Who is Michal Berkner?
Michal Berkner is a globally recognized corporate lawyer specializing in complex cross-border mergers and acquisitions within the life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors. With over 25 years of experience at elite law firms and a leadership role in one of the world’s largest practices, she combines legal acumen with strategic vision, earning her a reputation as a leading dealmaker and advocate for diversity in law.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michal Berkner |
| Age | 52 years (Born in April 1973) |
| Education | BA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins University; JD, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School |
| Professional Qualifications | US and UK Qualified Attorney |
| Current Position | Partner, Head of EMEA Biopharma & Deep Tech Transactions, Baker McKenzie LLP (London) |
| Previous Firms | Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (1997–2018); Cooley LLP (2018–2024); McDermott Will & Emery (Mar–Nov 2024) |
| Specializations | Mergers & Acquisitions; Cross-border Transactions; Corporate Restructuring; Joint Ventures |
| Notable Transactions | TNK-BP $56 billion sale to Rosneft; Baylis Medical $1.75 billion sale; VectivBio $1.2 billion sale; Therachon $900 million sale; Nokia’s $17 billion Alcatel-Lucent acquisition |
| Marital Status | Married to UK politician Robert Jenrick; three daughters |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; estimated £1 million–£3 million based on senior partner compensation and equity stakes in London firms |
Early Life and Education
Born in April 1973 in Israel, Michal Berkner moved to the United States as a child. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University before graduating with honors from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in 1997. Her dual qualifications in New York and England & Wales underpin her expertise in handling multinational legal matters.
Michal Berkner’s Professional Journey
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (1997–2018)
Michal spent over two decades at Skadden, splitting her time between New York and London offices. She rose through the ranks to become a trusted adviser on high-value cross-border M&A transactions, including the landmark $56 billion TNK-BP sale to Rosneft.
Cooley LLP (2018–2024)
Joining Cooley’s London office, she spearheaded the firm’s expansion in life sciences and technology M&A. During this period, she led major exits such as Baylis Medical’s $1.75 billion sale and VectivBio’s $1.2 billion deal, solidifying her reputation as a market leader.
McDermott Will & Emery (Mar–Nov 2024)
As a senior partner, Michal enhanced McDermott’s transatlantic transactions practice, advising strategic buyers and sellers across the healthcare and deep tech sectors.
Baker McKenzie LLP (Mar 2025–Present)
Appointed Partner and Head of EMEA Biopharma & Deep Tech Transactions, Michal now leads one of Baker McKenzie’s most dynamic practice areas, leveraging her extensive global network to drive high-impact deals.
Signature Transactions
- TNK-BP sale to Rosneft: Advised on the $56 billion transaction, one of the largest energy deals in history.
- Baylis Medical sale: Guided the $1.75 billion sale to Boston Scientific, showcasing her expertise in life sciences exits.
- VectivBio and Therachon dealings: Orchestrated multibillion-dollar acquisitions in the biotech space, including a $900 million sale to Pfizer and a $1.2 billion sale to Ironwood.
- Nokia’s strategic acquisitions: Supported Nokia’s $17 billion acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent and other telecom infrastructure deals, demonstrating cross-sector versatility.
Michal Berkner’s Personal Life and Advocacy
Michal Berkner is married to British politician Robert Jenrick, and together they raise three daughters in London. A grandchild of Holocaust survivors, she actively champions mentorship, diversity, and ethical leadership within the legal profession, launching initiatives to support women and underrepresented groups in corporate law.
Michal Berkner’s Net Worth and Financial Analysis
While Michal’s exact net worth remains private, senior partners at leading London law firms typically command annual compensation between £250,000 and £400,000, with additional equity and performance bonuses. Based on these benchmarks and her multi-firm career trajectory, her net worth is estimated in the range of £1 million to £3 million.
Disclaimer: The financial analysis below contains estimated figures. This net worth has been calculated by our Financial Analyst and Lead Journalist, Shameema Khatoon, utilizing compensation data from senior London partner benchmarks, industry reports, and publicly available company filings (such as those from Companies House). This information is an estimate and should not be considered financial advice.
Conclusion
Michal Berkner’s career exemplifies legal excellence, strategic leadership, and a commitment to diversity. From landmark global transactions to her role in shaping industry practices, she stands as a trailblazing M&A expert. Her blend of technical skill, commercial insight, and advocacy makes her a distinguished figure in international corporate law.
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