open dialogue enhances the collective strength of the legal community.

Broad and Impactful Legal Services

While property damage claims remain the firm’s cornerstone, its expertise extends into liability cases involving professionals like engineers, lawyers, and consultants, as well as institutions such as municipalities and hospitals. In complex litigation where insurers deny coverage, Erez’s team defends the insured while concurrently pursuing third-party claims against the insurer.

This dual-representation approach to defense and indemnification has been particularly effective in high-stakes cases involving tens or even hundreds of millions of shekels. With a sharp understanding of causation and policy interpretation, the firm consistently delivers favorable outcomes in what are often precedent-setting legal battles.

Confidential Excellence in High-Stakes Claims

In a profession where discretion is paramount, especially in multimillion-dollar claims involving international players, Erez’s firm has built a reputation for trust and integrity. One notable success involved a massive fire at a major infrastructure project in Israel. Despite the insurer’s refusal to pay, Erez’s team secured full compensation within a short timeframe, a feat attributed to meticulous claim construction and strategic legal argumentation. Though client confidentiality restricts public disclosure, these victories reaffirm the firm’s elite standing in insurance litigation.

A Global Perspective

Today, Erez also serves as the exclusive Israeli representative for insurance claims management within Cross Border Advisory Solutions, further extending the firm’s reach and relevance in the global insurance landscape. His role positions the firm at the intersection of local expertise and international collaboration, making it a trusted partner for multinational clients navigating Israel’s legal terrain.

A Vision for the Future

Erez’s long-term vision is anchored in purpose and progress. His goal has always been to balance technical excellence with human empathy. As insurance law continues to evolve amidst global disruption and digital acceleration, Erez is ensuring that his firm remains not only responsive but also proactive.

In an era where legal credibility is as important as innovation, he embodies both. His journey from advocating for insurance firms to championing the rights of the insured is more than a career arc; it’s a case study in ethical evolution, leadership resilience, and strategic excellence. For Israel’s insured public and international stakeholders alike, his firm stands as a benchmark for what principled, future-ready litigation can and should look like.