Michelle is the Head of Real Estate, with particular expertise in property litigation, working to resolve a wide range of disputes including landlord/tenant and freehold disputes.
Michelle can help clients with commercial property disputes, estate management, mediation and litigation, including the following:
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 advice
- Advice on lease covenant disputes
- Rent review advice
- Dilapidations
- Applications for consent to assign/sublet and alter
- Rent arrears
- Forfeiture
- Possession advice
- Disputes relating to occupational licenses
- Adverse possession advice
- Restrictive covenants and easements advice
- Overage disputes
- Development disputes
- Rights to light issues
Michelle works for a range of clients with national estates, and has also acted for a wide number of clients in litigation before the High Court and mediation including the interpretation of rent review clauses, injunctions to evict protestors from sensitive properties and the settlement of large dilapidations claims. She regularly works with local authorities, central government clients, private sector developers and office occupiers as well as partnerships, LLPs, schools, universities, charities and GP surgeries.
Michelle has significant experience with all areas of property litigation and managing large cases and portfolios. Her wealth of experience leads to pragmatic advice to resolve disputes effectively whilst keeping costs to a minimum.
She is passionate about helping clients understand the strengths and weaknesses of their position early and leading them through the difficult processes to ensure a positive outcome.
Michelle is based in Bristol office, but can support you nationally.
Michelle Bendall is hugely impressive. She is clearly very experienced, sets a clear strategy, is hands-on in delivering that strategy, and achieves excellent outcomes. Michelle inspires confidence and is a pleasure to deal with.
What others say
Michelle is ranked in the first tier in Chambers & Partners 2025, which states the following;
"She has a very commercial and considered approach to all matters arising across our portfolio."
"Michelle is an expert in her field and has supported many projects while I have been in post."
"Michelle has assisted us greatly and provided a lot of valuable advice on complex matters."
Michelle is recognised by Legal 500 as a leading individual who 'takes into account the overall picture and position of the client' with 'superior knowledge of all aspects of property law, and sound tactical nous'.
Michelle's clients recognise her as 'excellent throughout'.
What You Might Like to Know
Outside of work, Michelle likes reading, walking and enjoying the company of her family.
Michelle is also a member of the Property Litigation Association.
Other teams Michelle works with
Outside of Real Estate, Michelle works with several other teams, including Charities, Public Sector, Independent Schools, Healthcare and Higher Education.
