PRO
also known as Michelle Achterberg Welch
Virtual Consultation Available
Attorney Michelle Achterberg Welch has been in the legal profession for over seventeen years and serves clients throughout Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. She recently started her own law firm, where she focuses exclusively on civil litigation matters, including family law, employment law, and personal injury. Michelle also represents many small businesses throughout the Chippewa Valley.
Michelle’s background and life experience enables her to provide compassionate representation while advocating zealously for her clients. Also known for throwing some occasional humor into her practice of law, Michelle’s witty personality oftentimes rids clients of their anxiety and provides them with some much needed comic relief.
Prior to opening her own practice, Michelle worked with Attorney Thomas Guelzow at Guelzow Law Offices, Ltd., with whom she remains affiliated and whom she continues to enjoy co-counseling complex personal injury and products liability cases.
Before venturing to Eau Claire, Michelle practiced in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she focused exclusively on employment matters.
Michelle also worked as a paralegal for over 12 years, assisting civil litigation attorneys in court rooms throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Her work as a paralegal revealed how comfortable she felt in the courtroom which ultimately led her to pursue law school with the intent of becoming a civil litigator.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her new husband, family and friends, shopping, and running with her (obnoxious, yet extremely handsome) yellow lab, Riley, whom she occasionally takes to the office with her.
4
Practice Areas
Sometimes
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
310 Pinnacle Way Ste 301, Eau Claire, WI, 54701-3409
achterbergwelchlaw.com
36 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family
Excellent for family law!
Michelle was recommended to me by another attorney that did not practice family law. She far exceeded my expectations & made a difficult situation and process easier for me and my family. She is an excellent communicator, and she gets things done efficiently. She is not just another lawyer taking on ...
Posted by Lindsay | June 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Exceptional Experience
Michelle and her staff were wonderful to work with through my divorce and the difficult custody battle. Michelle was always willing to go above and beyond, represented me professionally, and gave fast responses to emails. She made me feel heard and understood. She was honest and realistic. I highly r...
Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Hire them!
Michelle and Malori are the best in the area! Not only are they available when you need them, as a father they support your fight to stay in your children’s life, regardless of the uphill battle that one may face. My battle was long and arduous, and expensive! However, the fight to stay in my...
Posted by Jordan | March 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family
Easiest Divorce Ever
Michelle did such an amazing job advocating for me regarding my concerns. As a newly single dad, I was honestly very afraid of the process and what it might mean for my kids and I. She calmed me down very quickly at our first meeting, and continued to do so throughout the case. Michelle was very easy...
Posted by Michelle | January 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
This amazing woman gave me back my sanity and my life!
If you are getting a divorce hire her immediately! Run to her office! I went through a messy year long divorce where I stood to lose everything. Michelle was with me every step of the way. She kept me well informed, never backed down to my exe's lawyer, fought for me in court and when my ex didn't ...
"I endorse this lawyer. Atty. Achterberg-Welch (Michelle) is candid, professional and efficient. Her command of the topics and no-nonsense style is refreshing and greatly appreciated by this solo practitioner. I STRONGLY endorse this lawyer, and look forward to working with her again."
Family lawyer
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2012 - 2016
Litigation Attorney, Guelzow Law Offices
2008 - 2012
Attorney/Paralegal, Fabian May & Anderson, PLLP
2007 - 2008
Paralegal, Nichols Kaster, PLLP
2006 - 2007
Litigation Paralegal, ShopKo Stores Operating Company
1999 - 2006
Paralegal, Herrling Clark Law Firm
2015 - Present
Wisconsin Association for JusticeBoard of Directors
2015 - Present
Wisconsin Association of JusticeOfficer
2013 - 2015
Eau Claire County Bar AssociationSecretary
2011
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2016
HR Law Seminar
2015
Tort Seminar
2014
Evidence
English