Michal Berkner is one of the most respected corporate lawyers in Europe, particularly in the field of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). With decades of experience, she has guided global businesses, investors, and boards through some of the most complex cross-border transactions of recent years. Her name has become synonymous with high-profile deal-making in life sciences, healthcare, and technology.
Early Life and Education
Michal Berkner was born in Israel and later moved to the United Kingdom, where she built her professional career. While much of her early personal background is kept private, what stands out is her dedication to legal excellence from the very beginning. She pursued rigorous legal training, eventually qualifying as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. This qualification enabled her to work at the highest level of corporate law in one of the most competitive legal markets in the world.
Career Beginnings
Berkner’s career began in the elite world of international law firms. She worked at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, a New York-headquartered global powerhouse, where she developed her expertise in cross-border transactions. Her early exposure to large, complex deals gave her a deep understanding of the mechanics of international corporate law.
She later moved to Cooley LLP, where she further established her reputation for handling cutting-edge transactions in technology and life sciences. These early roles set the stage for her eventual rise as one of the most influential deal lawyers in the City of London.
Building a Reputation
What makes Michal Berkner stand out is her ability to combine technical legal skills with commercial acumen. She is known for her pragmatic approach to problem-solving and her ability to manage diverse stakeholders, including multinational corporations, private equity firms, and regulatory authorities. Clients often describe her as a trusted adviser who not only understands the law but also the business implications of every transaction.
Her expertise covers a wide range of deal types, including:
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Public takeovers
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Private acquisitions and disposals
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Joint ventures
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Corporate restructurings
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Cross-border financings
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Initial public offerings (IPOs)
This breadth of knowledge has allowed her to advise on deals across multiple industries, though her sectoral focus remains strongest in life sciences, healthcare, and technology.
Leadership at Major Firms
In 2024, Michal Berkner joined McDermott Will & Emery, a prestigious US-headquartered international law firm, as a senior transactions partner. Her arrival was seen as a major strategic move by the firm, bolstering its London M&A practice and expanding its influence in Europe.
In March 2025, she took another significant step by joining Baker McKenzie, one of the largest and most recognisable global law firms. At Baker McKenzie, she became a partner in the M&A team, bringing with her decades of experience and a track record of leading some of the most challenging transactions in the market. This move was widely reported as a testament to her growing stature in the global legal community.
Recognition and Awards
Michal Berkner’s professional achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been ranked in Chambers UK, a leading legal directory that highlights the most skilled and respected practitioners in the country. Her consistent inclusion in these rankings underscores her standing as a leading lawyer in her field.
In addition, she has been named in the Financial Times HERoes Women Role Model List, which celebrates influential female leaders who champion diversity and inclusion in business. Being recognised as one of the top 50 female champions of women in business highlights her impact not only in law but also in broader corporate culture.
Style of Practice
Berkner is often praised for her collaborative approach. Unlike some lawyers who adopt a strictly adversarial style, she focuses on building consensus while fiercely protecting her clients’ interests. This approach has made her a preferred adviser for boards and executives navigating sensitive or high-stakes transactions.
Her ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, commercial terms is another reason for her popularity among clients. Whether guiding a multinational through a billion-dollar takeover or advising a start-up on its first funding round, she is able to adapt her advice to meet the needs of the moment.
Sector Expertise: Life Sciences and Technology
Two industries stand out in Michal Berkner’s career: life sciences and technology. Both sectors are highly dynamic, subject to intense regulatory scrutiny, and often involve cross-border complexities. Berkner’s understanding of these challenges has made her an invaluable adviser.
In life sciences and healthcare, she has guided pharmaceutical companies, biotech innovators, and investors through transactions that shape the future of medicine and healthcare delivery. In technology, she has advised on deals involving cutting-edge innovation, intellectual property, and rapidly evolving business models.
Personal Life and Public Profile
Michal Berkner is married to Robert Jenrick, a prominent British Conservative politician. While she maintains a professional identity independent of her husband’s political career, her personal life occasionally attracts media attention, particularly in the UK press.
Despite this public visibility, she is known for maintaining a professional focus on her work. She rarely seeks the spotlight for personal reasons, preferring instead to let her professional achievements speak for themselves.
Role as a Mentor and Advocate
Beyond her transactional work, Berkner is also a role model for aspiring female lawyers. She is an advocate for diversity in the legal profession and has mentored younger lawyers who seek to build careers in corporate and M&A law. Her inclusion in gender diversity initiatives shows her commitment to improving representation and breaking down barriers for women in law.
Challenges and Achievements
Like any lawyer operating at the top of the global market, Berkner has faced challenges. Negotiating deals across multiple jurisdictions, managing cultural differences, and aligning regulatory frameworks are not easy tasks. Yet, her resilience and ability to innovate have allowed her to overcome these challenges and succeed.
Her achievements include advising on landmark deals that have reshaped industries. While many of these transactions are confidential, those familiar with her work consistently describe them as high-impact, high-value, and strategically important.
Conclusion
Michal Berkner has carved out a unique place in the world of corporate law. From her beginnings in Israel to her rise as a partner at some of the most prestigious law firms in London, she has demonstrated a rare combination of intellect, determination, and vision. Her influence extends beyond deal-making to mentoring, advocacy, and thought leadership in the legal profession.
As the global economy continues to evolve, with life sciences and technology playing increasingly central roles, Berkner’s expertise will remain highly sought after. For those studying the intersection of law, business, and global strategy, her career provides a compelling example of what it means to lead with both skill and integrity.
