Israeli Lawyer Shoham Even Leads Hundreds of Consumer Class Actions Over Packaging Weight Violations
Israeli attorney Shoham Even has become a prominent figure in consumer protection litigation, focusing on class actions against food businesses for allegedly charging customers for product packaging weight. Over the past eight years, Even has initiated at least 78 legal proceedings against various companies, including 32 class action filings between 2021 and 2024. Since becoming a licensed lawyer last year, he has represented plaintiffs in multiple class actions, each seeking around 2.5 million shekels, targeting food sellers in the Haifa region and beyond for violating consumer protection laws by not deducting packaging weight from product prices.
One notable case involved nine bakeries accused of charging customers based on the gross weight of baked goods without subtracting packaging weight, a practice that allegedly breaches Israeli consumer law. Some defendants have reached settlements, compensating the public with free products valued at 100,000 shekels and agreeing to adjust their weighing practices. Even’s legal activity has sparked public debate, especially after a 2024 lawsuit against a furniture business owned by a reservist soldier, which was eventually dropped following an agreement to improve business practices and donate furniture to IDF bases.
Even’s approach has drawn criticism from former Knesset member Avir Kara, who calls such serial lawsuits a burden on the judicial system and harmful to businesses, accusing Even of exploiting technical violations for financial gain. In response, Even’s lawyer Ron Aviv defends his client’s work as legitimate civil enforcement benefiting the public, citing over 15 million shekels in consumer compensation from his cases. Aviv also notes that Even’s lawsuits have targeted large corporations and that settlements often include corrective measures rather than just financial penalties.
The Israeli Ministry of Justice is currently advancing legislative reforms to curb frivolous class actions, including limiting plaintiffs to five class action filings per year and requiring prior notification to businesses to correct minor violations before lawsuits can proceed. This reform aims to reduce court congestion and protect small businesses from serial litigation. The bill is expected to be discussed soon in the Knesset’s Constitution Committee.
Meanwhile, Even faces an ethics complaint alleging he collaborates with professional serial plaintiffs, a charge his defense calls baseless. Despite controversy, Even continues to pursue consumer rights cases, emphasizing his commitment to enforcing fair commercial practices and protecting Israeli consumers.
