Michal Berkner is a prominent corporate lawyer known for her expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), cross‑border transactions, and strategic corporate advice. With an impressive career that spans multiple prestigious law firms and a reputation for handling complex international deals, Berkner stands out as one of the leading figures in global legal practice. Her career trajectory has not only shaped her professional identity but also influenced the legal landscape for M&A and corporate law across sectors like life sciences, technology, and biopharma.
Early Life and Education
Michal Berkner was born in Israel in April 1973 and comes from a family with strong ties to both legal and cultural traditions. Growing up, she was exposed to a diverse blend of influences that helped shape her worldview. From an early age, Berkner exhibited a keen interest in law and international relations, ultimately pursuing higher education in the United States.
She earned her undergraduate degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University in the U.S. A. Driven by her passion for legal studies, she then attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor (JD). This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future as a dual‑qualified solicitor and attorney in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Michal Berkner Career Beginnings: Skadden and Cooley
Berkner’s professional journey began at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, one of the top global law firms. There, she honed her expertise in corporate law and M&A, advising major clients on high‑profile cross‑border transactions. With over two decades of experience at Skadden, she became recognized as one of the leading voices in international corporate law, developing a deep understanding of the regulatory and legal nuances of global deals.
Following her time at Skadden, Berkner moved to Cooley LLP, where she continued to build on her corporate law expertise. At Cooley, she played a key role in advising clients in the life sciences and technology sectors, two industries known for their rapid growth and regulatory complexity. Her success at Cooley solidified her reputation as an expert in both high‑value M&A deals and technology-driven transactions.
Baker McKenzie: A New Chapter
In 2025, Berkner joined Baker McKenzie, one of the largest law firms in the world, as a partner in their Corporate M&A department in London. Her move to Baker McKenzie marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, where she took on an influential role as the Head of EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions. In this position, Berkner was tasked with leading some of the most complex M&A deals in the industry, with a focus on biopharma, deep tech, and cross‑border corporate matters.
At Baker McKenzie, Berkner’s practice is heavily focused on advising multinational corporations on strategic corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Her deep understanding of multinational regulatory frameworks and ability to guide clients through intricate legal and business landscapes have made her a trusted advisor to many top-tier firms in the biopharma and technology industries.
Michal Berkner Personal Life: Marriage to Robert Jenrick
Beyond her remarkable professional accomplishments, Michal Berkner is perhaps best known to the public for her marriage to Robert Jenrick, a prominent British Conservative politician and Member of Parliament. Jenrick has held several high-profile governmental positions in the UK, including Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
Together, Berkner and Jenrick are one of the UK’s most recognized power couples, balancing their respective professional careers with raising their three children. Though Berkner keeps a relatively private personal life, her marriage to Jenrick has placed her at the intersection of law and politics, further heightening her public profile.
Despite the attention brought by her husband’s political career, Berkner has remained firmly focused on her legal work. She has built a strong professional identity independent of her husband’s political career, known for her leadership in the legal community and her commitment to advancing the corporate law sector.
Michal Berkner Reputation and Legacy
Michal Berkner has built a distinguished reputation as a leading corporate lawyer in the global legal community. She is often recognized by her peers for her strategic thinking and unparalleled expertise in navigating complex cross‑border mergers and acquisitions. As a mentor and role model for aspiring lawyers, Berkner has been an advocate for the advancement of women in law, particularly in senior leadership roles within the legal profession.
Her ability to handle high‑stakes corporate transactions, coupled with her technical expertise and commercial acumen, has earned her numerous accolades and recognitions in global legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. Berkner’s influence extends beyond her clients and colleagues; she has become an inspiration to many who seek to follow in her footsteps in the competitive world of corporate law.
Michal Berkner Net Worth and Professional Influence
While exact figures regarding her net worth are not publicly available, it is widely believed that Michal Berkner’s career in top-tier law firms, combined with her current role at Baker McKenzie, places her in the multi-million pound/dollar range. Her roles in advising on multi-billion dollar deals, managing cross-border transactions, and her leadership in international law have significantly contributed to her financial success.
Her reputation as a high‑profile lawyer in corporate law and M&A ensures that she remains a sought-after advisor for major corporations. With her expertise and position at the helm of EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions, Berkner’s impact continues to shape the future of the global legal market.
Conclusion
Michal Berkner’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, expertise, and leadership. From her early days in Israel to her prominent role at Baker McKenzie, she has established herself as one of the leading corporate lawyers of her generation. Whether advising on complex M&A deals or serving as a role model for women in law, Berkner’s legacy in the legal profession is undeniable.
Her success story is not just about her professional achievements; it is also about the impact she has had on the legal community, the lives of her clients, and the future of corporate law. With her continued leadership in M&A, biopharma, and deep tech, Michal Berkner’s influence on the global legal stage is bound to grow even more in the coming years.
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