Michelle D. Connell

Attorney Michelle Connell practices exclusively in the area of family law—not only in the trial court, but before the highest courts in our state—the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the North Carolina Court of Appeals. She was one of the first two attorneys in the state to be board-certified by the North Carolina State Bar in both family law (in 2009) and appellate law (in 2011); she remains one of only a few to have this distinction.

With more than 30 years of family law practice to her credit, Michelle has extensive experience representing clients in high net worth complex property division divorces involving businesses and professional practices. She regularly represents clients in contentious matters involving child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence. In her appellate practice, she represents clients from all counties in the state.

Michelle founded Connell & Gelb with longtime colleague Wes Gelb in 2022 after decades of practicing family law in well-respected North Carolina and national law firms. Her goal in establishing Connell & Gelb was to offer clients the skilled representation typical of large law firms with the attentive personal service of a boutique firm. Clients trust Michelle because she is responsive, clearly explains legal issues and options, prepares each case with meticulous attention to detail, and understands that her clients are making life-changing decisions while struggling with the emotional stress of divorce.

While Michelle works diligently to help her clients achieve favorable settlements of their disputes outside of court, she is a seasoned litigator with a strong track record in both the trial and appellate courts. If settlement is not in a client’s best interest, Michelle is a no-nonsense, effective courtroom advocate.

In addition to her work in private practice, Michelle is a leader in the legal community. She has served as Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Section, Chair of the Appellate Rules Committee, Chair of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and as a member of the State Bar Appellate Specialization Committee.