The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) honored Boston University professor Maya Steinitz, an alumna and successful arbitrator, on June 4 at the 87th Board of Governors meeting in Jerusalem.
Steinitz is a law professor, arbitrator and one of the world’s leading experts on litigation finance. She currently teaches civil procedure, international arbitration, and international business transactions at Boston University Law School as a professor of law and R. Butler Gordon Scholar in International Law.
Her research focuses on a wide range of topics, including the intersection of civil litigation and corporate law, public and business international law, transnational dispute resolution, and the global legal profession. Steinitz regularly serves as an arbitrator, expert and counsel in international and domestic arbitrations. Her books and articles have been published by leading university presses, law reviews and law journals.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Steinitz is committed to giving back to the community and her alma mater, Hebrew University, where she has helped enrich student learning as a guest lecturer. Earlier this year, she also made a significant contribution to American Friends of the Hebrew University, demonstrating her dedication to supporting education and research.
Her legacy with Hebrew University began with her late grandfather, Heinz Steinitz, who was a distinguished professor and chairman of the Department of Zoology. He was also founder and first director of the Marine Biology Laboratory near Eilat.
During a ceremony in which her Hebrew University contributions were commemorated in the Wall of Life, a certificate was read, “Honoring her professional expertise as a law professor, teacher, arbitrator and counsel; in tribute to her deep familial ties with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; and in tribute to her generosity as a scholar, expert and friend of American Friends of the Hebrew University.”
“It is such an honor to be recognized by Hebrew University, where I’ve lectured, attended law school, and have continued the legacy of involvement begun by my grandfather,” she said. “I am pleased to support the continuing research and education initiatives through American Friends of the Hebrew University, especially during these challenging times.”
Steinitz is a senior international arbitrator and mediator whose alternative dispute resolution practice includes arbitrating complex matters such as multibillion-dollar commercial disputes, sensitive NATO contracting, and serving as counsel in a maritime boundary arbitration. She led the representation of the emerging government of
Southern Sudan in drafting its national and sub-national constitutions. She also provided legal advice on various aspects of the Sudanese peace process, in a representation which The Deal described as “one of the most ambitious international pro-bono undertakings ever by a commercial law firm.”
Prior to joining Boston University Law School, Steinitz held a dual appointment as an associate-in-law and lecturer at Columbia Law School, where she taught a course on “The Legal Aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” and served as a visiting professor at Harvard Law School, Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Before joining academia, she served as a litigator at Latham & Watkins, LLP (2003-2009) and Flemming, Zulack & Williamson LLP (2001-2002). She also clerked for the former Chief Justice of the Israeli Supreme Court Esther Hayut (1998-1999). Steinitz graduated from New York University School of Law with a Doctor of Juridical Science (2005) and Master of Law (2000) and from the Hebrew University with a Bachelor of Laws (1999).
