Michelle Benson
Licensed Conveyancer
Michele joined the conveyancing team at Russell & Russell’s in October 2014 and now works at our Farnworth branch. She has over 25 years’ experience of working within the legal profession, including working for a number of major house builders.
Michele qualified as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2014 after attending a distance learning course through the Council of Licensed Conveyancers. She deals with all areas areas of residential conveyancing.
Happily married with a grown up daughter, she loves to socialise with friends and family and enjoys attending her local gym. With a particular fondness for all things Italian, Michele aspires to learn the language to help her on trips around the Amalfi coast.
86 Market Street, Farnworth, BL4 7NY
Licensed for 3 years
Practice Areas
Housing & Property
Conveyancing
I highly recommend Michele Benson for your conveyancing needs
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
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Just about got the job done
I requested Russell & Russell's help for getting my first property, and it was a poor experience. My initial onboarding was prompt, but since they requested money at that stage, I'm not surprised. I paid and requested confirmation of receipt since I got no automated email or anything to say they had the money, it took a staggering 5 days to get a response, and the response came from the solicitor's assistant. This isn't ideal when you're stressed about being a first-time buyer.
Following on from that, the information was presented in an unclear way throughout. I have 14 different email chains with the solicitor and the assistant, all multiple emails long and with different attachments and files within each, making it a maze to find any information. To make it clear, I would always reply rather than starting a new email chain, so this seems standard for them to just confuse you as much as possible with a spam of different emails. This is unlike friends I've spoken to who have used solicitors that have clear web pages/apps that collate the info nicely for reference.
I bought my property with my partner, and every single email I had to forward to her, as the solicitor, no matter how many times I would reply with my partner in the thread, would not click 'reply all.'
There was little explanation, and the few times we had to visit in person, it felt quite rushed, most times we were just brought a piece of paper to sign and then told we could leave.
We didn't have the best experience with our seller, and having looked into my legal standing personally, I found out that following the contract I and the seller had agreed to, on moving day the property should be vacated by 2pm at the latest and I should be given vacant possession. I wanted to get this confirmed by the solicitor, who was not on my side in the slightest. The solicitor was adamant in making us feel unreasonable in trying to clarify this information and said that there is no control over the time the seller would have to leave. It wasn't until I referenced the contract directly and the Standard Conditions of Sale that they finally said they will advise the seller's solicitor that the agreed vacant possession time needs to be adhered to. For what should've been a known legal understanding of the contract, this took a ridiculous amount of time and energy to get confirmed.
During our entire communication with Russell & Russell, we were constantly having to correct them, the attention to detail for a company you're meant to trust with a lot of money and paperwork was shocking. We had to correct dates, titles, missing names, and the price, as they attempted to overcharge us.
All in all, I'm only giving them 2 stars because at the end of it we have our house in our name contractually, so they at least did the absolute basics of their job, but if you do use them, I highly recommend you read everything and double-check prices, names, and personal information, as in our experience it's likely to be wrong in some way.
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
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House buying
The transaction of buying my house went very well. Excellent staff who were most helpful and professional.
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 28 July, 2025
Hi Andy. Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so glad to hear that your house purchase went smoothly and that you found our team helpful and professional throughout the process. It was a pleasure to assist you, and we wish you all the best in your new home!
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Purchase of property
Absolutely over the moon with the help in buying my property. Would highly recommend Adina and Michelle
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 01 October, 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're so glad to hear that you’re over the moon with the assistance you received from Adina and Michelle while buying your property. Your recommendation means a lot to us! If you need any further help in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Congratulations on your new home.
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Highly recommended
Michele guided us through the process of selling our family home.
She kept us updated advised us accordingly on legal matters
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 03 June, 2024
Dear Fiona, Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that Michelle guided you smoothly through the process of selling your family home and provided valuable advice along the way. If you ever need assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. Best regards, Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP
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Excellent yet again
My wife and I have just used Russell & Russell, specifically Michele and Adina for the second time.
The first time was a purchase only and this time it was a simultaneous sale and purchase.
We have had zero issues either time, they really took the stress out of the situation. We can't fault the service we have received on either occasion.
The fee was more than fair as well, all in all I would be more than happy to recommend them for your conveyancing needs.
Thanks again both of you.
Paul & Jenna
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 15 March, 2024
We're delighted to have assisted you and your wife for the second time, Paul. Thank you for your kind words about Michele and Adina, and for recommending Russell & Russell.
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My solicitors
Russell & Russell
Go above and beyond my house move was so smooth
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 01 March, 2024
We are thrilled to hear that your house move went smoothly, Jayne. Thank you for sharing your positive experience. Best Regards, Russell & Russell.
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Excellent service
Adina and Michele were amazing at selling my property every step of the way, any problems that occurred they dealt with them in speedy, proffesional capacity. They liases with the buyer, seller, estate agents and the other solictors to ensure a very speedy selling process. Definatley recommend their services.
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 21 February, 2024
Dear Sandy, Thank you for your kind words about Adina and Michele. We're thrilled to hear they provided amazing support and ensured a speedy selling process for your property. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.
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Conveyancing service.
The conveyancing team were professional and diligent and very approachable.
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 19 February, 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that our conveyancing team provided professional, diligent, and approachable service. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. Best regards, Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP
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Conveyancing
Michele and Adina were very professional, responded to queries promptly and facilitated completion to a tight deadline.
Lawyer named in this review: Michelle Benson
A representative from Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP responded to this review on 05 February, 2024
Dear Harry, Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that Michele, Adina and the team provided professional service and responded promptly to queries, ensuring completion within a tight deadline. Your satisfaction is important to us. Best regards, Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP
Was this review helpful? Yes