Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
2 Client Reviews
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Michelle Diane Beneski
also known as Michelle Beneski Esq.
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About Michelle
Biography
Michelle D. Beneski has been a driving force in the growth and success of Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C. for over 21 years. Since joining the firm in 2003, she brought with her a wealth of experience honed as a senior tax manager at two prestigious Big 4 accounting firms. This deep understanding of tax law, particularly estate tax, shaped her strategic vision and client-focused approach. In 2010, alongside her brother Daniel M. Surprenant, she assumed ownership, further solidifying the firm’s reputation for excellence.
Michelle is not only an expert in minimizing estate taxes and protecting family assets from the cost of long-term care, but she also strives to be a visionary leader. She has meticulously built a firm culture that prioritizes client well-being and fosters a team of highly skilled professionals. Her commitment extends beyond client advocacy to mentoring and developing the next generation of estate planning and elder law experts. She believes in empowering her team to provide clear guidance, compassionate support, and the best possible outcomes for families facing complex legal and financial challenges.
Michelle’s unique blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and genuine care for her clients has positioned Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C. as a trusted partner for families seeking to protect their legacies and secure their futures.
Team Member Since 2004
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, 2019Firm recognized with Hope Award from Southcoast Healthcare VNA, 2018
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.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Business
16%
Elder Law
16%
23 years
Estate Planning
16%
36 years
Probate
16%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 22 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Connecticut for 35 years
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, PC
(508) 501-7559
Mobile
(508) 994-2227
Fax
35 Arnold Street, New Bedford, MA, 02740
myfamilyestateplanning.com/Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, PC
(508) 501-7559
Mobile
45 Bristol Drive, Easton, MA, 02375
myfamilyestateplanning.com/Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, PC
(508) 501-7559
Mobile
336 South Street, Hyannis, MA, 02601
myfamilyestateplanning.com/Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, PC
(508) 501-7559
Mobile
20 North Park Avenue, Suite 5, Plymouth, MA, 02360
myfamilyestateplanning.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michelle online.
Michelle Diane Beneski's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Recommendation
Posted by Katie | October 01, 2012
Supportive, knowledgable and trustworthy lawyer.
I highly recommend Michelle for both elderly law and handling estate considerations. She handled all matters regarding my husband's elderly parents. When my parents-in-law passed away, her advise and expertise in elderly law was invaluable. Everything went smoothly and during the stressful times o...
Michelle Diane Beneski's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this Michelle. A very caring professional. She will take care of your family very well."
"Michelle is not only a skilled professional but one that cares deeply about the services that she provides to her clients. I recommend Michelle without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle is a wonderful elder law attorney! She is a colleague whose area is in New Bedford. If I ever have an inquiry from that area, I would be thrilled to refer that person to Michelle. She is extremely bright, great with numbers, and very very generous with her colleagues. An added bonus... I enjoy her company."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle is one of the brightest and hardest working attorneys I know . It would be an honor to be her client and I consider it a privilege to know her. She is definitely tops in her field and is person who really cares about and for her clients."
"Michelle has a very personal and caring approach with her clients. She tells them what they need to know and makes sure they understand the work she is doing with them. I can highly endorse her work."
"I endorse Michelle's work as an Elder Law attorney. She is intelligent, knowledgeable, insightful, analytical, passionate, empathetic, and current on the law. She places her client's interests first, and exemplifies the highest standard of ethics. She treats her clients in the manner she would want her family to be treated."
"Michelle is one of the finest elder law attorneys I know. In her office, she has put in place comprehensive procedures and systems to ensure that her clients are taken care of the best way possible. Michelle has extensive knowledge of, and empathy for, the challenges we all face as we grow older. More importantly she has the legal ability to provide lasting solutions."
Paul Stano
Unknown lawyer
Richard Vouga
Unknown lawyer
Julieanne Steinbacher
Elder law lawyer
John Peck
Elder law lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Hope Award, Southcoast Health
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
First Justices Award for Pro Bono Publico Excellence, Bristol County Probate Court
2009
Certificate of Appreciation of Presentation, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
2009
Certificate of Graduation, Recognition of Outstanding Achievment, Veteran's Benefit Institute
2009
Accredited to Represent Veterans, Department of Veteran's Affairs
2007
Certified Elder Law Attorney, National Elder Law Foundation
2007
Small Business of the Year, Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce
Work Experience
2003 - Present
Partner, Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
1900 - Present
Managing Partner, Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
1998 - 2002
Manager, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
1997 - 2000
Senior Manager, KPMG Peat Marwick
1992 - 1997
Tax Attorney, Connecticut Business and Industry Association
Associations
2011 - Present
Coastline Elderly ServicesBoard of Directors
2005 - Present
Wealth Counsel LLCMember
2005 - Present
Bristol County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
2003 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2003 - Present
Alzheimer's AssociationMember
2003 - Present
S.E. Massachusetts Alzheimer's PartnershipFormer Chair, Member
Education
1992
University of Florida, College of Law Tax Program
LLM
1991
Pepperdine University School of Law
JD
1991
University of Florida, College of Law, Graduate Tax Program
LL.M - Master of Laws
1990
Pepperdine University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1987
Fitchburg State College
Bachelor of Science
1987
Fitchburg State University
BS
Speaking Engagements
2019
Best Years Expo
Basics of Estate Planning
2011
CPA Breakfast Series
Estate, Tax and Medicaid Planning for CPAs
2010
How to Get Your Ducks in a Row
Estate Planning, Tax, Medicaid
2009
Veterans Benefits Planning
VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
2008
Medicaid and Elder Law: Representing Clients in a New Legal Landscape
Planning for Single Person in Crisis Mode and Protecting the Home
Publications
2018
Guide to Retirement & Beyond
Medicaid Planning
2011
Newsletter for Professionals
The Elder Law Advocate
2010
Self Published
Elder Care Guide for SE Mass, Cape Cod and Surrounding Areas
2010
Self Published
The Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Planning
2010
2010
Self Published
The Alzheimer's Legal Survival Guide
2010
Self Published
The Family Wealth Report
2008
Representing Clients in a New Legal Landscape
Planning for a Single Person in Crisis Mode
2007
Consumer CD on IRA Inheritance Trusts
IRA Inheritance Trusts
N/A
Monthly Newsletter
Elder Law Today
Languages
English