Who Is Michal Berkner?
Michal Berkner is a distinguished corporate lawyer who has built an impressive reputation in the legal industry over three decades. As a dual-qualified attorney in both the United States and the United Kingdom, she has established herself as a leading expert in complex mergers and acquisitions, particularly within the life sciences and technology sectors.
Michal Berkner
Corporate M&A Partner & Life Sciences Expert
| Full Name | Michal Berkner |
| Current Position | Partner, Corporate M&A at Baker McKenzie (London Office) |
| Leadership Role | Head of EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions |
| Qualifications | Dual-qualified attorney (United States and United Kingdom) |
| Years of Experience | Three decades (30+ years) |
| Areas of Expertise | • Life sciences and technology sectors • Biopharma transactions • Deep tech deals • Cross-border M&A • Public takeovers and mergers • Joint ventures and restructurings |
| Notable Transactions | Baylis Medical’s $1.75 billion sale to Boston ScientificVectivBio’s $1.2 billion sale to IronwoodTherachon’s $900 million sale to PfizerZoll’s $583 million acquisition of Itamar Medical |
| Previous Firms | McDermott Will & Emery, Cooley LLP, and other leading US law firms |
| Joined Baker McKenzie | March 2025 |
| Personal Life | Married to Robert Jenrick (Conservative MP and former party leadership contender) |
| Specialization Focus | Complex, cross-border transactions in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors |
Professional Background and Current Role
Partner at Baker McKenzie
Michal Berkner currently serves as a Partner in Corporate M&A at Baker McKenzie’s London office, one of the world’s most prestigious international law firms. She joined the firm in March 2025, bringing with her extensive experience from leading US law firms where she honed her expertise in high-stakes transactions.
In her role at Baker McKenzie, Michal Berkner holds a significant position as the Head of EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions. This leadership position reflects her deep understanding of the complexities involved in pharmaceutical and technology deals across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa regions.
Qualifications and Experience
With a career spanning three decades, Michal Berkner has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that few can match. Her dual qualification in both the US and UK legal systems gives her a unique advantage when handling cross-border transactions that require nuanced understanding of different regulatory frameworks and business practices.
This extensive experience has positioned her as a trusted advisor to clients navigating the most challenging aspects of corporate law, from initial negotiations to final closings of billion-dollar deals.
Areas of Expertise
Industry Focus
Michal Berkner specializes in the life science and technology sectors, two industries that continue to evolve rapidly and require sophisticated legal guidance. Her focus on biopharma transactions has made her a go-to attorney for pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and medical device manufacturers looking to execute strategic deals.
Her expertise in deep tech deals further demonstrates her ability to understand and navigate emerging technologies, from artificial intelligence to advanced manufacturing systems. This combination of life sciences and technology knowledge positions her uniquely in the market.
Transaction Capabilities
Throughout her career, Michal Berkner has demonstrated proficiency across a wide range of transaction types. She handles complex, cross-border M&A that involves multiple jurisdictions and regulatory bodies, requiring careful coordination and strategic planning.
Her experience includes public takeovers and mergers, where she advises on the intricacies of publicly traded companies and shareholder considerations. She also manages private strategic transactions, bolt-ons, and spin-offs that help companies optimize their portfolios and focus on core competencies.
Additionally, Michal Berkner guides clients through joint ventures, restructurings, financings, and IPOs, providing comprehensive support throughout the entire corporate lifecycle. Her understanding of regulatory matters ensures that transactions comply with all applicable laws and regulations across different jurisdictions.
Notable Transactions and Achievements
Michal Berkner’s track record speaks volumes about her capabilities as a corporate attorney. She played a crucial role in Baylis Medical’s $1.75 billion sale to Boston Scientific, a transaction that represented one of the significant deals in the medical device sector.
She also advised on VectivBio’s $1.2 billion sale to Ironwood, demonstrating her expertise in the biotechnology space. Another remarkable achievement was her involvement in Therachon’s $900 million sale to Pfizer, further solidifying her reputation in pharmaceutical transactions.
Her work on Zoll’s $583 million acquisition of Itamar Medical showcased her ability to handle mid-market deals with the same level of sophistication and attention to detail as larger transactions.
Career History and Professional Journey
Before joining Baker McKenzie, Michal Berkner worked at several leading US law firms where she developed her expertise and built her reputation. Her previous positions included roles at McDermott Will & Emery and Cooley LLP, both highly regarded firms known for their corporate and transactional practices.
Throughout her career progression, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing market conditions and client needs while maintaining the highest standards of legal service.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Michal Berkner is known as Robert Jenrick’s wife. Robert Jenrick is a Conservative MP and former party leadership contender who has held various government positions. As Jenrick’s wife, she maintains a balance between her demanding legal career and her personal life.
While Michal Berkner’s age and information about her parents are not widely publicized, she maintains a relatively private personal life despite her high-profile career and her connection to Robert Jenrick. The couple, often referred to with Michal Jenrick as an alternative name reference, represents a partnership of two accomplished professionals in their respective fields.
Impact on the Legal Industry
Michal Berkner’s contributions to corporate law extend beyond individual transactions. Her expertise has helped shape best practices in cross-border M&A, particularly in the life sciences sector where regulatory complexity continues to increase.
Her leadership as Head of EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions at Baker McKenzie influences how the firm approaches these critical sectors, ensuring clients receive cutting-edge advice that anticipates market trends and regulatory developments.
Conclusion
Michal Berkner stands as a testament to what dedication, expertise, and strategic thinking can achieve in the legal profession. Her three-decade career, dual qualifications, and impressive track record of billion-dollar transactions have established her as one of the leading corporate M&A partners in the industry.
Whether advising on complex biopharma deals or navigating the intricacies of deep tech transactions, she brings unparalleled experience and insight to every engagement. As she continues her work at Baker McKenzie, clients and colleagues alike can expect the same level of excellence that has defined her entire career.
Also Read: Home Depot Rival Files for Bankruptcy Chapter 11 What This Means for the Industry