Michal Berkner: A Trailblazer in M&A Law and Advocate for Women in Business
Michal Berkner is a name to be reckoned with in the law arena, especially when it comes to mergers and acquisitions (M&A). With a remarkable career that spans over twenty years, not only has she made her impact in the life sciences, healthcare and technology sectors, but she has also become an active advocate for women lawyers. Legendary for her incisive legal intelligence and her commitment to fighting for equality in the workplace, Michal Berkner’s reach extends far beyond her expertise in law.
Early Life and Education
Michal Berkner’s journey to becoming a prize-winning lawyer began in Israel, where she was raised. After her undergraduate degree in law at Tel Aviv University, she decided to pursue further studies. In her pursuit of knowledge and experience, she moved to the United Kingdom and earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) at the famous London School of Economics and Political Science. This international education not only expanded her knowledge of law but also set her up for a career that would cover multiple countries.
Professional Journey
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Michal’s legal career commenced at one of the largest firms in the trade: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. She commenced work at their New York branch in 1997 as an associate, shortly becoming a powerhouse to be watched. With a corporate transaction focus, she developed significant experience handling large mergers and acquisitions, such as advising on Liberty Global’s acquisition of Cable & Wireless and Nokia’s acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent. As her name became better known, so did her role within the firm, and she ultimately became a leader at the firm, overseeing Skadden’s London office.
Cooley LLP
In 2018, Michal shifted gears on her career by joining Cooley LLP, a firm renowned for its close association with the tech and life sciences sectors. At Cooley, she remained a partner who continued to provide legal advice to premier tech players such as Spotify, Uber, and Alibaba. Her work involved advising these companies on a variety of cross-border transactions, from public issues to sophisticated acquisitions, making her the go-to adviser for global firms.
McDermott Will & Emery
Now, Michal Berkner is a partner in McDermott Will & Emery, a top global law firm. Based in London, she works with both strategic sellers and buyers on joint ventures, mergers, and other corporate transactions. Her skill at closing complex, high-value deals, especially in the tech and life sciences industries, continues to distinguish her. Her extensive experience and knowledge in cross-border M&A qualify her as a high-value addition to clients globally.
Advocacy for Women in Law
What actually distinguishes Michal Berkner, though, is her desire to help support other women attorneys. She has always been a strong advocate for the power of mentorship and helping others, particularly women, be successful in a field that is traditionally male. In 2008, she made a significant move towards this goal by creating the Skadden Women Attorneys’ Network (SWAN). This network, which began at Skadden, now encompasses 22 offices globally and equips women attorneys with the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary to excel in their careers.
She also assisted in launching the ‘Women in Leadership’ initiative at Skadden, which aims to assist women in their journey to becoming partners. The initiative provides one-on-one training and coaching to assist women in overcoming the obstacles they encounter in their careers and in acquiring the skills they require to achieve leadership positions. It’s just one of several ways that Michal has helped to make the legal profession more inclusive and equitable for women.
Personal Life
Michal Berkner’s family life, though private, also reflects a person highly devoted to her family and community. She is married to Robert Jenrick, a British politician and they have children. Michal and Robert have succeeded in keeping their public lives busy with their high-profile careers despite keeping their family life relatively private, with both setting out to thrive professionally and serve the public.
Juggling such demanding careers with family life is no easy task, but Michal has always insisted that work-life balance is important. In interviews, she’s discussed how she balances her career with being a wife and mother, providing a down-to-earth view for women trying to balance their own professional and personal lives.
Conclusion
Michal Berkner is a trailblazer by any definition. Her distinguished career as a lawyer for M&A mergers and acquisitions, matched by her commitment to championing the cause of women in the profession, has resulted in her being a respected figure in both business and legal circles. From the beginning of her time at Skadden through her present position at McDermott Will & Emery, Michal has demonstrated that, through industry and commitment and an emphasis on mentorship and diversity, anyone can thrive in a challenging industry. As she continues to make a mark on the future of business and the law, her influence will surely be felt for decades to come.
