Meet the Team

West Virginia University, B.S.B.A. - Accounting, magna cum laude, 1998. 

West Virginia University College of Law, J.D., 2001

West Virginia, 2001

United States District Court, Southern District of West Virginia, 2001

United States District  Court, Northern District of West Virginia, 2003

United States Tax Court, 2006

Bechtel Family Law, PLLC, 2022 to present

Gianola, Barnum, Bechtel & Jecklin, L.C., Partner, 2016-2022

Gianola, Barnum, Wigal & London, Partner, 2010-2016

Gianola, Barnum, Wigal & London, Associate, 2006-2010

Gianola, Barnum & Wigal, Associate, 2003-2006

West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, 17th Judicial Circuit (Harrison County), 

      Judicial Law Clerk, 2001-2003

United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, current membership:

• Executive Committee
• Board of Directors, Secretary
• Nominating Committee

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church

• Finance Committee, 2014 to 2023

Morgantown High School Athletic Boosters, Inc.

• President, 2019-2021
• Vice President, 2017-2019

MHS Boys Basketball Boosters, Inc.

• Treasurer, 2017-2021

St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School, Advisory Board

• Past President
• Past Vice President
• Member, 2009-2021, 2023 to present

NCWV Girls Basketball League, Inc.

• Co-Founder and Treasurer, 2014-2018

United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, past membership:

• Finance Committee

West Virginia Rising Stars, Family Law, 2015

West Virginia Rising Stars, Family Law, 2013

West Virginia Rising Stars, Business, Corporate, 2010

West Virginia Rising Stars, Business, Corporate, Estate Planning, Probate and Tax, 2009

West Virginia State Bar

Monongalia County Bar Association

American Bar Association, Family Law Division

West Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator

A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Michelle resides in Morgantown with her husband, Corey, and their children.