Understanding the story of Michal Berkner feels a little like opening a book about someone who has spent her life shaping the biggest business deals in the world. She is a top corporate lawyer, a respected advisor, a mentor to young talent, and someone who is widely known for her calm and strong leadership style. Many people also know her because of her marriage to British politician Robert Jenrick, but her own career stands proudly on its own.
In simple words, she is a lawyer who works on huge deals between companies. These deals often involve life sciences, biopharma, and deep-tech industries. These are sectors that change fast, move big money, and require experts who understand both business and global regulations. This is where she shines.
She has built a name for herself through hard work and smart decisions. And today, she is seen as one of the most trusted voices in international mergers and acquisitions.
Early Life & Background of Michal Berkner
Every strong story begins somewhere, and hers starts in Israel. Michal Berkner was born in April 1973 and spent her early childhood there before moving to the United States at the age of ten. This early move shaped her life in a powerful way. Growing up in two different countries helped her understand people from different cultures, which later became a major advantage in her legal career.
She also comes from a family with deep roots in history. Her grandparents were Holocaust survivors, and their experiences played a role in how she views the world. They taught her the importance of strength, fairness, and responsibility. These values can be felt in her work even today.
Her childhood was a mix of learning, adapting, and growing into someone who understood global challenges long before she stepped into a courtroom or boardroom.
Education: The Strong Foundation Behind Her Success
Johns Hopkins University
Her academic journey shows how determined she was from the very beginning. She studied at Johns Hopkins University, one of the most respected universities in the world. There, she learned how the world works, how governments make decisions, and how international systems operate. These lessons prepared her for the global work she does today.
At Johns Hopkins, she built strong analytical skills. She learned to study complex topics and break them into simple ideas. This skill later became one of her biggest strengths as a lawyer.
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
After finishing her undergraduate studies, she attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School. This step pushed her closer to the world of corporate law. She studied how companies function, how deals are made, and how legal systems guide business decisions.
Her education was not only about books. It was also about understanding people, cultures, and high-pressure situations. These experiences became the foundation of her future career in global M&A.
Legal Career Overview — The Rise of a Global M&A Leader
Long before anyone knew her name, Michal Berkner was already working hard behind the scenes. After completing her education, she stepped into the world of corporate law, a field known for its intensity and long hours. But she did not just fit in — she stood out.
She built a reputation for being calm, steady, and extremely sharp. Clients trusted her because she could explain complex deals in simple ways. Colleagues admired her because she always stayed level-headed, even when working on billion-dollar transactions.
Her work soon expanded across multiple continents. She handled deals involving companies from the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She became known as someone who could solve problems, bring people together, and guide clients through some of their most important business moments.
Career Timeline: The Major Law Firms That Shaped Her Path
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Her career began at Skadden, one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. She spent more than twenty years here, working on high-value transactions and building strong client relationships. Her time at Skadden helped her understand the scale of international business. It also taught her how to lead major deals involving multiple countries and legal systems.
Many of her early successes came from her ability to stay calm under pressure. This trait followed her throughout her entire career.
Cooley LLP
After leaving Skadden, she joined Cooley, where she played an even more active role in life sciences and technology deals. These industries grow very quickly and require lawyers who understand science, business, and law. She became one of the leading voices in this space, helping companies navigate complex investments and partnerships.
At Cooley, she also became a mentor. She guided young lawyers, helped shape firm policies, and pushed for more women in leadership roles.
McDermott Will & Emery
Her time here was brief but meaningful. She continued working on high-level deals and expanded her influence even further across Europe.
Baker McKenzie (Current Role)
In 2025, she joined Baker McKenzie as a senior partner and took on a major leadership role. She now leads the firm’s EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions practice. This means she plays a central role in shaping some of the biggest corporate deals happening today.
Her work impacts not just companies, but entire industries.
Major Transactions & Career Achievements
When you look at the deals Michal Berkner has worked on, you see a pattern of trust, skill, and long-term value. She has advised on some of the largest M&A transactions in the global market. These deals involve billions of dollars and shape the future of entire industries.
For example, she worked on:
- The $1.75 billion sale of Baylis Medical to Boston Scientific.
- The $1.2 billion acquisition of VectivBio by Ironwood.
- The $900 million sale of Therachon to Pfizer.
- The massive $17 billion Nokia–Alcatel-Lucent merger.
Each deal required deep knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to predict challenges before they appear. These transactions show her skill not just as a lawyer, but as a strategist.
Expertise & Specializations of Michal Berkner
Her areas of expertise go far beyond basic legal work. She is known for understanding both the legal and business sides of a deal. She is the person companies call when they need clarity, direction, and confidence.
Her main specializations include:
- Cross-border mergers and acquisitions
- Life sciences and biopharma deals
- Deep-tech investments
- Corporate governance
- Large-scale international negotiations
Her multilingual skills — speaking English, French, and Hebrew — also give her an edge in global work. Being able to communicate across cultures is a major part of her success.
