Michal Berkner is a distinguished Israeli-American lawyer, recognized globally for her extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), especially within the life sciences and technology sectors. Berkner’s distinguished professional journey intersects notably with her personal life, through her marriage to prominent British Conservative politician Robert Jenrick. This article explores various facets of Berkner’s life, including her age, family details, significant career milestones at McDermott Will & Emery, and her estimated net worth.

Michal Berkner Early Life and Education

Michal Berkner was born in April 1973, making her approximately 52 years old as of 2025. Originally from Israel, Berkner moved to the United States at the age of ten, an experience that provided her with a broad cultural perspective and multilingual capabilities, essential for her international legal practice. She completed her undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1994. Following this, she pursued her Juris Doctor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, graduating in 1997. Berkner is qualified to practice law in both the United States and the United Kingdom, making her a valuable asset for international corporate clients.

Michal Berkner Family Life and Marriage to Robert Jenrick

Michal Berkner is married to Robert Jenrick, a well-known politician in the British Conservative Party. He has held significant positions, including Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, and Minister of State for Immigration. Berkner and Jenrick first met in 2006 at a Christmas party hosted by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, the prominent law firm where Berkner worked at the time. The couple married in 2009 and have since built their family life together.

Berkner and Jenrick are parents to three daughters. They have chosen to raise their children within the Jewish faith, reflecting Berkner’s cultural heritage and personal values. The family resides in a Grade I listed manor located in Herefordshire, England, balancing their private family life with their respective high-profile careers. Berkner has notably supported her husband’s political endeavors, including his campaign for the Conservative Party leadership in 2024, showcasing their mutual support within their professional spheres.

Professional Michal Berkner Career Milestones

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Michal Berkner’s legal career commenced at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, where she spent over two decades significantly shaping her reputation as a leading expert in corporate law and complex cross-border M&A transactions. During her time at Skadden, she notably advised on the major Alfa-Access-Renova consortium deal, involving the $56 billion sale of TNK-BP to Rosneft in 2012—one of the most significant transactions in the history of the Russian oil industry. Furthermore, Berkner founded the Skadden Women Attorneys Network in 2008, a platform dedicated to supporting women’s professional growth within the legal sector.

Cooley LLP

In 2018, Berkner transitioned to Cooley LLP, a law firm recognized for its strong corporate practice. At Cooley, her arrival strengthened the firm’s capacity in high-value M&A transactions, notably in the technology and life sciences sectors. Her experience with significant multinational clients and complex transactions enhanced Cooley’s strategic corporate capabilities.

McDermott Will & Emery

Michal Berkner joined McDermott Will & Emery in early 2024 as a partner in their London transactions practice. Her focus remained consistent, emphasizing high-stakes M&A within life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors. Berkner’s expertise allowed McDermott to expand its transactional influence within Europe, securing high-profile clients and noteworthy deals during her tenure. However, her stint at McDermott was relatively brief, as she departed the firm after less than one year in November 2024.

Baker McKenzie

In March 2025, Berkner began a new chapter by joining Baker McKenzie as a partner within their prominent London M&A team. Her role at Baker McKenzie aligns closely with her prior experience, continuing her focus on life sciences and technology sectors. At Baker McKenzie, Berkner aims to enhance further the firm’s capabilities and strategic depth in handling complex, cross-border transactions involving leading global entities.

Advocacy and Achievements

Throughout her career, Berkner has received widespread recognition for her significant contributions to corporate law. She has regularly appeared in Chambers Global and Chambers UK rankings for her work in Corporate/M&A, demonstrating widespread acknowledgment from peers and industry experts alike. Berkner was recognized in the Financial Times’ prestigious HERoes list in 2017, honoring her as a prominent advocate for women’s advancement in business. Her continued commitment to empowering women in the legal profession earned her further recognition at The British Legal Awards, where she received commendation in the Women in Law category in 2019.

Michal Berkner’s Estimated Net Worth

Michal Berkner’s professional accomplishments suggest a significant net worth, although exact figures are not publicly available. During her time at McDermott Will & Emery, reports estimated her annual earnings around £2.8 million, indicative of her standing as one of the most highly compensated corporate lawyers in the UK. Additionally, combined with Robert Jenrick’s political career and property investments, including their listed manor and a townhouse in Westminster, the couple’s joint financial status is assumed to be substantial.

Public Personal and Influence

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Berkner has cultivated a vibrant personal image. Her interests include gardening, antiques, and actively engaging in cultural events. Berkner is known for maintaining a warm yet highly professional public persona, frequently appearing alongside her husband at various social and political events, which has contributed to her distinct public profile.

FAQ about Michal Berkner

Q1: What is Michal Berkner’s current age?
Michal Berkner was born in April 1973, making her approximately 52 years old in 2025.

Q2: Who is Michal Berkner’s husband?
Michal Berkner is married to Robert Jenrick, a prominent British Conservative politician who has served as Secretary of State for Housing and Immigration Minister.

Q3: How many children do Michal Berkner and Robert Jenrick have?
Michal Berkner and Robert Jenrick have three daughters, who are raised in the Jewish faith.

Q4: What roles did Michal Berkner hold at McDermott Will & Emery?
Berkner served as a partner in McDermott Will & Emery’s London transaction practice from early 2024 to November 2024, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the healthcare, life sciences, and technology sectors.

Q5: What is Michal Berkner’s estimated net worth?
Although exact numbers aren’t disclosed publicly, Berkner’s earnings were estimated to be around £2.8 million annually during her tenure at McDermott Will & Emery, indicating substantial personal wealth.

Q6: What recognition has Michal Berkner received for her professional achievements?
She has consistently been recognized in Chambers rankings for her M&A expertise and was featured on the Financial Times’ HERoes list as a leading advocate for women’s professional advancement.

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