
Michelle Beneski, Esq., Business Attorney in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratSurprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.
New Bedford, MA
Practicing business in New Bedford since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Michelle Beneski, Esq.?
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Quick answer
Michelle Beneski, Esq. is a managing partner based in New Bedford, MA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Michelle has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New Bedford, MA
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from New Bedford, MA.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michelle Beneski, Esq.: Michelle Beneski, Esq. is a managing partner based in New Bedford, MA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Michelle has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michelle's practice areas in New Bedford
Michelle concentrates on business, elder law, estate planning, estate tax, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michelle handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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General
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Probate
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Trusts
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Tax
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Business cases in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Michelle takes business matters in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Michelle takes elder law matters in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Michelle takes estate planning matters in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Michelle takes estate tax matters in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
General cases in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Michelle takes general matters in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michelle Beneski, Esq., business attorney serving New Bedford
Michelle Beneski, Esq. is a managing partner based in New Bedford, MA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Michelle has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michelle works from New Bedford, Massachusetts and takes on business matters across the region.
Michelle is a compassionate professional who provides peace of mind to her clients. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation which means she is uniquely qualified to serve the interests of older, maturing populations by having met comprehensive and strict requirements. Michelle is one of only 24 CELAs in the state of Massachusetts. To learn more about this special designation, please visit www.nelf.org. Michelle is also licensed in the state of Connecticut.
Experience
• Michelle joined the firm in 2003 and assumed ownership with her brother, Dan Surprenant, in 2010.
• Before joining the firm, she worked for six years as a senior tax manager for two different Big 4 accounting firms.
• Michelle also worked as a tax attorney lobbying business tax issues for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.
Community Education & Support
• Lecturer on elder law issues, estate, trust and special needs planning
• Authors articles for Elder Law Today, Blog on MyFamilyEstatePlanning.com, Guide to Retirement & Beyond•
• Co-publishes Guide to Retirement & Beyond (Annual)
• Co-authored Protect Your Family! Don’t Write a Blank Check to the Nursing Home, published by Advantage
Memberships / Recognition
• Member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Wealth Counsel, Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys
• Serves on the Advisory Board for Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
• Previously serve on the Board of Directors for Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
• Adjunct Professor at Suffolk Law School, 2018
• Recipient of the Community Nurse Women’s Star Power Award, 2019
• Named to Thompson Reuters / Boston Magazine’s Super Lawyer® list: 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019
• Recognized on Top Women Lawyers list by Thomas Reuters / Boston Magazine: 2018, 2019
• Firm recognized with Hope Award from Southcoast Healthcare VNA, 2018
Michelle's approach to business cases
Michelle is a compassionate professional who provides peace of mind to her clients. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation which means she is uniquely qualified to serve the interests of older, maturing populations by having met comprehensive and strict requirements. Michelle is one of only 24 CELAs in the state of Massachusetts. To learn more about this…
Clients Michelle works with
Michelle reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and estate planning matters in New Bedford and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michelle studied and practices
Pepperdine University School of Law
J.D. University · 1991
Fitchburg State University
B.S. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Michelle's state bar admissions
Massachusetts
2003 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1991 · ACTIVE
Michelle studied at J.D. University in Pepperdine University School of Law and B.S. in Fitchburg State University.
Law school and academic background
Michelle completed J.D. University in Pepperdine University School of Law and B.S. in Fitchburg State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michelle runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michelle Beneski, Esq.'s office in New Bedford
Michelle's primary office is at 35 Arnold Street, New Bedford, MA, 02740. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.
35 Arnold Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michelle Beneski, Esq. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michelle. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in New Bedford.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michelle Beneski, Esq. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michelle Beneski, Esq. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michelle usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michelle charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michelle will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in New Bedford, Massachusetts
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michelle
Michelle discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michelle confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michelle's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michelle Beneski, Esq.
How much does it cost to hire Michelle for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michelle walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michelle offer a free consultation?
Michelle charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michelle's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Massachusetts typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michelle gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michelle take my case if I'm outside New Bedford?
Michelle is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michelle will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michelle?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michelle will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michelle accepting new business clients right now?
Michelle's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving New Bedford, Boston and Cambridge in Massachusetts
Michelle handles business matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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