A millionaire divorce lawyer, renowned for representing Russian oligarchs, has been condemned as 'entirely unreasonable' by a judge after compelling a maternity nanny to undertake a gruelling unpaid trial involving 24-hour shifts caring for her newborn baby.
Unpaid Labour in Kensington Home
Tetiana Bersheda, who famously acted for Dmitry Rybolovlev in what was labelled the most expensive divorce in history, attempted to secure an experienced nanny, identified only as Ms Antunes in court documents, to work without remuneration. The nanny resided overnight at Bersheda's Kensington residence, providing round-the-clock care for the lawyer's children, including an infant, over a five-day period without receiving any payment.
Judge Dismisses Lawyer's Claims
Bersheda, a Cambridge University graduate, represented herself at an employment tribunal, asserting that Ms Antunes had consented to the 'free' trial. However, Judge Robinson ruled this assertion 'not credible', stating no experienced professional would willingly work multiple 24-hour shifts 'without any remuneration'. The judge emphasised the unreasonableness of expecting such labour without compensation.
Financial Penalty Imposed
The court ordered Bersheda, now based in Switzerland, to pay Ms Antunes £1,093. This sum represents a mere fraction of the billions the lawyer typically handles in high-stakes divorce cases. The judge acknowledged that Ms Antunes's agreed rate of £250 per 24-hour shift was justified, reflecting both the demanding nature of the role and the exclusive Kensington location.
Breakdown of the Arrangement
The arrangement commenced on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with Ms Antunes moving into Bersheda's home to provide overnight care for the baby. After a heated dispute on Saturday, the nanny departed, having worked five consecutive days and nights without pay. Bersheda did not attend the tribunal in person, requesting a postponement citing her relocation abroad, a move made only 48 hours before the hearing despite prior notice in January.
Tribunal Proceedings
Judge Robinson refused the postponement, noting Bersheda's failure to explore remote evidence options. The hearing proceeded via video link, with one of Europe's most decorated international lawyers representing herself. Despite her expertise in dismantling legal arguments, she was ultimately compelled to compensate the nanny.
Background of the Lawyer
Bersheda gained notoriety in 2011 by representing billionaire Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev in his divorce, which resulted in a record £2.6 billion settlement to his ex-wife Elena, dubbed the most expensive divorce ever. Following her own divorce that same year, she founded LexSnap, an online legal marketplace, and now operates Bersheda Law from Switzerland, with additional offices in England and Wales. Fluent in five languages, her career contrasts sharply with this tribunal outcome.
