A Controversial Case of Unpaid Maternity Nanny Work
A recent case has sparked public debate over the treatment of domestic workers, particularly in high-profile situations. A renowned divorce lawyer, known for handling some of the most expensive legal cases, found herself in a difficult position after being accused of exploiting an experienced nanny during her maternity leave.
The lawyer, Tetiana Bersheda, who gained fame for representing Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev in what was called the most expensive divorce in history, faced criticism from a judge who described her actions as “entirely unreasonable.” The controversy stemmed from an incident where she allegedly asked a maternity nanny to work 24-hour shifts without pay as part of an “unpaid trial.”
According to court documents, the nanny, referred to only as Ms Antunes, was expected to stay overnight at Bersheda’s Kensington home and care for her newborn child. This arrangement lasted for five days without any compensation, raising serious ethical concerns about the treatment of domestic workers.
Bersheda, who studied at Cambridge University, claimed that Ms Antunes had agreed to the unpaid trial. However, Judge Robinson ruled that it was “not credible” that an experienced professional would work such long hours without payment. The judge emphasized that the demands of the role were intense, especially considering the exclusive nature of the area.
The case highlighted the significant disparity between the lawyer’s usual high-stakes legal work and the relatively modest sum she was ordered to pay. Despite handling billions in divorce settlements, Bersheda was required to pay Ms Antunes £1,093, which was just a fraction of the sums she typically deals with.
Ms Antunes, an experienced nanny, had previously negotiated a rate of £250 per 24-hour shift. The judge acknowledged that this fee reflected both the demanding nature of the job and the exclusivity of the location. The arrangement began on November 19, 2024, when Ms Antunes moved into Bersheda’s home to care for the baby throughout the night.
However, tensions escalated, leading to a heated argument on Saturday. Following this, Ms Antunes decided to walk out after working five consecutive days and nights without receiving any payment.
Bersheda did not attend the tribunal hearing in person and requested a postponement, citing her move to Switzerland. The request came just 48 hours before the scheduled hearing, despite being informed of the date in January. The judge rejected the postponement, noting that Bersheda had made no effort to explore alternative ways to provide evidence from abroad.
The hearing proceeded via video link, with Bersheda representing herself. Despite her extensive legal background, she was ultimately ordered to pay the £1,093 to Ms Antunes.
Bersheda’s career has been marked by high-profile cases. In 2011, she represented Dmitry Rybolovlev in a divorce that became infamous for its staggering financial implications. The billionaire, owner of AS Monaco Football Club, was forced to pay £2.6 billion to his ex-wife, Elena.
In addition to her legal work, Bersheda also went through a personal divorce in 2011, ending her marriage to her childhood sweetheart. She later founded LexSnap, an online legal marketplace, and currently runs Bersheda Law, a firm based in Switzerland, as well as England and Wales.
Her story continues to draw attention, not only for her professional achievements but also for the ethical questions raised by this particular case.