Leadership Style & Professional Reputation
People who work with her often describe her as steady, thoughtful, and deeply professional. She does not rush, She listens, She asks smart questions. And she brings calm energy to every conversation.
She also believes strongly in lifting others up. She mentors younger lawyers and encourages more diversity and representation in legal leadership. Many see her as both a role model and a guide.
Her ability to balance strength with kindness is one reason she is so respected across the legal world.
Her Role at Baker McKenzie Today
When you look at where Michal Berkner is now, you see someone at the top of her field. At Baker McKenzie, she leads major deals across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These areas are home to fast-growing companies, new technologies, and huge investment opportunities. Her role is to guide these companies through complex transactions with clarity and confidence.
Every week brings something new — a new client, a new deal, a new challenge. And she handles each one with the same calm and steady approach she has become known for. Her work shapes industries, supports innovation, and strengthens global business relationships.
She also takes part in shaping firm strategy. She helps plan how the legal team grows, how new talent is trained, and how the firm responds to global changes. In simple words, she does not just work at the firm — she helps lead it forward.
Her Legal Philosophy and Vision
Many people admire Michal Berkner for her technical skill. But what truly sets her apart is her philosophy. She believes law should not only protect companies — it should also empower people. She works with honesty, patience, and respect. These values guide every deal she handles, no matter how big or small.
She also believes in preparing younger lawyers for the future. Instead of just giving instructions, she teaches them how to solve problems on their own. Her mentorship has shaped the careers of many people in the legal world.
To her, success is not just about closing deals. It is about building trust, creating opportunities, and helping clients feel fully supported during important moments.
Personal Life: A Blend of Culture, Family, and Tradition
Behind the strong professional profile is a warm and family-focused life. Michal Berkner is married to British politician Robert Jenrick. They met years ago while working at the same law firm. Their shared understanding of long hours, high pressure, and professional dedication helped them connect instantly.
They married in 2009 and now have three daughters. Their home is a mix of traditions, cultures, and stories. They raise their children in the Jewish faith, honoring both her heritage and the deep history of her family. One of their daughters even carries the middle name “Thatcher,” a quiet tribute to the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
They live in a historic manor in Herefordshire. The home is peaceful, full of character, and far from the noise of city life. It reflects their love for privacy, history, and quiet moments.
How Her Background Shapes Her Strength
Her family history plays an important role in who she is today. Being the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors gave her a powerful sense of purpose. She grew up with stories of loss, survival, and resilience. These stories shaped her heart and her worldview.
This background taught her to be strong, but also kind. Confident, but also humble. Many believe her deep sense of justice comes from this part of her life.
Even today, she uses her position to help others through mentorship, diversity programs, and support for under-represented voices in law.
Public Image and Media Presence
Although she works in a very public world, Michal Berkner keeps a private and grounded personality. She is well-known in legal, political, and business circles, yet she avoids unnecessary attention. Her public appearances are thoughtful and meaningful — not loud or dramatic.
When she speaks at conferences or events, people describe her as clear, calm, and deeply knowledgeable. She communicates in a way that feels warm, honest, and confident. She is often praised for her ability to make complex ideas easy for everyone to understand.
Her presence during her husband’s 2024 political campaign also caught the media’s attention. Many news outlets described her as “a force of nature” — someone who combines intelligence with quiet strength.
Net Worth and Income Sources
While exact numbers are not made public, it is clear that Michal Berkner has built significant wealth through her long and successful legal career. Partners at top global law firms often earn high incomes, especially when they lead major cross-border deals.
Her income comes from:
- Senior partner roles at global law firms
- M&A advisory work
- Leadership positions in major legal teams
- Long-term investments and family assets
- Property ownership
Combined with her husband’s public career and their personal investments, the family maintains a multi-million-dollar net worth.
Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Her life story spans multiple parts of the world. She was born in Israel, raised in the United States, and built her career in both the U.S. and the UK. This international background gives her a unique perspective when working with global clients.
Her ethnicity is Jewish, and her family continues to honor Jewish traditions and values. This cultural identity is important to her family life and personal beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Michal Berkner do for a living?
She is a senior partner at Baker McKenzie and a global M&A attorney who leads major deals in biopharma, deep tech, and life sciences.
Where does she currently work?
She works at Baker McKenzie in London as the Head of EMEA Biopharma and Deep-Tech Transactions.
How did she become well-known?
Her reputation comes from nearly 30 years of handling complex international deals, her leadership roles at top law firms, and her influence in global M&A.
Who is she married to?
She is married to British politician Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice.
Does she have children?
Yes, she has three daughters whom she and her husband are raising in the Jewish faith.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of a Modern Legal Leader
The story of Michal Berkner is a reminder that success is built on many small choices — passion, discipline, patience, and the courage to keep going. Her career is a model of intelligence and integrity. Her personal life reflects warmth, strength, and cultural pride.
She has worked on some of the world’s biggest transactions. She has shaped policies, guided young lawyers, and built trust across continents. And yet, she carries herself with simplicity and grace.
Her journey shows what is possible when talent meets purpose — and when someone chooses not only to lead but to inspire.
